In a heartening show of compassion and inclusivity, the traditional ruler of Odo-Noforija Kingdom in Lagos State, Oba Babatunde Ogunlaja JP, has awarded full law school scholarships to five visually impaired students.
EpeInsights reports that the scholarships were presented during this year’s Ojude Oba Festival held on Saturday, June 7, 2025, a cultural event marked by celebration, reflection and philanthropy in the Epe division.
Each beneficiary received not only funding for their legal education but also gift items including a bag of rice, a ram, and cash assistance to help meet their daily needs.
The gesture, now an annual tradition, was extended to students from Bethesda Home and School for the Blind, an institution known for nurturing visually impaired youth across Nigeria.
“These children should be treated with love and seen as special,” Kabiyesi said during his address.
“Their dreams are valid, and they deserve every opportunity to succeed. I will continue this support every year, as I did last year.”
This marks the second consecutive year that the monarch has sponsored blind students through law school, affirming a long-term commitment to education, equity, and empowerment.
Emotions ran high as the students, joined by staff of Bethesda and well-wishers, expressed their gratitude to the monarch.
“Your Majesty, your kindness is a light in our path. Thank you for believing in us,” one of the recipients said on behalf of the group.
The initiative has been widely praised as an exemplary model of community leadership and inclusive development, especially at a time when access to education remains a challenge for many Nigerians with disabilities.
Oba Ogunlaja urged both public and private stakeholders to take inspiration from the initiative and contribute meaningfully to the lives of persons living with disabilities.
