The wife of the Ooni of Ife, Her Rogal Majesty, Ambassador Dr Temitope Morenike Enitan-Ogunwusi, has demonstrated her commitment to educational excellence and youth empowerment by rewarding two outstanding graduates of ESTAM University, Benin Republic, with a total of N1 million.
The royal gesture took place on Thursday, October 29, 2026, during the university’s Annual Matriculation, Convocation and Conferment of Honorary Degrees ceremony held at the Palais des Congrès, Cotonou, Benin Republic.
The event brought together distinguished personalities, academics, traditional representatives, graduates and other stakeholders to celebrate academic achievements and promote leadership development.
The two beneficiaries, who received N500,000 each, were recognised for their outstanding academic performances and dedication to their studies.
They are Opara Confidence of the Department of Business Administration, who emerged as the Best Graduating Student of the 2026 set, and Oloruntoba Ivana of the Department of International Relations, recognised as the Best Graduating Student for the 2025 academic session.
Presenting the gifts, Olori Ooni explained that the financial rewards were intended to appreciate the students’ hard work, dedication and commitment to academic excellence while encouraging them to pursue greater heights.
Beyond the financial assistance, the royal mother made an additional commitment to the future of the two graduates, promising to use her influence and capacity to facilitate good employment opportunities for them.
Her promise of employment support added another significant dimension to the gesture, underscoring the importance of moving beyond the celebration of academic achievements to creating practical opportunities for young graduates to become economically independent.
A Gesture Beyond Financial Rewards
Olori Ooni’s intervention represents an inspiring example of how individuals in positions of influence can contribute to educational development by identifying, appreciating and supporting outstanding young people.
At a time when many graduates face uncertainties regarding employment and career advancement, her decision to combine financial rewards with a promise of job opportunities offers encouragement and renewed hope to the beneficiaries.
The gesture also highlighted the importance of mentorship, empowerment and influential individuals supporting young talents through financial assistance and career opportunities.
For Opara Confidence and Oloruntoba Ivana, the N500,000 award each and the promise of employment support represent not just recognition of their academic accomplishments but also an investment in their future.
Olori Ooni’s intervention sends a powerful message that academic excellence deserves recognition and that supporting young graduates with meaningful opportunities remains an important pathway to building a better society.
Her gesture emerged as one of the memorable highlights of ESTAM University’s October 29 ceremony, reinforcing the significance of rewarding excellence and investing in the next generation.
DREPORTORIAL MEDIA
Reporting Education, Leadership and Development.
