By Dayo Adesulu
FoodCo Nigeria Limited has announced the first batch of beneficiaries of the Adegbenga Sun-Basorun Scholarship Scheme for indigent secondary school students in Ibadan, Oyo State. The Scholarship, aimed at promoting the legacy of the late philanthropist and chairman of the company, Dr. Adegbenga Sun-Basorun, will cover tuition from JSS2 until graduation for 1000 students. Speaking during a ceremony to unveil the first batch of 50 recipients, Ade Sun-Basorun, Executive Director, FoodCo Nigeria Limited, stated that the late Sun-Basorun was passionate about assisting the less privileged, especially children; and that the scheme will provide a platform for indigent students to actualize their educational aspirations as well as help reduce the burden of out of school children in Oyo State. He said: “We are delighted to unveil the first set of beneficiaries of the Adegbenga Sun-Basorun Scholarship Scheme. The scholarship was thrown open to indigent students from secondary schools located around the eight FoodCo outlets in Ibadan. After a thorough examination and screening process, we are pleased to announce the 50 students selected as the first set of recipients of the award.” He continued: “While FoodCo is involved in several community partnership initiatives within ourhostcommunities, this project is particularly dear to us because it offers a pathway for young bright minds to actualize their academic desires and make something positive from their lives, thereby, immortalizing the ideals of our founding chairman.” Olanike Adam, an official of the Universal Basic Education Commission, lauded FoodCo for the Scholarship initiative, noting that it was a demonstration of the company’s commitment to the Commission’s charge that education should be the responsibility of all. Similarly, Ngozi Akinde, a representative of the Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board, SUBEB, also commended FoodCo for instituting the Scheme. She called on other corporate bodies to emulate the company and advised parents, guardians and the participating schools toensure that the students maximize the opportunity that the scholarship provides. Beneficiaries of the maiden edition of the Dr. Adegbenga Sun-Basorun Scholarship Scheme were drawn from government-owned secondary schools within Ibadan, including Oba Akinyele Memorial High School, Queen’s School, Government College and TL Oyesina Model Secondary School. Others are: Community High School, Alegongo; Methodist Secondary School and Urban Day Secondary. FoodCo is a diversified consumer goods company based in Ibadan, Oyo State. With over 400 staff in its employ, the company has interests in retail, fast food and manufacturing.
