By Oyinkansayo Wole-Bodunde.
Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun has recognized the outstanding achievements of Messrs Samuel Badekale and Haroun Adebakin, who graduated with a perfect Grade Point Average of 5.0 from the University of Lagos.
The duo have been appointed as Education Ambassadors of the state, and each received a cheque of N10 million in appreciation of their hard work.
During the reception at his office in Abeokuta, Governor Abiodun commended the pair, saying, “I want to commend you for achieving this great honor for yourselves, your families, the state, and Nigeria, because it is not enough that you come from Ogun State and are flying Ogun State’s flag.”
As Education Ambassadors, Badekale and Adebakin will serve as role models and motivators for students in the state. Governor Abiodun expressed his hope that they will inspire others to emulate their virtues and strive for excellence. He stated, “We are going to appoint you as our Education Ambassadors. It is our hope that other up-and-coming students, those who are still in school, will see you and find motivation in you, allowing them to emulate your good virtues.”
The governor emphasized the importance of their role, saying, “You have to think about how you can support and motivate them. As our Education Ambassadors, we are going to develop programs where you can actually go to schools and talk to them because it will be easier for you to communicate with them.”
Governor Abiodun acknowledged that as Education Ambassadors, Badekale and Adebakin will be able to connect with students more effectively than he can. He noted, “I can talk to them, but I may not be able to communicate with them effectively. However, when you speak to them, you will be able to connect because they can identify with you as you are of the same wavelength and age bracket, and you can relate to what they are going through, including their pains and issues.”
The governor concluded by congratulating the pair on their new roles and expressing his commitment to supporting them in their future endeavors. He said, “I congratulate you as our Education Ambassadors, and I don’t want you to be too far away from the Commissioner for Education so that whatever career path you choose, we can support you in achieving your potential and all that you aspire to.”
