By Akinnodi Francis, Ondo
A non-governmental organisation, Gbenga Fawehinmi Foundation (GFF),has reaffirmed its commitment and dedication to mentoring young people, expanding access to scholarships, promoting STEM and Artificial Intelligence (AI) education, strengthening digital literacy, and creating opportunities that prepare young people for the future.
The foundation said this during the 2026 Kit the Scholars Programme organised by GFF to ensure that students have access to quality education and the tools they need to succeed held at St.Joseph’s College, Ondo.
Speaking at the event, Chairman of the foundation, Barr. Gbenga Fawehinmi,said the intervention is more than the distribution of school materials; it is the reaffirmation of GFF commitment to investing in the future of the nation through education.
He explained that every school bag, notebook, textbook, mathematical set, and writing material being distributed represents hope, opportunity, and confidence in the potential of every child present.
The chairman noted that education remains the greatest equalizer in society.”Wealth may be inherited, influence may be acquired, but knowledge is earned. Once acquired, no one can take it away.
“As Nelson Mandela famously said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.This conviction continues to drive the vision of the Gbenga Fawehinmi Foundation.
“Dear scholars, I want you to understand that you are not ordinary children. You are leaders in preparation, innovators in training, and solution providers for tomorrow. The investment we are making in you today is not because of who you are now, but because of who you have the potential to become.
“Do not allow your present circumstances to define your future. Many of the world’s greatest leaders came from humble beginnings. What distinguished them was diligence, discipline, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to learning.”
He said the child’s first classroom is the home, and the guidance remains indispensable, appreciated the parents and guardians for their sacrifices urged them to continue supporting their children educational journey.
“To our teachers, we deeply appreciate your commitment to shaping young minds. Teaching is one of the noblest professions because every profession begins in a classroom.I also appreciate GFF partners, donors, volunteers, and friends; your generosity continues to transform lives and communities. Every contribution you make is an investment that will continue to yield dividends for generations.”
He urged the scholars to dream beyond their environment,study diligently every day, respect their parents and teachers, build good character alongside academic excellence and never stop believing in themself.
The Chief Executive Officer of GFF, Olabanji Fawehinmi said the programme reflects one of the foundation deepest convictions—that no child should be denied quality education because of inadequate learning materials.
“We believe that when we remove barriers to learning, we create opportunities for children to discover their potential and become agents of transformation”, he said.
He said success is not determined by intelligence alone, but built upon discipline, consistency, integrity, resilience, and a willingness to keep learning. “Strive every day to become better than you were before.”
“The future of Nigeria sits before us today. We believe in you. We are investing in you because we know you will become the leaders, innovators, and problem-solvers our nation needs”.
He urged parents to continue to encourage their children to remain focused despite life’s challenges.
Also,GFF, Head of Operations, Governance,and Partnership, Joshua Aremu said the foundation was established to better the lives of young people and not for political gains.
He explained that the annual programme aimed at equipping the scholars for 2026/2027 academic and that the educational materials given was to relieve the anxiety from parents.
“We gave nine higher education and a school bag to secondary school students, while the junior secondary school, and primary school students collect a dozen of exercise books and a bag with writing materials. And upon resumption, students who are in primary school and on our sponsor a child programme will be provided with school uniform,and sandal.
“The foundation also buy textbooks for students who are on scholarship and pay their tuition;just to make sure they focus more on their academics.”
He encouraged the scholars to focus on their education and ensure to be good ambassador of GFF, so that they can give back to the society in the future.
He appealed to parents to cooperate with the foundation and be responsible for their children development.
“Our major challenge so far was that most of the parents are not cooperating. We have what we call monitoring and evaluation unit which deals with tracking the progress of the students. We don’t just give scholarship and leave them alone. We monitor them, we go to their schools and we know some by their houses.”
Speaking on behalf of the stakeholders, a principal, Mr. Kayode Akintunde commended the foundation for its kind gesture towards the development of students in Ondo.
He said the scholarship is an investment for the future growth of the students, urged them to be dedicated to their studies.
About 139 students benefited from the foundation’s intervention. The scholars essentials include GFF bag pack, GFF note books and educational materials.