Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has fulfilled her N10 million education pledge to 12-year-old Ogun State artist, Morenikeji Joshua, weeks after his artwork caught her attention at an event in Abeokuta.
The money, provided through an Education Development Trust Fund, is expected to support Joshua’s education through the tertiary level.
Tinubu made the pledge on August 18 after seeing a portrait of her painted by the young artist during the launch of the South-West Zonal National Food Bank Programme at the Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta.
Impressed by the quality of his work, the First Lady invited Joshua to the podium, where she announced the N10 million commitment towards his education.
The pledge has now been fulfilled, with a cheque presented to the young artist through the Ogun State Government.
Presenting the cheque on behalf of the First Lady, Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, described the gesture as an example of the importance of keeping commitments made to young Nigerians.
“A promise made is a promise kept,” Abiodun said.
The intervention is expected to provide Joshua with greater educational support as he continues to develop his artistic talent.
The First Lady’s gesture also highlights growing calls for greater support for young Nigerians with exceptional abilities, particularly children whose talents could be nurtured into future careers and contributions to the creative sector.
