The Social Democratic Party (SDP) presidential candidate in the 2023 General election, Prince Adewole Adebayo, on Tuesday launched free shuttle bus scheme for primary and secondary school pupils in the Ondo City.
The bus with a seating capacity of about 130 passengers Which has “Free Shuttle Bus” inscribed on it, would operate during weekday except holidays conveying pupils within the Ondo West local government to and fro.
The shuttle bus would pick up pupils between 6.00am – 9.00am at designated areas and drop them off at the same locations between 2.30pm and 5.00pm.
At the flag off, the Ondo State SDP Chairman, Hon. Stephen Adewale, who handed the key of the bus over to the President of Ondo Ekimogun Youth Council (OEYC) in the presence of Ondo Development Committee (ODC) members, said Prince Adebayo dedicated the bus to the development of Education in Ondo City.
“Prince Adebayo is disturbed and concerned that due to the recent removal of subsidy, it is becoming difficult for many parents to pay the daily transportation fare of their children and wards. On this basis, he decided to introduce this social intervention programme in order to free parents and guardians from their daily struggle of meeting their responsibilities to their children,” Adewale said.
In his appreciation speech, the Vice Chairman, Ondo Ekimogun Youth Advisory Committee, Dr. Nelson Osungbemiro said:
“We thank God for the donor, this is un-presidented and we really thank God that it is coming at this particular time when the situation in the country is at where everybody is seeking for help here and there as regarding the fuel subsidy removal. And this is one of the very way to reduce the burden on the parents.”
He added that “it is not easy sending students to school at this time but God has given it to Prince Dr. Adewole Adebayo who is magnanimous enough to bring down a luxurious bus and even fuel it free. It is laudable. It is something we really have to appreciate.”
Chairman Youth Advisory Committee, ODC Ondo kingdom, Dr. Bridget Itunu Awosika said “the gesture from Prince Barrister Adewole Adebayo this day is a gesture that has many parts, Firstly, it is a gesture that Confirms that they have an Ondo Indigene who have decided not to forget their Source.”
She challenged people of Ondo Kingdom to come back and give back to the Source where they have been nourished.
Representing His Royal Majesty, Oba Adesimbo Kiladejo (Jilo III), Chief Bello appreciated Prince Adewole Adebayo for his continuous goodwill for the Ondo Kingdom.
“On behalf of all the Parents in Ondo City, I Sincerely appreciate and thank Prince Barrister Adewole Adebayo for not neglecting the youth or pushing them aside. God will Continue to bless and uplift him”.
Ondo Ekimogun Youth Congress (OEYC) President, Engr Kayode Folajogun also applauded the virtues of Prince Adebayo.
“On behalf of all the Youth in Ondo Kingdom, I want to appreciate Prince Adewole Adebayo for his donation of the Shuttle Bus giving to the student of Ondo State.”
He said: “the Shuttle is a Community Donation which is available to all members of the Community.”
He added that: “Barrister Adebayo Adewole has made available driver and the fueling of the shuttle for use. Prince Barrister Adewole Adebayo has been a great support to the Committee of Ondo as a whole.”
Speaking to newsmen, the Education Secretary, Ondo West Local Government, Barr. Bada Maruf Matthew said,
“Going by the provision of the constitution section eighteen, sub section three(3) which says that Government must direct it policy towards providing education up to the tertiary institution, but there is a clause attached to it that as at when practicable.
It means that you can’t sue the government concerning that, but here we have seen that we have a donor like this, a philanthropist who has provided this kind of enabling environment for students, it is a good gesture.”
“When you’re late to school, for you to comprehend whatever they might have been through in that classroom, it will be very very difficult. This is a good gesture coming from an indigene of this town, we really appreciate his contribution towards education in Ondo State,” he submitted.
