The Gateway Front Foundation (GFF), under the leadership of His Excellency, Senator, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, FNSE FAEng, is set to launch the second batch of its Interest-Free Microcredit Scheme on September 16, 2024. This initiative, designed to uplift petty traders, artisans, and farmers within the Ogun East Senatorial District, will take place at Obalofin Court, GRA Ijebu-Ode, beginning at 10:00 AM.

The Chairman of Odiolowo/Ojuwoye Local Council Development Area, Honourable Razaq Olusola Ajala has advised students to face their studies, work hard and avoid distractions for them to succeed in their chosen professions.

Ajala gave this advice on Thursday, 29 August, 2024, while speaking at the grand finale of the council’s free GCE Form Project which took place at the council secretariat in Ilupeju.

“You’ve to avoid distractions of all forms especially from the social media. You’ve to be focused and be determined. Hard work and diligence are prerequisites for success. You need all these,” he advised.

Ajala, who is also the Secretary General of the Conference 57, congratulated the beneficiaries who scaled through the written examinations put in place by the council to pick the best from thousands of applications received for the forms.

“Things are getting better and you here should thank God for this gesture. During our time, we know what we go through to get money to buy GCE forms. I, in particular, had to do menial jobs for me to get money to purchase the form then,” he said.

Ajala advised the students to ensure that they put in their best during the exam proper, noting that the success of previous beneficiaries has encouraged the council not only to sustain the project but also to increase number of beneficiaries from time to time.

The Free GCE Form Project of Odiolowo/Ojuwoye is unique and stands out from the crowd. Rather than just give out the forms at random, the council put in place a written examination, conducted by the council’s chapter of the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT). The scripts were also marked by the teachers leading to the selection of the most successful candidates.

“By initiating the examination process, we were able to remove political interference. Interested candidates are expected to apply and sit for the examination. The questions were put together by the NUT, and they marked the scripts. The process is transparent hence the issue of political interference is completely eliminated,” the Council Boss said.

Ajala expressed appreciation to the teachers for creating time to set the exam questions, supervise the exams and mark the scripts.

“I appreciate you the teachers for your dedication and commitment in ensuring the success of this exercise,” he said.

Over 250 students benefitted from the programme and they were at the council secretariat mostly with their parents and guardians to collect the forms.

The Chairman of Parents’ Forum for Education District 6, Adeyemo Aliu praised the council Chairman for the kind gesture, while also acknowledging the transparent selection system.

“We’re very grateful to Honourable Ajala for this kind gesture. It has reduced the burden of parents in educating their children. We’re equally grateful for the transparency of the selection process, thank you Mr Chairman for this laudable project,” he said.

Aliu urged the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the opportunity so that others will benefit in future.