First Lady Oluremi Tinubu Honours N10m Promise to 12-Year-Old Ogun Artist

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has fulfilled her ₦10 million education pledge to 12-year-old Ogun State artist, Master Morenikeji Ebunoluwa Joshua, less than a month after recognising his artistic talent.

The donation, provided through the Ogun State Government as an Education Development Trust Fund, is intended to support Joshua’s education through the tertiary level and enable him to pursue his academic ambitions while continuing to develop his artistic abilities.

Senator Tinubu had announced the pledge on August 18 after encountering Joshua at the launch of the South-West Zonal National Food Bank Programme at the Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta.

The young artist had been displaying a portrait he painted of the First Lady. Impressed by the quality of the artwork, Tinubu invited Joshua to the podium and announced a ₦10 million commitment towards his future education.

The pledge has now been fulfilled with the presentation of the fund to the Ogun State Government for the benefit of the young artist.

Presenting the cheque on behalf of the First Lady, Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, described the development as a demonstration that “a promise made is a promise kept.”

Abiodun said the significance of the gesture went beyond the monetary value of the donation, describing it as an investment in a young Nigerian whose talent had been identified and encouraged.

The governor commended Joshua for his artistic ability and determination to showcase his work. He also urged other young Nigerians to identify their talents, develop their skills and confidently promote their abilities.

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According to Abiodun, Joshua demonstrated an important quality by making deliberate efforts to ensure that his talent was seen and appreciated.

“Young Joshua Morenikeji is someone who wants to be heard, he wants to be seen, he wants his talent to be appreciated, and that is a very strong virtue,” the governor said.

He added, “The truth is that if you are not out there promoting yourself, nobody is likely to promote you.”

The latest intervention also builds on previous support provided to Joshua by the Ogun State Government.

Abiodun recalled that he first encountered the young artist about three years ago after seeing one of his paintings during an exhibition at the governor’s office. His interaction with Joshua subsequently revealed that the talented artist was still in primary school.

Impressed by his ability, the governor said he immediately approved a scholarship to support Joshua’s education from primary through secondary school.

“I immediately announced a scholarship in his favour to see him through primary to secondary school, and that has been done,” Abiodun said.

With the First Lady’s ₦10 million intervention, the young artist’s educational support has now been extended to the tertiary level.

The governor expressed appreciation to Tinubu for fulfilling her pledge and described her as a promise keeper and a strong supporter of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

He further disclosed that a dedicated account had been opened to ensure that the ₦10 million fund would be preserved specifically for Joshua’s educational needs.

“We extend our deepest appreciation for this gift of ₦10 million, whose account has been opened specifically for this purpose,” he said.

Abiodun also congratulated Joshua’s parents and urged them to continue providing the necessary support for their son. He encouraged Joshua to remain focused on his education while consistently developing his artistic talent.

Earlier, the Senior Special Assistant to the First Lady on Strategy, Hon. Wahab Alawiye-King, who handed over the cheque to Governor Abiodun, said Joshua’s story highlighted the importance of an education system capable of recognising and nurturing different forms of talent.

She explained that education should not be restricted to academic performance, noting that it also covers the cognitive, affective and psychomotor domains. These areas, she said, encompass intellectual development, values and emotions, as well as practical skills.

The Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu, also disclosed that the intervention formed part of wider efforts to support deserving young people.

He revealed that 21 students from tertiary institutions had also benefited from financial awards. The beneficiaries included 14 students of Tai Solarin University of Education, six students from Babcock University and one student from Mountain Top University.

For Joshua, the intervention represents more than recognition for a portrait that caught the First Lady’s attention. It provides a pathway for him to pursue higher education while nurturing the artistic talent that has already brought him national attention.

Speaking after the presentation, Joshua expressed gratitude to Senator Tinubu for recognising and investing in his talent.

The young artist said the gesture demonstrated that young Nigerians with talent could be seen, valued and encouraged when they make efforts to showcase their abilities.

He also urged other children to identify their passions, pursue them diligently and continue working to improve their talents.

The support has therefore provided Joshua with both educational security and renewed encouragement to pursue his artistic ambitions while inspiring other young Nigerians to believe in and develop their abilities.