Dufil Prima Foods Plc, makers of Indomie Noodles, has partnered with the Ajose Foundation to award N5 million in scholarships to underprivileged pupils across Abeokuta, Ogun State, as part of efforts to expand access to quality education for disadvantaged children.
The scholarship initiative, unveiled at a ceremony in Abeokuta, was inspired by the passion of the Ogun State First Lady and founder of Ajose Foundation, Mrs Bamidele Abiodun. It reflects a shared vision to create sustainable educational opportunities and address one of the root causes of poverty in Nigeria.
Mrs Abiodun described education as a transformative tool capable of breaking the cycle of poverty and unlocking future potential. “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 represents 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 Dufil’s goodwill message, Group Corporate Communications and Events Manager Temitope Ashiwaju said the company has long viewed 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. Empowering a child with knowledge empowers an entire family and community,” he said.
Ashiwaju added that the N5 million scholarship is part of Dufil’s broader pledge to support families and communities, particularly in Ogun State, where the company established its first factory. “We are committed to standing with families as they strive to secure a better future for their children. We also remain dedicated to supporting the government across all relevant sectors,” he added.
The scholarship event drew government officials, education stakeholders, community leaders, and parents, who described the initiative as a model collaboration between the private sector and civil society. They noted that beyond financial aid, the scholarships would motivate the recipients and reinforce society’s belief in their potential.
Ogun State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Professor Abayomi Arigbabu, commended the organisers for prioritising education at a time when many families face severe financial constraints. He urged other companies and philanthropists to emulate the example set by Dufil Prima Foods and the Ajose Foundation.
Parents of the beneficiaries expressed deep appreciation, saying the scholarships would ease their financial burdens and enable their children to concentrate on their studies. Several pupils who received the awards pledged to work harder and live up to the trust placed in them.
For many families, the scholarships offered more than financial relief—they rekindled hope for a brighter future. Community leaders emphasised that the impact would extend beyond individual recipients to uplift entire families and communities.
By targeting indigent pupils, the Dufil-Ajose partnership seeks to bridge the gap between opportunity and potential, ensuring that no child is left behind because of economic hardship. For small business owners and local communities, such initiatives contribute to building a more educated workforce, which is crucial for future economic growth and enterprise development.
“Nurturing the next generation requires collective responsibility,” Mrs Abiodun said, highlighting the scholarship as a powerful example of how corporate and civil society collaboration can transform lives, uplift communities, and lay stronger foundations for Nigeria’s future.
