Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has fulfilled her ₦10 million education pledge to 12-year-old Ogun State artist, Master Morenikeji Joshua, less than a month after his artwork caught her attention.
The ₦10 million Education Development Trust Fund, presented to Joshua through the Ogun State Government, is intended to support his education through tertiary level.
Senator Tinubu made the pledge on August 18 after seeing Joshua display a portrait he had painted of her at the launch of the South-West Zonal National Food Bank Programme at the Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta.
Impressed by the young artist’s work, the First Lady invited him to the podium and pledged the funds towards his education.
Abiodun Says Promise Has Been Kept
Presenting the cheque on behalf of the First Lady, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun described the gesture as proof that “a promise made is a promise kept.”
In a statement issued on Friday, Abiodun said the intervention was more than a financial donation, describing it as an investment in a young Nigerian whose talent had been identified and encouraged.
“Joshua must be commended for his artistic ability and determination to showcase his work, other young people too must identify, develop and promote their God-given talents,” the governor said.
Abiodun said Joshua was a young person who wanted his talent to be recognised and appreciated, adding that young people must be willing to promote themselves.
“The truth is that if you are not out there promoting yourself, nobody is likely to promote you,” he said.
The governor recalled that he had personally intervened in Joshua’s education three years ago after seeing one of the boy’s paintings during an exhibition at his office.
After discovering that Joshua was still in primary school, Abiodun said he announced a scholarship to cover his education from primary through secondary school.
“I immediately announced a scholarship in his favour to see him through primary to secondary school, and that has been done,” he said.
With Senator Tinubu’s latest intervention, Joshua’s educational support has now been extended through the tertiary level.
₦10m Fund Secured For Joshua’s Education
Abiodun expressed appreciation to the First Lady for the gesture, describing her as a promise keeper and strong supporter of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
He disclosed that a dedicated account had been opened 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,” the governor said.
He also congratulated Joshua’s parents and urged them to continue supporting their son while encouraging the young artist to remain focused and further develop his abilities.
Education Must Nurture Different Talents
Earlier, the Senior Special Assistant to the First Lady on Strategy, Hon. Wahab Alawiye-King, who handed the cheque to Governor Abiodun, said Joshua’s story highlighted the importance of an education system capable of recognising and nurturing different forms of talent.
He explained that education extended beyond academic performance to the cognitive, affective and psychomotor domains, encompassing intellectual development, values and emotions, as well as practical skills.
Receiving the support, Joshua thanked Senator Tinubu for recognising and investing in his talent.
He said the gesture showed that young talents could be seen, valued and encouraged, while urging other children to identify their passions, pursue them diligently and continually improve their abilities.
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