Press Releases

Let Us Show Good Examples To Our Children - Fashola

Jan 30, 2009 - Lagos State Governor, Mr Babatunde Fashola on Friday maintained that society can only be better if children are educated and led by positive examples which emphasize that there are no shortcuts to success.

Governor Fashola who spoke at the BRF Scholarship Fund Award ceremony held at the State House Banquet Hall, Ikeja added that “we must develop their values for truth, accountability and responsible citizenship”.

Governor Fashola added that with the emergence of the new BRF Scholars “we are giving our future an opportunity to compete in a very competitive world”.

Said he: “In whatever little ways we can, we must help our children dream great dreams. Let them realize that to them belongs the future. They represent our best aspirations”

He stated that everyone has gathered at the ceremony to commemorate hope which the lucky 50 students represent, adding that when hope is lost, everything is lost.

“Our children are the future hope of tomorrow and we need to invest in them as a way of passing on the torch to a new generation of Nigerians.

Fashola said: “50 of you represent the hope of all of us and your quest and commitment to the nation to stand for all that is good. You have a collective vision to break the barriers of ignorance and challenge us to be new people.”

The Governor challenged the beneficiaries that they should believe in themselves because “you are explorers who will conquer new vistas for our country. You will be our link to the future bridge”.

“Once again as you go forth we see the representation of a dream come true and the constant dream to remain ourselves will continue to shape the world”, he added.

Governor Fashola added that “BRF Scholars represent an example of what is possible. The testimonies of ability to dream great dreams and challenge complacency. They signal the future and indicating that it only belongs to those who can dream dreams”.

He explained that children are our future and hope of a better tomorrow, and a new Nigeria because an expression of belief in them is a renewal of the commitment to that future.

“We must pass on the torch such as we have gathered here today to a new generation of Nigerians who take it on from where we have stopped”.

He said in their various ways, the BRF Scholars represent the best aspirations of our society right from some who worked on the farms to make a little savings to Mr Caleb Azonsi who is an inventor who almost missed the opportunity , but dreamt , hoped and saw a vision of a beautiful tomorrow.

“We are humbled by your dream, inspired by your vision of tomorrow. Mr Caleb’s invention gives me hope that we will get there because we always attract to ourselves whatever we think about the most, belief in most and imagine vividly”, Governor added.

The Governor advised parents and guardians to invest in their children and wards educationally saying it is through that they can achieve success and self contentment in life.

The Intercontinental Bank PLc today awarded scholarship of N50,000.00 each to 50 students who are indigenes of Lagos State in tertiary institutions or about to.

Dr Erastus Akingbola, the Group Chief Executive of the bank explained that Friday’s scholarship award ceremony brings to 650 the number of students from 10 states that have so far benefited from the scheme.

He disclosed that the scholarship tagged BRF Scholarship Fund would be sustained by the bank for the beneficiaries for the period of their tertiary education.

Akingbola who promised that his organization would make it an annual event by awarding additional 50 scholarships however implored the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the scholarship.

Akingbola commended Governor Fashola for demonstrating that government cannot always be business as usual, urging him to continue on the path he has already chosen.

One of the beneficiaries, Oladolapo Bello, recalled that the scholarship would be of significant assistance to his parents that were struggling to finance his education and those of his siblings.

Another recipient, Olaide Olanrewaju commended the bank for initiating the scholarship which she said would help her mother in concentrating on her siblings academics.

Miss Adeola Olaleye said that the transparent manner the selection was conducted is rekindling her belief that due process could be followed in Nigeria.

“I was very pessimistic initially because I do not have any connection. With the due process the interview screening and selection taken I am becoming optimistic that things will still work well in Nigeria”

The ceremony which was solely handled by BRF Scholars also featured a drama presentation, a documentary on the processes that led to the selection of the lucky students, recitation of poem and presentation of cheques to the lucky beneficiaries who were accompanied by their parents and mentors who were expected act as models to the students.

The event was attended by the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Mrs Sarah Adebisi Sosan, members of the State Executive Council, Vice Chancellor of the Lagos State University, Professor Lateef Hussein, senior managers of Intercontinental Bank Plc and parents and relatives of the lucky 50 BRF Scholars.