The Bayo and Bunmi Babalola Foundation (BBBF) has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting education as it marked its 10th anniversary with scholarships for 877 students across various levels in Kwara State.
The event, held on Thursday at Omu-Aran City Hall in Irepodun Local Government Area, featured the presentation of financial aid to students to cover tuition, examination, and school fees.
Co-founder, Engineer (Pastor) Sunday Adebayo Babalola, expressed gratitude to God for sustaining the initiative since its establishment in 2015. He said the programme, which began a decade ago, has produced graduates who are now doctors, lawyers, and other professionals contributing to society.
“We thank God for this privilege. It’s been ten years since we started the Bayo and Bunmi Babalola Foundation Scholarship. You can see the testimonies of many who have benefited and gone on to successful careers,” he said.
He noted that the initiative reflects the Foundation’s continued dedication to supporting bright but financially challenged students in Kwara South.
Babalola disclosed that 877 pupils and undergraduates benefited from this year’s edition, bringing the total number of beneficiaries since inception to 3,381. He urged students to take their studies seriously and work hard to become leaders of the future.
“I admonish all beneficiaries to face their studies and study hard. You will progress and be greater than myself,” he said, also commending parents for their moral guidance.
In an interview with Emirate Radio, Babalola said he and his wife founded the scholarship scheme to help others with the resources God has given them.
“We saw the need to help others with what we have, and we plan to continue doing so, even in other ways,” he said.
Co-founder Mrs. Christiana Bunmi Babalola thanked God for sustaining the foundation through a decade of economic challenges and praised donors and committee members for their support. She encouraged students to remain focused and disciplined.
“Make your education your priority. Delay early gratification and endure the process until you achieve your goals,” she advised.
Traditional rulers, including HRM Oba Abdulraheem Adeoti and HRM Oba Solomon Oluwagbemiga Oloyede, the Olusin of Isanlu-Isin, commended the foundation’s contribution to education.
“Educated people are light to their families. When a child finds help, it changes the story of that family. This foundation has illuminated many homes,” Oba Oloyede said.
The ceremony was attended by education stakeholders, including the NUT Chairman, Irepodun LGA, and the ANCOPS Chairman, Omu-Aran Zone.
This year’s scholarship covered 140 SS3 students, 103 JSS3 students, 338 other secondary pupils, and 296 tertiary students, with funding for examination fees, regular charges, and tuition.
