NGO gives 50 indigent students scholarship in Ondo

A Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), Daudu Oluwarotimi Williams (DOW) Initiative, has given scholarship to 50 indigent secondary school students in the four local government areas in Akoko, Ondo State.

The founder of the NGO, Mr Oluwarotimi Williams-Daudu, while addressing the beneficiaries on Sunday at Mount Carmel Girls’ Secondary School, Ikare-Akoko, said the initiative was borne out of his personal experience and his wife, Funmilola, when they were growing up as orphans.

Williams-Daudu said that the indigent students were selected from the secondary schools in Akoko by a committee in collaboration with the school authorities.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the Akoko area comprises Akoko South-West, Akoko South-East, Akoko North-West and Akoko North-East Local Governments.

Williams-Daudu disclosed that he was appointed the Senior Prefect of his set despite patches on his tattered uniform and inability to afford a pair of sandals.

He explained that the criteria for the scholarship was that the beneficiary student must be brilliant and truly indigent.

He noted that in accordance with the current government approved bench mark, the foundation had paid N6, 500 school fee for the present academic session for each student, assuring them that the fees for the next academic session would be paid as soon as they resume in September.

Williams-Daudu promised the beneficiaries that the foundation would also provide them with uniforms, sandals and books when they resume for a new academic session in September.

“I have a humble beginning when getting a school uniform was difficult; when having meal as and when due was difficult.

“When I wanted to write my West African School Certificate Examination, I went in with empty stomach. Those were the experiences that culminated in this initiative(foundation).

“The 50 students will continue to benefit, provided they be of good academic standing, obedient to rules and regulations of the school. Next year, we intend to bring more students on board,” he said.

The wife of the founder, Dr Funmilola Williams-Daudu, advised the beneficiaries to dream big and work towards achieving their dreams.

“I want to tell you that there was a time I was like you. Both of us lost our parents at our tender age. Your future is very bright especially now that you’re DOW Ambassadors.

“Think of your academics, be diligent, honest and hardworking. People must see that you have been transformed. Among you shall be governors, doctors, engineers,” she said.

Appreciating the gesture, Mr Adebisi Adesina of Mount Carmel Girls’ Secondary School, described the founder of the NGO as a rare gem.

The Principal, St Patrick’s College, Iwaroka, Mrs Esther Olaniyan, said the award would inspire the students to study more.

“For somebody to do this at this hard times is something that goes beyond ordinary. The students should seize the opportunity to excel,” she said.

One of the beneficiaries, Hannah Matthew of Mount Carmel Girls’ Secondary School, appreciated the NGO, promising to put in more efforts in her studies as the challenge of paying the school fee is over.