Renowned academic and humanitarian, Professor Adeyinka Falusi, on Wednesday honoured outstanding students of Efon Alaaye origin in partnership with Sickle Cell Hope Alive Foundation (SCHAF).
Speaking on the occasion of the 15th edition of the Adeyinka Ologbenla Falusi Female Empowerment Programme (AOFFEP), which held at Christ Apostolic Church (C.A.C) Grammar School, Efon Alaaye, Falusi also seized the occasion to create awareness and education on Sickle Cell Disease inheritance and prevention through informed decision making.
Falusi emphasised the fact that Nigeria carries the highest burden of sickle cell disease globally; stating that to reduce the burden, there is a need for youths to know their genotypes and make informed decisions to prevent genetic diseases, especially sickle cell disorder.
The lecture explained the inheritance, the problem of stigmatisation, the lack of care for those affected with sickle cell disease, and the accompanying family tragedies, broken marriages and early deaths.
A total of 18 female secondary school students, the very best in Science in their schools, nominated from nine public and private schools received certificates, cash awards and school materials for their performance. The event was witnessed by over 100 Students, Teachers and Parents of award recipients.
Olori Roseline Aladejare representing Oba Dr Emmanuel Adesanya Aladejare Agunsoye II, the Alaaye of Efon Alaaye, Ekiti State, praised Falusi’s resilience, her awareness programme on sickle cell disease in Nigeria and her humanitarian services to Efon Alaaye.
The Education Secretary of Efon Alaaye Local Government, Barrister Femi Afolayan, praised the award recipients and their parents for prioritising education.
He cited his daughter, a former recipient of the award, who later graduated as a science student from Obafemi Awolowo University, as evidence that the programme produces lasting academic impact.
According to Professor Falusi, the first Computer Based Examination (CBT) was conducted for the selected Science students. These include: Mogajiola Oreoluwa from the C.A.C Grammar School, who emerged in the 1st position, while Adebisi Surprise Dorcas from Our Saviours Standard College, and Tunji – Ojo Benita Temitope from the FGGC, both came 2nd.
The 3rd position was clinched by two girls namely Kolawole Eniola Esther of Glory Land College, and Ajibade Esther of C.A.C Grammar School.
Six other girls who scored above 40% received commendation awards. These include: Ojo Semilore Christianah from Ekiti State Government College, Odeyemi Christiana from Efon High School, Ekundayo Ifeoluwa Blessing from Anglican Secondary School, Aluko Mary Korede from Ekiti State Government College, Awopetu Favour Teniola from Glory Land College and Kolawole Oluwadunsin Mary from the FGGC.
Mogajiola Damilola received the 1st Prize of N100,000, Adebisi Caleb Adekunle and Ojo Titus Olatunji who both emerged 2nd went home with a sum of N30,000 each while both Adegoke Olayinka Roseline and Kolawole Ojo Olakunle also got a sum of N20,000 each in addition to several other generous gifts.
Eight Best Male Science students nominated from their schools received Commendation Awards. These include: Oladunjoye Olayanju from Glory Land College, Olugbenga King David from Our Saviours School, Oluwasina Stephen from Efon High School, Joseph Dolapo Henry from Anglican Secondary School, Oluwatayo Raymond from Ekiti State Government College, Olatunji Silvanus from Apostle Babalola Memorial Grammar School, Ojo Oluwafemi from Saint Michael Catholic Grammar School and Adedeji Moses from Christ Apostolic Church Grammar School.
In partnership with AOFFEP on the same day, the People In The Mirror Foundation arm of Dr. Anuoluwapo Osinusi, distributed generous foodstuffs at the Ologbenla compound in Efon Alaaye. The beneficiaries included about 60 households with widows, low-income and aged individuals to cushion the effect of the current economic hardship.
Falusi explained that the empowerment segment was added for the first time with a promise to continue in the future.
