In an effort to expand access to education for underprivileged children, Dufil Prima Foods Plc, makers of Indomie Noodles, has partnered with the Ajose Foundation to award N5m in scholarships to indigent students across Abeokuta, Ogun State.
The initiative, launched at a ceremony in Abeokuta, is inspired by the passion of the First Lady of Ogun State and founder of Ajose Foundation, Mrs Bamidele Abiodun. It underscores a shared vision to create sustainable educational opportunities for disadvantaged Nigerian children, according to a statement on Wednesday.
Speaking at the event, Mrs Abiodun stressed the transformative role of education in breaking the cycle of poverty. “Education is the most powerful investment we can make in our children’s future. Through this partnership with Dufil Prima Foods, we are not just giving scholarships; we are opening doors of opportunity and ensuring that no child’s dream is cut short because of financial limitations,” she said.
She added that the scholarship initiative reflects a collective responsibility to safeguard the dreams of young Nigerians. “Every child deserves the chance to rise above their circumstances, and today, we are making that possible. As a government and a people, we are grateful for the continuity of this impactful Corporate Social Responsibility powered by Dufil Prima Foods.”
Delivering the goodwill message of Dufil Prima Foods, the Group Corporate Communications and Events Manager, Temitope Ashiwaju, said the company sees education as a cornerstone of its corporate social responsibility programmes.
“For us at Dufil Prima Foods, Indomie is more than just a brand found in almost every Nigerian home. It is a symbol of care, nourishment, and social responsibility. Education has always been a cornerstone of our CSR interventions because we believe that empowering a child with knowledge empowers an entire family and community,” he stated.
Ashiwaju added that the N5m scholarship represents the company’s pledge to support families in Ogun State and beyond. “We are committed to standing with families as they strive to secure a better future for their children. More importantly, in Ogun State—the home of our first factory—we remain dedicated to supporting the government across all relevant sectors.”
The scholarship ceremony brought together government officials, education stakeholders, community leaders, and parents. Among those present were Professor Abayomi Arigbabu, Ogun State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology; Dr Yinka Elemide, wife of the Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly; and Evangelist Olalekan Ifede, Chairman of the Ogun State Universal Basic Education Board.
They collectively praised the partnership between Dufil Prima Foods and the Ajose Foundation, describing it as a model of effective collaboration between the private sector and civil society. The officials noted that, beyond financial assistance, the scholarships will serve as motivation to the recipients and as a reminder that society believes in their potential.
Professor Arigbabu commended the organisers for choosing to invest in education at a time when many children face daunting financial obstacles. He urged other companies and philanthropies to emulate the example set by Dufil Prima Foods and the Ajose Foundation.
Parents of the beneficiaries expressed gratitude for the assistance, noting that the support would ease their financial burden and enable their children to focus on their studies. Several pupils who received the awards promised to work harder in school and honour the trust placed in them.
For many families, the scholarships represented more than just financial relief; they renewed hope for a brighter future. Community leaders also emphasised that the scholarships would not only benefit the individual pupils but also ripple through their families and communities.
Through this initiative, both Dufil Prima Foods and the Ajose Foundation reaffirmed their conviction that education is the most powerful equalizer in society. By targeting indigent pupils, the partnership aims to bridge the gap between opportunity and potential, ensuring that no child is left behind because of economic hardship.
As Mrs Abiodun remarked, “Nurturing the next generation requires collective responsibility.” The N5m scholarship scheme thus stands as a shining example of how collaboration between corporate bodies and foundations can transform lives, uplift communities, and lay stronger foundations for Nigeria’s future.
