By Benson Daniel
Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has fulfilled her ₦10 million pledge to support the education of 12-year-old Ogun State artist, Morenikeji Ebunoluwa Joshua.
The money was presented through an Education Development Trust Fund established to support the young artist’s education up to the tertiary level. The cheque was handed over to Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, on behalf of the First Lady.
Tinubu had made the pledge on August 18 after seeing Joshua display a portrait he had painted of her during the launch of the South-West Zonal National Food Bank Programme at the Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta.
Impressed by the quality of the young artist’s work, the First Lady invited him to the podium and announced the ₦10 million educational support.
Receiving the cheque, Governor Abiodun described the fulfilment of the pledge as a demonstration that a promise made should be a promise kept.
He said the intervention was about more than the financial value of the donation, describing it as an investment in a young Nigerian whose talent had been recognised and encouraged.
Abiodun also recalled that Joshua had received support from the Ogun State Government before Tinubu’s intervention. The governor said he first encountered the young artist’s work about three years ago at an exhibition in his office.
After discovering that Joshua was still in primary school, Abiodun said he offered him a scholarship covering his education from primary through secondary school.
With the latest ₦10 million fund, Joshua’s educational support has now been extended to the tertiary level. A dedicated account has also been opened to ensure the money is preserved specifically for his educational needs.
The Senior Special Assistant to the First Lady on Public Affairs and Strategy, Wahab Alawiye-King, who presented the cheque, said Joshua’s story demonstrated the importance of identifying and nurturing different forms of talent among young Nigerians.
He stressed that education should not be limited to academic performance but should also recognise practical skills, creativity and other abilities.
Joshua, who has continued to attract attention for his artistic talent, expressed appreciation to Tinubu for recognising his work and supporting his education.
He also encouraged other young people to discover their talents, develop their abilities and remain committed to improving their skills.
The intervention gives the young artist a more secure educational path while providing further encouragement for him to develop his artistic potential.
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