Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has fulfilled her ₦10 million education pledge to 12-year-old Ogun State artist, Master Morenikeji Ebunoluwa Joshua, less than a month after his artistic talent caught her attention.
The money, presented through the Ogun State Government, is an Education Development Trust Fund meant to support Joshua’s education up to the tertiary level.
Tinubu had announced the pledge on August 18 after she noticed Joshua displaying a portrait he had painted of her at the launch of the South-West Zonal National Food Bank Programme at the Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta.
Impressed by the young artist’s talent, the First Lady invited him to the podium and immediately pledged ₦10 million towards his future education.
Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, presented the cheque on behalf of the First Lady, describing the gesture as a demonstration that “a promise made is a promise kept.”
Abiodun said the intervention went beyond its financial value, describing it as an investment in a young Nigerian whose talent had been identified and encouraged.
He commended Joshua’s artistic ability and determinations, urging young people to identify, develop and promote their God-given talents.
“Young Joshua Morenikeji is someone who wants to be heard, he wants to be seen, he wants his talent to be appreciated, and that is a very strong virtue.
“The truth is that if you are not out there promoting yourself, nobody is likely to promote you,” the governor said.
Abiodun recalled that he had personally intervened about three years ago after seeing one of Joshua’s paintings during an exhibition at his office.
He said further interaction revealed that Joshua was still in primary school, prompting him to announce a scholarship to support the boy through primary and secondary education.
“I immediately announced a scholarship in his favour to see him through primary to secondary school, and that has been done,” he said.
The governor said the latest intervention by the First Lady would extend Joshua’s educational support to the tertiary level.
“We extend our deepest appreciation for this gift of ₦10 million, whose account has been opened specifically for this purpose,” Abiodun said.
He congratulated Joshua and his parents, urging them to continue supporting the young artist and encouraging him to remain focused while developing his talent.
Earlier, the Senior Special Assistant to the First Lady on Strategy, Hon. Wahab Alawiye-King, handed the cheque to Governor Abiodun.
Alawiye-King said Joshua’s story showed the need for education to recognise and nurture different forms of talent.
He said education was not limited to academic performance but also covered the cognitive, affective and psychomotor areas, including intellectual development, values and emotions, and practical skills.
The Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu, said the intervention was part of broader efforts to support deserving young people.
He disclosed that 21 tertiary students also received financial awards, comprising 14 students of Tai Solarin University of Education, six students of Babcock University and one student of Mountain Top University.
The intervention will provide Joshua with a pathway to higher education while allowing him to continue developing the artistic talent that brought him national attention.
Joshua thanked Senator Tinubu for recognising and investing in his talent, saying the gesture showed that young talents could be seen, valued and encouraged.
He urged other children to identify their passions, pursue them with dedication and continue to improve their talents.
