No fewer than 400 students, pupils and women in Akure, Ondo State would benefit from the High Chiefs Bode and Betty Osedimilehin (HCBBO’s) annual scholarship and empowerment intervention programme in Ondo State in September, this year.

 

The foundation, initiated by High Chief Dr. Olabode Samson Osedimilehin, the Basegun of Owo Kingdom, and his wife, Dr. Oluwatoyin Elizabeth Osedimilehin, the Yeye Basegun of Owo Kingdom, said the initiative is aimed at reducing financial barriers to education and improving the livelihood of vulnerable families through educational support and empowerment.

 

According to a statement circulated in Ilorin, the foundation said this year’s event is a shift from the last edition.

 

It said that the 2026 edition would cover Owo, Ose and Akure local governments to make it the largest intervention since the initiative was launched in 2024.

 

According to the organisers: “it will provide scholarships for students in public secondary schools in the three marked local governments while beneficiaries and selected schools will be announced in due course.

 

The impact of the initiative, the organisers noted, is reflected in stories like that of Esther Adekola, an orphan who couldn’t sat for her promotion examination because her grandmother could not pay her school fees.

 

Esther survived by hawking snacks before receiving educational support from the foundation.

 

Looking beyond this year’s programme, the foundation disclosed plans to expand its scholarship and bursary scheme to other parts of Ondo State, aiming to establish mentorship programmes, digital learning centres and community libraries to improve access to quality education and equip young people with relevant skills.

 

The September outreach would attract traditional rulers, community leaders, education stakeholders, philanthropists, corporate organisations and development partners as the foundation intensifies efforts to promote education, entrepreneurship and community development.

 

The scholarship scheme began in April 2024 with 76 beneficiaries, including 60 students from 15 public secondary schools, eight students of Imade College and eight pupils from public primary schools, who received tuition support, school uniforms, textbooks and other educational materials.

 

It has recorded significant growth in 2025, reaching 126 beneficiaries. Beneficiaries included students from 14 public secondary schools, Imade College, two public primary schools and Government Technical College in Owo Local Government Area, while one individual received a special recognition award.

 

The foundation also awarded scholarships to 20 students from five public secondary schools in Ose Local Government Area, provided bursary support for seven medical students from Owo and Ose, and empowered 10 artisans with financial assistance.

 

In addition to the scholarship programme, the foundation has invited medical students from government-owned universities who are indigenes of Owo, Ose and Akure local government areas to apply for its bursary awards through its official website and social media platforms.

 

The organisers said the long-term vision of the HCBBO Foundation is to nurture an educated, skilled and self-reliant generation of young Nigerians capable of contributing meaningfully to the development of Ondo State and the nation.