••• Honors Late Governor Cornelius Adebayo, NGF Chairman, Oba Ajibola Ademola Julius
In a heartfelt demonstration of compassion and service, community leader and youth advocate, Hon. Stephen Awoyale marked his birthday by reaching out to students and vulnerable members of the society across Isin Local Government Area. Guided by the principle “People First, Always,” the day was dedicated to uplifting others and giving back to the community.
As part of the celebration, Awoyale organized an outreach programme at Ijara-Isin Senior Secondary School, focusing on students in SSS1–SSS3. The initiative was designed to encourage young people, support their wellbeing, and inspire them to believe in their future.
During the programme, female students received sanitary pads through the ‘Pad a Girl’ Initiative to promote dignity, confidence, and school attendance. The school was also presented with a laptop to support learning, while outstanding students were rewarded with school bags as encouragement for excellence.
In addition, deworming tablets and multivitamins were distributed, and students received guidance on drug abuse, healthy living, and responsible choices.
Awoyale explained that choosing to celebrate his birthday in this way reflects his long-standing belief that leadership must be rooted in service to the people. His experience as the State Chairman of Youth Wing of Christian Association and various opportunities by the Governor widely known as ‘Alaanu Mekunnu’ in serving meritoriously in people-centric committees like the Palliatives distribution Committee, Flood Relief Implementation committee amongst many
Speaking on his inspiration, he paid tribute to the late Cornelius Olatunji Adebayo, whose posthumous birthday is remembered today. He described the late elder statesman as a man of compassion, generosity, and deep love for his people, values that continue to inspire many.
He also acknowledged the leadership of the Executive Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, whose dedication to development and opportunities for young people has encouraged many to believe in service and responsible leadership.
Awoyale further expressed profound respect and gratitude to his royal father, mentor, and leader, HRM Oba Ajibola Ademola Julius, praising his passion, commitment, and consistent dedication to the wellbeing and progress of the people.
Extending the spirit of compassion beyond the school outreach, Awoyale also distributed Lent and Ramadan support packages to selected individuals and faith-based groups across Isin Local Government Area. Beneficiaries included representatives from different wards, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), the Council of Imams, widows, and other members of the community. The gesture was aimed at strengthening unity, kindness, and mutual care among people of different faiths during the sacred seasons.
Awoyale expressed deep gratitude to God for sparing his life and granting him another year to serve humanity.
Reflecting on the outreach, he noted that the initiative represents a humble effort to walk in the footsteps of great leaders and mentors who placed people at the center of leadership.
