An aspirant for Ibadan South East State Constituency I, Hon. Aminat Kobiowu, has urged pupils to remain focused and committed to their education, stressing that determination can overcome even the toughest life challenges.
Kobiowu made the call on Thursday during the Catch Them Young Initiative Campaign held at St. Brigid’s Basic Primary School, Mokola, Ibadan, where she encouraged the children to build a strong foundation for a brighter future.
Sharing her personal story, the University of Ibadan and Obafemi Awolowo University graduate recounted her difficult upbringing, revealing how she was forced to take responsibility for her siblings at a young age following her parents’ separation. She explained that despite lacking basic needs and parental support, she persevered through hard work and self-belief.
“I faced severe hardship as a child. From Primary Four, I had to care for my four siblings after my parents separated. I wrote my SSCE through borrowed funds and worked as a pool house clerk in Ibadan. I also sold items within the University of Ibadan community before eventually gaining admission and graduating. Today, I hold a Master’s degree from Obafemi Awolowo University,” she said.
The aspirant emphasized that focus, discipline, and resilience are essential for success, assuring that if elected into the Oyo State House of Assembly in 2027, she would champion policies that promote quality education and support for young learners.
She also called on government and parents to work together in creating an enabling environment for effective learning and child development.
In his remarks, the Special Assistant on Arewa Community to the Oyo State Governor, Ahmed Muritala, represented by his Personal Assistant, Ibrahim Abdullahi, urged parents across all socio-economic backgrounds to actively support their children’s ambitions and personal development.
Earlier, the Chief Coordinator of the Catch Them Young Initiative and Bright Media Network appreciated the school’s management and teachers for their cooperation, while encouraging the pupils to take their studies seriously and believe in their potential regardless of their background.
Highlights of the event included the inauguration of pupils into various clubs, with Adeola Oyebisi heading the Security unit, Rahmat Abdullateef leading the Press club, Thomas Ayomide in charge of Health, and Maurice Ebenezer overseeing the Environment unit, among others.
