APC Guber Candidate Yayi Awards 7-Year-Old Artist ₦2.5m
….University Scholarship After Viral Portrait
The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, has awarded a seven-year-old artist, Kendis, a full scholarship up to university level and a cash gift of ₦2.5 million after the boy’s hand-drawn portrait of the senator captured widespread attention on social media.
The presentation took place on Sunday, July 26, 2026, during Senator Adeola’s Scholarship and Bursary Award Ceremony, where the young artist was invited as a special guest to personally present the original portrait to the senator.
Kendis was received by Senator Adeola and his wife, Mrs Temitope Adeola, before an audience comprising scholarship beneficiaries, dignitaries and other guests.
Impressed by the child’s artistic talent, the senator announced an educational scholarship that will fund Kendis’ education through university, in addition to an immediate cash reward of ₦2.5 million to support his artistic growth and encourage him to continue developing his gift.
Adeola said children with exceptional abilities should be given every opportunity to succeed, stressing that identifying and nurturing young talents is a key part of his vision for Ogun State’s future.
According to him, while education remains a major priority through scholarships, bursaries and improved learning opportunities, gifted children also deserve support to help them maximise their potential and inspire others.
“Every child with exceptional talent deserves the opportunity to realise their full potential. While education remains a cornerstone of our development agenda through scholarships, bursaries and improved learning opportunities, we must also recognise and nurture gifted young people whose unique abilities can inspire others and make meaningful contributions to society. By investing in these exceptional talents today, we are building a future where Ogun State is renowned not only for academic excellence but also for producing innovators, creators and leaders who will compete and excel on the global stage,” the senator said.
