According to news report from Leadership, the Bayo and Bunmi Babalola Foundation (BBBF) has awarded scholarships to over 611 students and pupils in Kwara State, with 407 beneficiaries from secondary schools and 204 from tertiary institutions.

Engr. Sunday Babalola, Chairman of the BBBF, presented the scholarships during the 9th edition of the scheme held in Omu-Aran, Ifelodun Local Government Area. Babalola stated that the initiative was designed to support underprivileged students, particularly in the challenging economic climate.

“It is crystal clear that things are hard in the country. So it was not out of abundance that my wife and I invested this huge amount for this year’s scholarship scheme. We had to deny ourselves some comfort for the progress of our young people.

In view of the global and national economic meltdown, only the great provider, the most benevolent God could have provided for us and sustained this project,” he said.

Babalola who is also a pastor expressed delight that some of the past beneficiaries of the scheme had graduated from tertiary institutions and have either been employed or set up their own businesses.

“We have information of many of the past beneficiaries who have not only graduated but have gotten employment while some of them are already employers of labour. Also, many beneficiaries in the category of secondary schools have been admitted into different tertiary institutions and are studying courses of their choice. It is even more encouraging that many of the past beneficiaries, who we could not even recognise, run into us in town, airports, garages and other public places, introduce themselves as past beneficiaries of BBBF’ scholarship scheme and express gratitude for the kind gesture.

“Indeed, we are humbled and very excited about this human capital development, advancement in knowledge, employment and job creations.

“Regardless of the global and national economic challenges, we will, as the Lord continues to enable us, sustain this scholarship scheme and other of our philanthropic outreaches as we are inspired by the biblical injunction in Luke 12:48: (To whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required),” Babalola added.

He urged the beneficiaries to remain God fearing, and diligent in their noble preoccupations, adding that,” for those who are working, display excellence in your jobs. For those who have become employers of labour, ensure that you treat your employees fairly and in reverence to the Lord.

“We admonish all the beneficiaries to continue being good ambassadors of this foundation, their families, communities, local governments, Kwara State, and Nigeria. You must remain diligent, and studious. You must not get involved in fraud, Yahoo-Yahoo, cultism, prostitution and other societal vices, which will ultimately destroy the perpetrators.”