The Allied People’s Movement (APM) governorship candidate in Oyo State, Hon. Bimbo Adekanmbi, has pledged to sponsor the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) registration and tutorial fees of the children of a physically challenged father, Mr Abass Idowu Sakiru, from Ona Ara Local Government Area of the state.
Adekanmbi also promised to offer the children university scholarships to study at any federal government-owned higher institution in Nigeria if they distinguish themselves through excellent academic performance in their WAEC examinations.
The gesture followed an emotional appeal by Sakiru, who had called into a live media chat featuring Adekanmbi on the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State (BCOS), where he spoke about the difficulties he faces in providing for his family due to his physical condition, which particularly affects his eyesight.
During the phone-in segment, Sakiru lamented his inability to meet some of his responsibilities as a father, disclosing that financial difficulties prevented him from paying his son’s WAEC registration fee the previous year. He subsequently appealed for assistance to enable his children to register for the forthcoming examination.
Following the broadcast, Sakiru visited Adekanmbi at his campaign office in Jericho, Ibadan, accompanied by one of his twin sons, while the other twin remained at home.
During the meeting, Adekanmbi personally interacted with the father and his son and immediately directed the necessary arrangements for both children to be registered for the next WAEC examination. He also approved the payment of their tutorial and lesson fees to ensure they receive adequate academic preparation ahead of the examinations.
While expressing sympathy with Sakiru over the challenges associated with his physical condition, Adekanmbi reaffirmed his commitment to improving the welfare of persons living with disabilities, stressing the need to provide them with the necessary support, opportunities and inclusion to live meaningful lives.
He noted that physically challenged citizens should not be deprived of opportunities to achieve their aspirations because of their circumstances, reiterating the position he canvassed during his media engagement over the weekend.
The APM governorship candidate further encouraged the two boys to remain focused on their education, work hard and approach their academic pursuits with determination, irrespective of the challenges confronting their family.
He also extended words of encouragement to the twin brother who was absent from the meeting, urging him not to allow their present circumstances to limit his ambitions.
Adekanmbi assured the children that their academic achievements would attract further support, promising to sponsor their university education at any federal government-owned institution of their choice if they record excellent results in their WAEC examinations.
The intervention underscores the importance of targeted educational support and social inclusion, particularly for vulnerable families facing financial and physical challenges.
