***Oyemekun Student Who Missed WAEC Due to Illness Benefits
The Exemplary Friends Club International (EFCI), a non-profit and non-governmental organization, has once again demonstrated its commitment to education and community development with the successful hosting of the 7th edition of its annual NECO Scholarship Awards.
The event took place at the Oyemekun Grammar School Hall in Akure, Ondo State.
Speaking at the ceremony, the President of EFCI, Hon. Ibiloye Alexander Olanrewaju, expressed gratitude on behalf of the club’s members worldwide and welcomed all guests to the 2025 edition of the scholarship awards.
He provided an overview of the club’s mission, highlighting its roots as a social club founded by a group of friends, now registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), and dedicated to improving lives and communities.
Over the years, EFCI has carried out numerous charitable initiatives, including free health screening exercises, donations to orphanage homes, prison outreach programs, and financial aid to both individuals and groups.
A central focus of the club’s work, Hon. Olanrewaju noted, is its support for education through scholarship awards like the one being celebrated.
Despite Nigeria’s current economic difficulties, EFCI members resolved to continue the tradition of offering scholarships to support deserving families.
This year’s award focused on less privileged students who have shown exceptional academic performance.
Nine students were selected as beneficiaries of the 2025 NECO Scholarship Awards.
Among the awardees was Balogun Praise Ayomide, a student of Oyemekun Grammar School, who could not sit for the WAEC examinations due to illness.
The NECO Scholarship, for him, is a much-needed saving grace and a renewed opportunity to pursue his academic dreams.
The EFCI President congratulated the awardees and prayed for divine wisdom, knowledge, and understanding as they continue their academic journeys.
He also commended the parents, guardians, and teachers of the students for their dedication and support.
“Education is key to human development,” Hon. Olanrewaju affirmed. “As a club, we remain committed to working with stakeholders to raise responsible citizens through educational support.”
He urged the students to exhibit good behavior and serve as role models to their peers.
Representing the principal of Oyemekun Grammar School at the event was Mrs. Gbenga Obaweya Comfort, who conveyed the school’s appreciation for EFCI’s consistent support and contributions to the academic development of students.
Akinyemi Grace Temitope, speaking on behalf of the parents, lauded the club for easing the financial burden on families and creating hope for the future through education.
Miss Fadipe Precious, who spoke on behalf of the award recipients, expressed gratitude to EFCI for the life-changing opportunity, promising that the students would not let the club down.
Special appreciation was extended to the principal, vice principal, and staff of Oyemekun Grammar School for their continuous support of the club’s activities over the years.
The event was attended by dignitaries, educators, students, and members of the public who came to celebrate the academic achievements of the awardees and the philanthropic spirit of the EFCI.
