A frontline aspirant for the House of Representatives seat in Ekiti North Federal Constituency I, Engineer Olaoluwa Dawodu, has sponsored the National Examinations Council (NECO) fees for secondary school students in Isan Ekiti, drawing widespread commendation from traditional rulers, parents, and education stakeholders.
The intervention, which benefits a significant number of students preparing for their external examinations, has been described as timely, particularly amid rising economic pressures affecting many households.
Speaking during the presentation, the Onisan of Isan Ekiti, Oba Ayodele Adejuwon—represented by the Olori Onisan—praised Dawodu for what he called a noble and forward-looking initiative. He noted that investment in education remains one of the most reliable pathways to sustainable community development.
The monarch stressed that the gesture goes beyond philanthropy, describing it as a deliberate effort to secure the future of young people while promoting values of service and responsibility among emerging leaders.
Oba Adejuwon also observed that many families have struggled to meet basic educational expenses in recent times, making the intervention a major relief for parents and guardians concerned about their children’s academic progression.
Beneficiary students expressed gratitude, describing Dawodu as a role model whose action has inspired them to stay focused on their studies. Some noted that without the support, their chances of sitting for the examination would have been uncertain.
Representing the aspirant, Director General of his campaign team, Mr Oluwatosin Ojo, said the initiative forms part of Dawodu’s broader commitment to supporting education and complementing government efforts to improve access to quality learning.
He emphasised that education remains central to development, warning that any society that neglects its youth risks jeopardising its future. According to him, the sponsorship was aimed at easing the financial burden on families while ensuring no willing student is denied the opportunity to sit for a critical examination.
Ojo added that Dawodu’s aspiration to represent Oye and Ikole Local Government Areas is driven by a desire to promote inclusive development and deliver people-oriented policies.
He assured that if elected, the constituency would witness expanded interventions in education, youth empowerment, and community development, noting that the current gesture reflects what he intends to institutionalise through effective representation.
Community leaders at the event described the initiative as a clear example of responsive leadership, adding that it has made a tangible impact in the lives of young people and set a benchmark for others to follow.
Parents of the beneficiaries, who expressed relief, said the intervention had lifted a major financial burden, allowing them to channel limited resources to other pressing needs while keeping their children in school.
