It was a landmark day for education in Ogun State as the Oba Matemilola Oluyalo Otileta VII Foundation (OMOOF) officially inaugurated its 2025/2026 batch of Olowu Scholars. At a colorful ceremony held on Wednesday at NUD Grammar School, Obantoko, the Foundation awarded scholarships to 58 deserving students from public secondary schools in Odeda Local Government Area, marking a significant expansion of its reach.
Since its inception in 2022, the Foundation has grown from a local intervention into a massive educational movement. This year, the program has reached a staggering total of 397 scholars, cutting across Abeokuta North (100), Ewekoro (126), Abeokuta South (55), Odeda (58), Ifo (43), and the Yemisi Alogi Orphanage Home (15).
Delivering the keynote address, the Chairperson of the Foundation, Olori Adijat Matemilola, wife of the Olowu of Owu Kingdom, hailed the students as the architects of a better Nigeria. She noted with pride that the increase in the number of beneficiaries this year is a clear signal of the Foundation’s deepening commitment to human capital development.
“Education remains a vital tool for personal development and national progress,” Olori Matemilola stated. “You must remain disciplined and focused as worthy ambassadors of this Foundation and the Owu Kingdom.”
The 2025/2026 session brings more than just financial aid. Olori Matemilola announced a holistic package for the students, including:
• JAMB Sponsorship: Full funding for JAMB registration for qualified scholars.
• Mentorship Programme: A structured initiative to guide scholars through their academic and career paths.
• Digital Skills Initiative: A groundbreaking partnership with the Digital Inclusion Initiative to provide free Coursera courses, ensuring Olowu Scholars are globally competitive in the tech space.
Earlier in the event, the Chairman of Odeda ANCOPS, Alhaja Mrs. Ojikutu, welcomed guests and urged the beneficiaries to guard their reputations and academic standings jealously. The ceremony reached its peak with the formal induction of the scholars and the presentation of certificates, witnessed by representatives from the Ministry of Education, Zonal Education Officers, proud parents, and school principals.
With the screening for JAMB sponsorship set to follow immediately, the Oba Matemilola Foundation has once again proven that the Olowu of Owu’s vision for his people is one built on the solid foundation of knowledge and opportunity.
