By TheDailyNewsHub
Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has fulfilled her ₦10 million education pledge to 12-year-old Ogun State artist, Morenikeji Ebunoluwa Joshua, less than a month after his artistic talent caught her attention.
The money, provided through an Education Development Trust Fund, is intended to support Joshua’s education through the tertiary level.
Tinubu made the pledge on August 18, 2026, after seeing Joshua display a portrait he had painted of her during the launch of the South-West Zonal National Food Bank Programme at the Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta.
Impressed by the young artist’s work, the First Lady invited him to the podium and announced the ₦10 million education support.
The pledge was formally fulfilled on Friday, September 11, with the cheque presented through the Ogun State Government. Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, received the cheque on behalf of the beneficiary.
Abiodun described the fulfilment of the pledge as evidence that “a promise made is a promise kept,” while noting that the gesture went beyond its monetary value.
According to the governor, the support represents an investment in a young Nigerian whose talent has been identified and encouraged. He also congratulated Joshua’s parents and urged them to continue supporting their son as he develops his artistic abilities.
The governor disclosed that an account had been opened specifically for the ₦10 million fund to ensure that the money is preserved for Joshua’s educational needs.
Wahab Alawiye-King, Senior Special Assistant to the First Lady on Public Affairs and Strategy, who handed over the cheque to the governor, said Joshua’s story demonstrated the importance of recognising and nurturing different forms of talent among young people.
He noted that education encompasses intellectual development as well as practical and creative skills, adding that young Nigerians should be encouraged to develop their abilities.
Joshua, in his response, thanked Tinubu for recognising his talent and supporting his education. He encouraged other children to identify their passions, pursue them diligently and continue improving their skills.
The development comes less than four weeks after the young artist attracted national attention with his portrait of the First Lady at the Abeokuta event.
The ₦10 million fund is specifically intended to support Joshua’s education up to tertiary level, according to reports on the presentation.