Ijurin – Ekiti witnessed a moment of hope and celebration as the Legacy Impact Empowerment Initiative (LIEI) awarded scholarships to outstanding students from the community, reaffirming its commitment to education, youth empowerment, and community development.
The scholarship award ceremony, held on 16th January 2026 in Ijurin-Ekiti, is part of the Initiative’s mission to invest in human capital and ensure that brilliant and deserving students have access to quality education regardless of financial constraints. The beneficiaries of the programme cut across various academic levels, from secondary school to postgraduate studies.
The event was graced by several dignitaries and stakeholders, including His Royal Majesty, Oba Joachim Adeyemi Afolabi Ajibola, Agungesoye II, the Ojurin of Ijurin-Ekiti, traditional chiefs (male and female), PTA representatives, parents of beneficiaries, President of Ijurin Youth Forum, the Vice Chairman of Irewolede LCDA, as well as the Principal and staff of Ijurin Comprehensive High School.
The Legacy Impact Empowerment Initiative is a charitable foundation established in memory of Elder Olusegun Gabriel Abe, a man fondly remembered for his compassion, integrity, and unwavering commitment to uplifting others. The Initiative aims to sustain his legacy by empowering young people to realise their potential, acquire practical life skills, and build meaningful futures through education, mentorship, and community support. Speaking at the event, the Chairman of the Initiative, Prof. Kayode Are, represented by Rev. Oluseyi Ikulayo, explained that the scholarship programme goes beyond financial assistance, describing it as a long-term investment in the future leaders of the community. He further disclosed that the secondary school beneficiaries would continue to enjoy the scholarship support throughout their tertiary education, provided they maintain satisfactory academic performance and good conduct.
His Royal Majesty, Oba Joachim Adeyemi Afolabi Ajibola, Agungesoye II, commended the Initiative for its vision and consistency, emphasizing the crucial role such interventions play in shaping the future of the community. He encouraged beneficiaries to remain focused, disciplined, and committed to excellence, stressing that education remains the most powerful tool for personal and societal transformation.
In the postgraduate category, Adeola Temitope emerged as the recipient of the PhD Scholarship, while Adewumi Idowu Paul was awarded the Master’s Degree Scholarship. The Bachelor’s Degree Scholarship was presented to Opeyemi Samuel Adewale in recognition of his academic promise and dedication to learning.
A total of fifteen (15) secondary school students also received scholarships under the programme. They include: Egbebi Esther Oluwayemisi, Fauyi Oluwatobi Mercy, Atibioke Favour Adeyinka, Durojaye Deborah Abosede Blessing, Jejeniwa Idowu Beatrice, Ekundayo Oluwafemi Emmanuel, Ajayi Kehinde, Adejuwon Olaoluwa Theophilus, Ikulayo Ajoke Testimony, Abe Ezekiel Adedayo, James Sunday Job, Fasanu Ojo Emmanuel, Olaleye Israel Olumide, Abe Ebunoluwa Mary, and Ogundele Oluwakemisola Funke.
Parents, teachers, and community leaders present at the ceremony commended the Initiative for its transparency, inclusiveness, and long-term vision. They lauded the scholarship scheme as timely and impactful, especially at a time when many families are grappling with the rising cost of education.
The Legacy Impact Empowerment Initiative reiterated its commitment to supporting education and youth development in Ijurin-Ekiti and beyond, emphasizing that empowering young minds remains one of the most sustainable ways to honour the legacy of Elder Olusegun Gabriel Abe and contribute meaningfully to community and national development.