TECH UPSKILL GRADUATION AND SCHOLARSHIP AWARD CEREMONY OF THE AYOOLA-ELEGBEJI FOUNDATION

TECH UPSKILL GRADUATION AND SCHOLARSHIP AWARD CEREMONY OF THE AYOOLA-ELEGBEJI FOUNDATION
The Tech Upskill Graduation and Scholarship Award Ceremony held on Saturday, June 21st, 2025, at the prestigious Ewusi Palace Hall, was a landmark occasion focused on celebrating youth achievement, digital empowerment, and educational support in the Remo region of Ogun State. Organized by the Ayoola-Elegbeji Foundation in partnership with Empower Youth Voices, the event was a culmination of months of rigorous training, mentorship, and transformation for young individuals from across Remo who participated in a specially curated technology skill acquisition program.
The ceremony commenced with the dignified rendition of the Nigerian National Anthem, followed by the Ogun State Anthem, performed by all in attendance as a show of patriotism and unity. This opening ritual immediately set the tone for what would become a deeply impactful gathering.
Among the high-profile personalities seated at the high table were individuals of influence and commitment to youth development, including: Hon Princess Adeshola Ayoola-Elegbeji, Founder of the Ayoola-Elegbeji Foundation and Commissioner for Ogun Judiciary Commission and aspirant for Remo Federal Constituency under the All Progressive Congress(APC); Dr. Barr. Dapo Odukoya, Commissioner 1 of the Ogun State House of Assembly Service Commission; Comrade Aremu Adekunle Ashaye, a notable youth leader;Omooba Abiola Ogundeko, CEO of Heritage Culture & Hospitality Limited; Mr. Olalekan Balogun, Director of Campaign of the Ayoola-Elegbeji Foundation; Comrade Bidemi Solarin, the Amiable Chairman of the Remo Youth Association; and Miss Janet Olaolu, the dedicated Project Coordinator of the Tech Upskill Program. The royal presence was strongly felt with the attendance of His Royal Highness, Oba Kolawole Adeshina Adeyemi, the Negbuwa of Ibido Sagamu, who served as the Royal Father of the Day.
Delivering the opening address,Hon Princess Adeshola Ayoola-Elegbeji welcomed all attendees and stakeholders. In her speech, she highlighted the mission behind the Tech Upskill initiative, emphasizing how the world has become increasingly technology-driven, and why it is essential that young people from Remo are not left behind. She pointed out that tech is no longer a luxury or an industry reserved for the elite or urban youth; it is now a tool of transformation that has the potential to create jobs, inspire innovation, and elevate entire communities. She passionately reiterated her commitment to seeing more youth from Remo thrive in the digital economy, not only through training but also through strategic mentorship, exposure, and continued educational investment.
The Tech Upskill program itself had a remarkable journey. It initially welcomed over 200 participants from across Remo. Through a structured and demanding training process, that number narrowed down to 35 dedicated individuals who committed fully to the program.
Out of these, 15 participants successfully completed the full course. They were rigorously assessed based on their attendance, academic performance, participation, and practical engagement throughout the program.
From the 15 graduates, four individuals emerged as the most outstanding. Their performances were exceptional across all evaluated areas, and as a result, they were awarded fully funded scholarships to study at the prestigious Alt Tech School—an institution renowned for producing future-focused tech leaders and professionals. The scholarship recipients were: Idowu Oshubo, David Badun, Michael Olayemi—who was represented at the event by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Olayemi—and one more beneficiary who was absent at the ceremony.
In addition to the scholarship recipients, the Foundation also recognized the efforts and commitment of four other participants who successfully completed the program but did not meet the scholarship criteria. These individuals were presented with Certificates of Participation in acknowledgment of their dedication and perseverance. The certificate recipients were: Abimbola Oshonuga, Mayowa Olorunjuwonlo Precious,Olumide Isaac,Omoniyi Mafikuyomi.
These participants were applauded for their courage in finishing the training and were encouraged to continue building on their newfound knowledge to unlock future opportunities.
During the event, one of the scholarship beneficiaries, David Badun, delivered a heartwarming speech on behalf of his fellow awardees. He expressed deep gratitude to the Ayoola-Elegbeji Foundation for the opportunity to gain both digital skills and access to further education. He shared his personal journey and the positive transformation he experienced during the course, ending his speech with an emotional commitment to make the most of the opportunity given to him and to one day give back to his community.
Following this, a goodwill message was delivered by Comrade Bidemi Solarin, the Chairman of the Remo Youth Association. He praised the Foundation’s intentional focus on Remo youth, calling it a bold and necessary move. He urged the participants to use their new skills to not only transform their own lives but also become agents of positive change in the region. He encouraged other community leaders and well-meaning individuals to emulate such efforts, pointing out that community-driven empowerment was the most sustainable path to progress.
As the event drew to a close, His Royal Highness , Oba Kolawole Adeshina Adeyemi, the Negbowa of Ibido Kingdom, rose to give his royal blessings and closing remarks. In a deeply moving address, the Kabiyesi advised the youth of Remo to embrace the path of diligence, honesty, and innovation. He issued a strong caution against vices such as internet fraud, cultism, and other forms of social misconduct, urging them instead to take pride in legitimate success and personal growth. He poured prayers upon the host, Princess Ayoola-Elegbeji, praising her vision and generosity, and asked for divine favor on all those involved in the initiative.
In conclusion, the Tech Upskill Graduation and Scholarship Award Ceremony was not merely a celebration; it was a strong declaration that Remo youth are capable, worthy, and ready to thrive in the tech-driven future.
The event proved that with strategic investment, mentorship, and opportunity, grassroots communities can produce tech innovators, thinkers, and leaders.
The Ayoola-Elegbeji Foundation has set a transformative example that other organizations, both within and beyond Remo, can follow. With continued support and expansion, programs like this will not only reduce unemployment but also reposition Remo as a hub for digital excellence and innovation in Nigeria.