Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun has announced the Gbemiga Abiodun Memorial Education Support Programme, a scholarship initiative providing ₦91,050,000 to assist 1,000 students across primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions in the state. This program is dedicated to the memory of his son, Gbemiga Abiodun, who passed away on October 7, 2017.

The scholarship scheme was initiated to support underprivileged students within the Remo Federal Constituency and beyond. Gbemiga, fondly known as DJ Olu in the entertainment industry, served as the official DJ for popular artist Davido.

At the program’s second edition held on Monday at Christ Apostolic Grammar School in Iperu-Remo, a total of ₦39,750,000 was awarded to 159 beneficiaries from nine tertiary institutions. Additionally, the foundation allocated ₦14,700,000 to 294 primary school students and ₦36,600,000 to 366 secondary school students from local government areas including Ikenne, Remo-North, and Sagamu.

During the ceremony, Governor Abiodun described his late son as a vibrant entrepreneur known for his generosity and compassion toward those in need. He announced the introduction of a new scholarship category, “The Creative Students Category,” to further honor his son’s contributions to the creative industry.

Abiodun pledged to increase the number of student beneficiaries and expand the program to cover all 20 local government areas of Ogun State. “We began this initiative last year with around 600 beneficiaries and have now added 400 more students across various categories,” he stated. He also encouraged potential applicants to apply for the new creative category, which will remain open for the next few months.

The governor expressed his joy in transforming a day of sadness into a meaningful remembrance. “Although we lost a son, we have gained thousands of children through this initiative,” he remarked, emphasizing Gbemiga’s character of giving and support for the less privileged.

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The program includes an endowment account established by the governor, who has opted not to solicit contributions from others until the initiative is firmly established. Rev’d Bola Oyeledun, the foundation’s coordinator, highlighted the importance of not only providing financial support but also monitoring the beneficiaries’ educational progress.

Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu, the Commissioner for Education, Science, and Technology, expressed gratitude to Governor Abiodun for this impactful scholarship initiative and encouraged beneficiaries to excel in their studies.

Friends and beneficiaries of Gbemiga Abiodun also shared their memories and gratitude. Afolabi Seriki remembered him as a talented individual who excelled academically and in his role as a disc jockey. Students Yahaya Soliat, Adebanjo Goodluck, and Evelyn Falaye expressed their appreciation on behalf of the scholarship recipients, acknowledging the significant impact the initiative would have on their educational journeys.

The event concluded with the presentation of cheques to heads of tertiary institutions and parents of primary and secondary school students, marking a significant milestone in supporting education in Ogun State.