The Senator representing Lagos Central at the National Assembly, Wasiu Eshilokun, has reiterated his commitment to youth empowerment and educational support, as he awarded scholarships to 261 students across 13 local government areas during his 7th Town Hall Meeting held at Glover Memorial Hall, Lagos Island.
With the theme: “My Strategic Progressive Stewardship in the 10th Senate Thus Far,” the event served as both a platform for constituency engagement and a continuation of the scholarship scheme instituted by his predecessor, Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.
Eshilokun said the scheme was designed to ease the financial burden on parents and ensure that no child is denied education due to poverty.
He described his journey in the 10th Senate as “eventful,” while acknowledging the influence and legacy of his predecessor, the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu. “We thank God for His mercies and protections over the years, and we must also thank my predecessor, the First Lady of the Republic, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for laying this impactful path. The town hall meeting has become a well-accepted tradition in Lagos Central, and we are building on the foundation she set,” he added.
Highlighting what made this year’s edition particularly significant, Eshilokun noted that the number of scholarship beneficiaries had more than doubled from the previous year. “Last year, we supported about 120 to 130 students. This year, we are doing 261. It is a remarkable increase, and we can only thank God for the ability to do this,” he said.
Each student received a scholarship worth N100,000, aimed at easing the financial burdens of tuition and educational materials.
According to the senator, the selection process was competitive and transparent. “The selection cuts across the various 13 local governments and we formed a screening panel, headed by Honourable Kabir Adekanbi and they were the ones that did the interview. They were invited, they collected form, which we advertised, and they invited them for interview, and they gave them criteria. You bring your results, you are doing well. You are at least in 200 level. If you are above 18, you have your INEC card. It is not just about giving money—it is about supporting committed students and encouraging civic responsibility,” he explained.
In his advice to the beneficiaries, he urged them to focus on their academics. “Read your books, be smart, and continue to pass your exams. We wish you all the best there is,” he said.
Chairman of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), Prince Tajudeen Olusi, commended Eshilokun for the initiative. He described the initiative as a laudable demonstration of responsible leadership and commitment to human capital development. According to him, ‘Eshilokun’s act of generosity’ would go a long way in reducing the financial burden on parents and giving hope to bright, underprivileged students. “This is what leadership should look like—impacting lives directly and helping to build a future generation through education,” he added.
Member representing Lagos Island Constituency 1 in the Lagos State House of Assembly, Princess Lara Oyekan-Olumegbon, emphasised the value of the initiative, which she noted has been passed down through committed leaders. “This is not a one-off. It is a legacy initiative that Senator Eshilokun inherited from Senator Oluremi Tinubu. And I also do something in that line. It’s not just about the money. You’re making an impact in their educational life. There’s a saying: if you think education is expensive, try ignorance,” she said.
She also stressed the need for young people to take ownership of their roles as citizens. “Every time you say ‘Nigeria is this, Nigeria is that,’ remember: we are the government. The change starts with you.”
One of the beneficiaries, Lawal Mutiat, described the experience as encouraging and the process as fair. “The forms were shared via WhatsApp platforms. We submitted our documents at the Yaba office, and then we were invited for interviews. The N100,000 is going to help with my school fees and other important things,” she noted.
