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

The foundation, established by High Chief Olabode Samson Osedimilehin, the Basegun of Owo Kingdom, and his wife, Dr. Oluwatoyin Elizabeth Osedimilehin, the Yeye Basegun of Owo Kingdom, aims to reduce financial barriers to education and improve the livelihood of vulnerable families through educational support and empowerment.

According to a statement signed by the Basegun and 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 councils to make it the largest intervention since the initiative was launched in 2024.

According to the statement, “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.”

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

It said the September outreach would attract traditional rulers, community leaders, education stakeholders, philanthropists, corporate organisations and development partners.

“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 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 Council, while one individual received a special recognition award,” it said.

The foundation has also awarded scholarships to 20 students from five public secondary schools in Ose Local Council, 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 councils to apply for its bursary awards through its official website and social media platforms.

The statement said the long-term vision of the 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.