Taiwo Oyedele, chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, has revealed that a N500 scholarship awarded by his village association was a turning point in his educational journey.
Oyedele shared the story on Monday in Akure while delivering a public lecture held as part of activities marking the 50th anniversary of the creation of Ondo State.
Describing himself as a proud indigene of Ikaram-Akoko, Ondo State, Oyedele credited his achievements to the strong sense of community and shared values within the state.
According to him, the modest scholarship he received about 35 years ago enabled him to register for his final secondary school examination, a moment he said changed the course of his life.
He explained that without the support of his community at that critical time, his academic and professional journey might have ended prematurely.
Oyedele said the experience reinforced his belief in the power of collective support, stressing that greatness can emerge from anywhere when people are willing to uplift one another.
To give back to the state and inspire future generations, the fiscal policy expert announced a new scholarship initiative. He disclosed that the best graduating final-year student in every public secondary school in Ondo State would receive up to N500,000 to cover final examination costs during the Golden Jubilee year.
He described the initiative as a gesture of gratitude and a way to encourage academic excellence among young people across the state.
