— as Gov. Oyebanji Extols the Legal Icon’s virtues For His Milestone Achievements
The Wole Olanipekun Foundation continues to set a benchmark in educational support and community development, reminding all that giving is most impactful and equips others to succeed.
Speaking at the Wole Olanipekun Foundation,s 29th Scholarship scheme anniversary and the 6th edition of his Empowerment programme, in Ikere Ekiti on Saturday, the Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Abayomi praised the legal luminary, Chief Wole Olanipekun on his milestone achievements in the area of giving back to the less privileged in the last three decades.
The Governor said through his scholarship scheme and the empowerment programme, Chief Olanipekun has lifted up many young people and the vulnerable most especially, the widow’s and the aged people.
He said further that this uncommon gesture of Chief Wole Olanipekun,s consistent support for education, human capital development and the less privileged stands as a shinning example of a true leader.
The Governor described the former NBA President as a rare blessing to the nation, noting that for nearly three decades, Chief Olanipekun has invested millions of naira in the academic and economic advancement of students, widows, the elderly, and young entrepreneurs across Ekiti and beyond.
The Governor explained that while many people talked about empowering the next generation, Chief Olanipekun has demonstrated unwavering practical commitment by sustaining one of Nigeria’s longest-running privately funded scholarship and empowerment initiatives.
He noted that Nigeria would record a more rapid progress if more privileged citizens embrace philanthropy the way Chief Olanipekun has done, stating further that such a general acceptance by leaders to invest their resources to transform lives in the country will yield a productive, and compassionate society.
The Governor congratulated the beneficiaries urging them to invest the money given to them wisely rather than on frivolous things that will not yield any meaningful result in the future. He advised them to uphold the values of hard work, gratitude, and service to others, principles that Chief Olanipekun has consistently championed.
“I read through the speech of Chief Olanipekun and from the beginning to the end, Chief was talking about compassion, sympathy and giving. I also listened to the Chairman, he spoke in the same way. So the lesson for us today is just to ask ourselves what are we living for? You don’t need to be as rich as Chief to give, no matter where you are and who you are, God has created us to add value to our neighbours and the Bible says love your neighbour as thyself.” He said.
Oyebanji reassured Ekiti people that his government would leave no stone unturned in protecting the lives and property of Ekiti residents. He said, he had to cut short his leave to return to the state so as to personally supervise the security architecture of the state to keep it secure against any potential threat and to scale up security in and around the state
In his remark he said, “before i sit down let me also assure our people that we are doing everything humanly possible to secure you and to secure Ekiti states, i had to cut short my leave to come back to ensure that i personally supervise the security system in the state. There’s no cause for alarm, but I appeal to you, lets be vigilant, no matter how well intentioned we are if you don’t have the correct information and the correct intelligence there’s little we can do. If you see any strange something, movement or person in your area call the Police or Amotekun or you report to the Oba in your town,”
Earlier in his remarks, Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), applauded Governor Oyebanji for the remarkable progress Ekiti State has recorded under his leadership. Saying Ekiti people did not choose wrongly, as he noted that the governor’s humility, accessibility and passion for development have further inspired him to strengthen his annual scholarship and empowerment initiatives.
Chief Olanipekun who recalled how the empowerment programme began 29 years ago as a modest effort to support a few indigent students and widows, expressed deep satisfaction and joy that many of its beneficiaries have today become accomplished professionals, successful entrepreneurs and responsible citizens contributing meaningfully to society.
The legal icon stressed that the scholarship and empowerment scheme is not just charity, but a lifelong mission to support the dreams of young scholars and restore hope to widows, the aged and struggling families.
“Today, WOF proudly sponsors four major categories of beneficiaries. Fifty (50) elderly men and women receive targeted care and assistance under our Old People Programme. The Youth Empowerment Initiative benefits two hundred and fifty (250) young people through skills training, start-up support and mentorship. Fifty (50) widows are assisted with welfare, capacity building and livelihood interventions. In all, the Foundation directly serves three hundred and fifty (350) beneficiaries under these schemes.
” Together, the Foundation and the Scholarship Scheme reach a combined total of five hundred and five (505) beneficiaries, a tangible testament to sustained compassion, deliberate strategy, and the enduring conviction that opportunity must be shared.
“True generosity demands courage. It asks that we part with comfort and embrace inconvenience, that we prefer the long arc of human betterment to the short thrill of applause. The metric of moral character is not the largesse of a moment but the constancy of commitment. Let us teach our children to esteem redistribution as a virtue and stewardship as a noble occupation, “Charity is the spice of riches.” Give while you live, that others might live because you gave. Let me add that it takes a good measure of grace for one to surrender oneself to giving. May God grant more people in our world and generation the grace to give to humanity and, by extension, to Him. The legal luminary said.
The Chairman of the event, DR. Olutoye Ariyo delivered a moving tribute to Chief Wole Olanipekun and his family, highlighting their transformative impact over nearly three decades. He praised the 29-year scholarship program that has supported brilliant yet financially constrained students, enabling them to pursue careers as doctors, engineers, lawyers, and teachers.
Also at the event were, Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, member of House of Representative, AVM, Rufus Ojuawo, chairman of the occasion Dr. Olutoye Ariyo, Royal fathers, among others.
