The Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, has reiterated the need for members of the public to support the needy to build a better society.
According to the monarch, denying oneself what he called “extra comfort” could be all that is required to make a significant and lasting impact on the lives of others.
He stated that tackling poverty, hunger, out-of-school children and other societal challenges requires collective support, noting that “we rise and win together when we learn to look out for one another.”
He spoke on Saturday at his Ake Palace, Abeokuta, while presenting scholarships sponsored by a non-governmental organisation, The Shina Luwoye Foundation, in collaboration with Ecogas Energy Resources Ltd., to 50 tertiary institution students.
The gesture formed part of activities marking his 20th coronation anniversary.
Gbadebo lamented that the lack of assistance has prevented many brilliant students—who could have become professors and great achievers—from fulfilling their dreams.
He encouraged individuals who have the capacity to empower students not to hesitate, saying denying oneself a little comfort to uplift the needy contributes to societal growth.
The monarch said, “I want to use this medium to encourage the need to learn to live for one another. It is what we should all embrace to make society a better place for all. Our fingers are not equal; that is how God has designed it.
“There are many brilliant students who have had to abandon their educational pursuits because of a lack of assistance. Their parents couldn’t pay their fees, there was nobody to support them, and they had to take up menial jobs—people who could have become great professors and great achievers.
“So, please, any of you who see anybody who needs assistance, deny yourself some extra comfort and help those who need help. That is what they do in many societies, and that is what can make the world better.”
The Alake praised the NGO for prioritising investment in the nation’s future, noting that efforts directed toward educational empowerment always contribute to national prosperity.
Speaking with journalists, the CEO and Executive Director of the foundation, Chief Shina Luwoye, said the award aims to support academic excellence while emphasising mentorship and social responsibility among entrepreneurs.
Luwoye, who is also the CEO of Ecogas Energy Resources Ltd., said the 50 beneficiaries received financial grants and mentorship opportunities. He disclosed that the initiative aims to reach 300 students within the next five years.
He reaffirmed the foundation’s commitment to education and community development in the regions where it operates.
He also urged entrepreneurs across the country to prioritise the welfare of their host communities through investment in social infrastructure, educational development and support for the needy.
“For this year, we are supporting 50 students from Nigerian tertiary institutions. A few of them are in the university, the school of nursing and the college of education, but many of them are in federal and state universities across Nigeria.
“On behalf of our major sponsor, the Ecogas plant, we touch the lives of most people in every community we are located in. Sixty per cent of our plants are in Abeokuta, which is why we focus more on Abeokuta.
“I had no father; I was brought up by a single mother. So I know what it takes for people who are misplaced for one reason or the other to sort out their educational needs. This is part of our social and community relations as a company, and that is why we are doing this programme.
“I want to encourage entrepreneurs like myself—no matter your level, whether small-scale or large-scale—you don’t have to become a big company before you begin to assist your community. That is the spirit of true entrepreneurship”, he said.
A 2023 UNICEF report identifies poverty as a major barrier to accessing education in Nigeria, leaving millions of children out of school.
To address this, President Bola Tinubu last year launched the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, which has so far disbursed over N116bn to more than 624,000 students in public tertiary institutions, according to its Managing Director, Mr Akintunde Sawyerr.
Sawyerr said the initiative covers students’ school fees and provides a N20,000 monthly stipend to enable them to focus on their studies.
He added that beneficiaries are expected to begin repayment two years after graduation, once they secure employment.
However, he noted that graduates unable to find jobs within the period are required to notify the agency for loan deferment
