Photo: Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has praised legal luminary, Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), for his unalloyed commitment to lifting young people and vulnerable groups through his annual scholarship and empowerment programme.

Governor Oyebanji gave the commendation during the 29th edition of the Wole Olanipekun Scholarship Scheme and the 6th Empowerment Programme in Ikere-Ekiti on Saturday, November 22, 2025.

Governor Oyebanji emphasised that Olanipekun’s consistent support for education and human capital development stands as a shining example of true leadership.

Governor Oyebanji 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 emphasised that through the scheme, thousands of students have been supported from secondary school to university as well as law school, while widows and aged citizens have received financial relief and business support.

• The event was graced by the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye., member of House of Representatives, AVM, Rufus Ojuawo, Royal fathers, among others.

Oyebanji added that Nigeria would record a more rapid progress if more privileged citizens embrace philanthropy the way Chief Olanipekun has done, maintaining that leaders who use their influence and resources to transform lives are the ones the country urgently needs to nurture a more educated, productive, and compassionate society.

He congratulated the beneficiaries and urged them to uphold the values of hard work, gratitude, and service to others – the principles that Chief Olanipekun has consistently championed and also charged them to emulate the legal icon by giving back to their communities when they became successful in their various fields.

“I plead with all of you that when you get this support, please it is a seed sow it, this is not money that you have to use to replace your phone, or the money to buy clothes or the money to enjoy christmas and new year, no, it’s a seed that you should sow to your future and when you do that God will bless it,” said Oyebanji.

Earlier in his remarks, Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), applauded Governor Oyebanji for the remarkable progress Ekiti State has recorded under his leadership.

He asserted that 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.