Oluremi Tinubu with 12-year-old Ogun artist Morenikeji Joshua
Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has fulfilled her ₦10 million education pledge to 12-year-old Ogun State artist, Morenikeji Joshua.
The ₦10 million Education Development Trust Fund was presented to Joshua through the Ogun State Government and is intended to support his education through the tertiary level.
The First Lady had announced the pledge on August 18 after seeing Joshua display a portrait he had painted of her during the launch of the South-West Zonal National Food Bank Programme at the Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta.
Impressed by his artwork, Senator Tinubu invited the young artist to the podium and pledged ₦10 million towards his future education.
Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun presented the cheque on behalf of the First Lady and described the gesture as an investment in a young Nigerian whose talent had been identified and encouraged.
Abiodun also recalled that he had intervened in Joshua’s education three years ago after seeing one of his paintings during an exhibition at the governor’s office.
According to the governor, he subsequently provided a scholarship to support Joshua through primary and secondary school. He said that scholarship had now been completed.
With Senator Tinubu’s latest intervention, Joshua’s educational support has been extended to the tertiary level.
The governor disclosed that an account had been opened specifically for the ₦10 million fund to ensure it is preserved for Joshua’s educational needs.
He also congratulated Joshua’s parents and encouraged them to continue supporting their son as he develops his artistic talent.
The intervention came after Joshua’s artwork attracted wider attention during the First Lady’s visit to Ogun State. The support is expected to provide financial assistance for his education while allowing him to continue developing his artistic abilities.
Earlier, the Senior Special Assistant to the First Lady on Strategy, Wahab Alawiye-King, said Joshua’s story highlighted the importance of education recognising and nurturing different forms of talent.
The Ogun State Government also disclosed that 21 tertiary students had received financial awards as part of its broader support for deserving young people.
For Joshua, the ₦10 million fund is expected to support his education beyond secondary school and provide a pathway towards tertiary education.
Source: Channels Television