Why we give scholarships to best students — Gani Adams

Aareonakakanfo of Yorubaland, Gani Adams, has said the Aareonakakanfo Scholarship Awards were aimed at encouraging students across the Southwest.

While speaking in Ikeja at the grand reception celebrating the 7th installation anniversary of his position as the Aareonakakanfo of Yorubaland, Adams said the scholarship given to the best indigent students is his way of impacting the lives of brilliant students who are the best in their respective disciplines in higher institutions across the Southwest.

Adams, who stressed the role of the Aareonakakanfo of Yorubaland, noted that in 2018 when he was installed as the Aareonakakanfo, many were not happy due to their belief that holders of the prestigious position would always die young.

He added that he took the position with strong faith and conviction that he would live long to fulfil his destiny for the unity and progress of the Yoruba race.

He said, “This is not a day for long speeches; it is a day of appreciation for the gift of life. I appreciate everybody who took the time to be part of this grand event.

“Let me say it for posterity that my roles as the Aareonakakanfo of Yorubaland are many, and I will always serve the interest of our race as always. I decided to embark on the journey of fulfilling my destiny by accepting the position from the late Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III.

“Regarding the student scholarship awards, we have made tremendous progress this year.

“We decided to add awards to the annual scholarship for the best indigent students to serve as a symbol of the memory of the awardees.”

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The awardees are Miss Majolagbe Ganiyat Tolulope from the Faculty of Law, Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo; Miss Dosunmu Adewunmi Mutiat from the Faculty of Agriculture, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife; Miss Stella Onyinyechi Obianor from the College of Humanities, Tai Solarin University; and Master Adebayo Ayoade Rasaki from the Faculty of Chemical Science, University of Ibadan, among others.

Dignitaries at the event included prominent monarchs from Lagos, Osun, Ogun, Oyo, Kwara, Ondo, and Ekiti.

The Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwanu Akiolu, was represented by the White Cap Chiefs; the Oba of Aguda land, Oba Lateef Agbaosi; Oba AbdulLateef Amodemaja; Chief Kessington Adebutu, represented by Aare Oyefeso; Justice Mashud Abass (Ret.); Air Vice Marshal Tunde Awoyoola; Gen. JJ Ogunlade; Ogbeni Lanre Banjo; Dr. Akintunde Ayeni, represented by Dr Temitayo Adeoba; Chief Dare Babarinsa; High Chiefs Gboyega Adejumo, Gani Kayode Balogun, Akin Osuntokun, Hon. Akeem Ademola Ige; Bishop Kayode Williams; Chief Tunde Busari; Prof. Ken Duru; Chief Gboyega Salvador, among others.

Members of the Aare-In-Council, Oodua People’s Congress (OPC), and Oodua Progressive Union were also in attendance.