Otunba Owolabi Launches Irawo Owuro Foundation, Awards Scholarships to Ekiti Students

Otunba Oluwadare Owolabi has launched the Irawo Owuro Foundation with an education-focused outreach that will provide scholarships to 60 students across 10 secondary schools in Ekiti State, marking the beginning of a wider campaign to support young people through education.

Rather than unveil the foundation at a formal ceremony, Otunba Owolabi took the programme directly to communities on Monday, visiting secondary schools in Iludun, Iye, Amure, Otun and Igbole, where outstanding students received scholarship awards while teachers earned recognition for their commitment to education.

The first phase of the initiative drew large crowds of students, parents, teachers and community leaders, many of whom described the intervention as a welcome investment in the future of children from rural communities.

Speaking during the visits, Otunba Owolabi said supporting education has remained a personal commitment for more than 30 years. He said many talented students abandon their academic ambitions because of financial challenges, adding that the foundation aims to remove such barriers and encourage academic excellence.

He urged beneficiaries to see the scholarships as a responsibility rather than an entitlement.

“You have been recognised because of your hard work. Stay disciplined, remain focused and continue to strive for excellence. Education remains one of the strongest tools for building your future,” he said.

Traditional rulers and community leaders welcomed the initiative, describing it as a practical response to the educational needs of young people.

The Olugbole of Igbole Ekiti, alongside parents and education stakeholders, commended Mr Owolabi for taking the programme directly to schools instead of organising a ceremonial launch. They encouraged beneficiaries to combine academic excellence with good character and integrity.

School administrators also praised the initiative, saying the scholarships would ease the financial burden on many families while motivating students to work harder.

The foundation said the second phase of the programme will continue on Tuesday across schools in Ikole Local Government Area.

At the end of the exercise, the Irawo Owuro Foundation expects to have awarded 60 scholarships across 10 secondary schools, committing millions of naira to support education and improve learning opportunities for students in Ekiti.

The launch signals the foundation’s long-term focus on expanding access to education through direct community engagement, with organisers saying more interventions will follow in other parts of the state.