LAGOS STATE GOVERNMENT REFUNDS 145 FORMER SUBSCRIBERS OF EGAN HOUSING ESTATE
admin By Halimah Balogun
Senator Wasiu Sanni-Eshinlokun (Lagos Central) has awarded scholarships to 261 students across the 13 local government areas of the senatorial district.
He awarded the scholarship during his 7th Town Hall Meeting held at Glover Memorial Hall, Lagos Island, thus reiterating his commitment to youth empowerment and education.
Themed ‘My Strategic Progressive Stewardship in the 10th Senate thus far’, the event served as both a platform for constituency engagement and a continuation of the scholarship scheme instituted by his predecessor, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.
Eshinlokun said the scheme was designed to ease the financial burden on parents and ensure that no child is denied education due to poverty. He described his journey in the 10th Senate as ‘eventful’.
“We thank God for His mercies and protection over the years. I must also thank my predecessor, the First Lady of the Republic, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for laying this impactful path. The town hall meeting has become a well-accepted tradition in Lagos Central, and we are building on the foundation she set,” he noted.
Highlighting what made this year’s edition particularly significant, Eshinlokun said the number of beneficiaries had more than doubled from the previous year.
“Last year we supported about 120 to 130 students. This year, we are doing 261. It is a remarkable increase, and we can only thank God for the ability to do this,” he said.
Each beneficiary received a scholarship worth N100,000 towards tuition and educational materials.
According to the senator, the selection process was competitive and transparent.
“The selection cuts across the 13 local government areas, and beneficiaries were selected by a screening panel led by Hon. Kabir Adekanbi. One of the criteria was that interested applicants submit their results, be at least in 200 level, be above 18 years old, and have a voters’ card. It is not just about giving money—it is about supporting committed students and encouraging civic responsibility”, he explained.
The lawmaker advised the beneficiaries to focus on their academics. “Read your books, be smart, and continue to pass your exams. We wish you all the best there is.”
Chairman of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), Prince Tajudeen Olusi, lauded Eshinlokun for the initiative. He described it as a laudable demonstration of responsible leadership and commitment to human capital development.
He said: “Eshinlokun’s generosity would go a long way in reducing the financial burden on parents and give hope to bright, underprivileged students. This is what leadership should look like—impacting lives directly and helping to build a future generation through education.”
Lawmaker representing Lagos Island I in the House of Assembly, Princess Lara Oyekan-Olumegbon, emphasised the value of the initiative, which she noted has been passed down through committed leaders.
“This is not a one-off; it is a legacy initiative that Senator Eshinlokun inherited from Senator Oluremi Tinubu. And I also do something in that line. It’s not just about the money. You’re making an impact in their educational life. There’s a saying: if you think education is expensive, try ignorance,” she said.
Mrs. Oyekan-Olumegbon also stressed the need for young people to take ownership of their roles as citizens. “Every time you say ‘Nigeria is this, Nigeria is that,’ remember: we are the government. The change starts with you.”
One of the beneficiaries, Lawal Mutiat, described the experience as encouraging and the process as fair. “The forms were shared via WhatsApp platforms. We submitted our documents at the Yaba office, and then we were invited for interview. The N100,000 is going to help with my school fees and other important things,” she noted.
