Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has fulfilled her ₦10 million education pledge to 12-year-old Ogun artist, Morenikeji Joshua.
The money, presented through the Ogun State Government, will support Joshua’s education from his current level through tertiary education.
The First Lady made the pledge last month after seeing a portrait of herself painted by Joshua at the launch of the South-West Zonal National Food Bank Programme in Abeokuta.
Impressed by his talent, Senator Tinubu invited the young artist to the podium and pledged ₦10 million towards his education.
Presenting the cheque on her behalf, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun described the gesture as proof that “a promise made is a promise kept.”
He said the intervention was more than financial support, describing it as an investment in a young Nigerian whose talent had been recognised and encouraged.
“Young Joshua Morenikeji is someone who wants to be heard; he wants to be seen; he wants his talent to be appreciated, and that is a very strong virtue,” Mr Abiodun said.
“The truth is that if you are not out there promoting yourself, nobody is likely to promote you.”
The governor also recalled that he had supported Joshua’s education three years ago after seeing one of his paintings at an exhibition in his office.
According to Mr Abiodun, he discovered that Joshua was still in primary school and subsequently awarded him a scholarship covering his primary and secondary education.
“I immediately announced a scholarship in his favour to see him through primary to secondary school, and that has been done,” he said.
The latest intervention from Senator Tinubu extends Joshua’s educational support to university level.
Mr Abiodun said an account had been opened specifically to preserve the ₦10 million fund for Joshua’s educational needs.
“We extend our deepest appreciation for this gift of ₦10 million, whose account has been opened specifically for this purpose,” he said.
The governor congratulated Joshua’s parents and urged them to continue supporting their son as he develops his artistic talent.
The First Lady’s Senior Special Assistant on Strategy, Wahab Alawiye-King, said Joshua’s story highlighted the importance of education in recognising and nurturing different forms of talent.
She said education should not focus only on academic performance but should also develop intellectual abilities, values, emotions and practical skills.
Ogun Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof Abayomi Arigbabu, said the government was also supporting other deserving students.
He disclosed that 21 tertiary students had received financial awards, including 14 students from Tai Solarin University of Education, six from Babcock University and one from Mountain Top University.
Joshua thanked Senator Tinubu for recognising and investing in his talent.
He encouraged other children to identify their passions, pursue them diligently and continue improving their skills.
