In a bid to develop sports and give back to his alma mater, an infrastructure engineer, Engr. Olatunji Ariyomo, FNSE, has presented scholarship to eight students of Aquinas College Akure (ACA) who excelled in various sporting competitions.
Presenting cheque of ₦25, 000 to each of the eight athletes on Wednesday at the school premises in Akure the Ondo State capital, Ariyomo said the gesture was to celebrate the athletes for their recent outstanding performance by coming first in 9 consecutive invitation relays across the state.
Engr. Olatunji Ariyomo who is also an alumnus of the college said the school made him what he is today hence the need to plough back.
The eight members of the school athlete group had participated in no fewer that nine competitions within and outside the state just this year and won all.
According to the philanthropist, his success story would not be complete without mentioning Aquinas College Akure where he was trained to embrace integrity and industry.
“I was once like you. This school was my foundation. Perhaps I would be a different person today but for Aquinas College. Build your character. Aspire to be the best. Hard work has no substitute. Be creative. You have the capacity and ability to surpass whatever feat we might have achieved”.
“As we all know, Sports are a crucial part of a student’s growth and development. They help in the development of mental health and physical fitness of the body. Through participation in sports and games, a student gains various skills, experience and confidence that are helpful for developing their personality. I urge you all to do more and win more laurels.”
Ariyomo stressed further that the institution has been in the forefront in every competition and academic engagements.
The founder of TLA Foundation promised to do more saying, he started this scheme in 2001 targeting indigent but brilliant students.
The Principal of the school, Adebisi Jimbola commended the gesture saying, the Alumni of the school have been supportive in all areas. He commended Ariyomo for stepping up at a crucial time saying “Engr. Tunji Light Ariyomo’s intervention will inspire both students and teachers. I have known him for a long time. He has been consistently giving back to the society. We are proud of him as one of our great products”.
Beneficiaries of the 2024 event also included the Sports Director Mrs. Lizzy Sam-Obafemi and the Game Instructor, Olalekan Ogundaisi who is also an alumnus.
Ogundaisi in his reaction said, “the athletes are doing well and the gesture would spur them to do more”.
The award winning students and their sport masters smiled to their banks with 25,000 naira each.