Ijebu Igbo, May 16, 2024

Hon. Dr. Babatunde Ipaye, former Commissioner for Health in Ogun State, marked his birthday with significant philanthropic gestures, reinforcing his commitment to education and community development. Yesterday, he donated ₦500,000 to Japara High School in Ijebu Igbo and awarded University Scholarship to indigent but brilliant University undergraduates through the Ajoke Ipaye Foundation.

The event, held at Japara High School, saw Dr. Ipaye encouraging students to strive for excellence, assuring them that such support would continue as long as he lives. "This philanthropy will continue till my death," he declared, urging students to take advantage of the opportunities presented to them. He emphasized that self-limitation is the only barrier to their success.

Reflecting on his past, Dr. Ipaye shared how the Rotary Club of Ijebu Igbo awarded him a scholarship in 1986, enabling him to pursue a medical degree. This support was pivotal in his journey to becoming a highly skilled medical doctor and international consultant for UNICEF, UK-DFID and the World Bank. He called on teachers to perform their duties with high professional competence and promised to sponsor the scholarship recipients to the PhD level if they achieve first-class honours in their academics.

The event featured notable figures such as Mr. Bolaji Odusanya, Chairman of the Local Government, who praised Dr. Ipaye as an inspiring model. He highlighted Dr. Ipaye’s global recognition and urged him to support local economic initiatives by leveraging his connections to attract other prominent individuals to the cause, for the benefit of Ijebu Igbo Kingdom.

Prof. Arigbabu Abayomi, Ogun State's Commissioner for Education, represented by the Zonal Education Officer Mr. Mobolaji Adidoye, lauded Dr. Ipaye for his impactful legacy. He noted that instead of indulging in personal celebrations, Dr. Ipaye chose to make a significant difference in the community. He urged students to excel academically in response to the opportunities provided by the foundation.

The Chairman of the occasion, Otunba Olaide Oshifeso, along with other dignitaries, commended Dr. Ipaye and his wife for maintaining this legacy for 15 years. Dr. A.T. Onabamiro, in his career talk, emphasized the importance of sound and social education and motivated students to strive for academic excellence despite financial challenges, highlighting the foundation’s support as a critical resource.

The foundation coordinators Deacon Tunji Jayesimi and Dr. Femi Osibamowo announced that over 16 students have benefited from the Ajoke Ipaye Foundation, some reaching PhD levels and achieving notable careers, including Bamidele Sikuru, an award winning Associate Professor in the UK, and legal practitioners Adenubi Mercy and Adeyoriju Folake, Ayodele Ayobami , a Public Health Specialist, Osinowo Abiodun a Ph.D holder in Chemistry and many others.

This year’s scholarship recipients studying at various Universities include Adeyemi Adedayo (Mathematics), Alowolodu Ibrahim (Microbiology), Nofiu Taiwo (Biochemistry), Akeso Zainab (Accounting), Kehinde Esther (Microbiology), and Sikiru Abolaji (Accounting Education).

Other notable attendees include Community leaders such as Chief Nafiu who represented Abijaparako of Japara Land, Chief Omotuke Omotara, Pastor Christopher Alayande, Principals and Vice Principals as well as parents, teachers, and many other dignitaries.