Youth from the Ondo North senatorial district have warned against the politicisation of bursary awards initiated by Senator Jide Ipinsagba, representing the district in the National Assembly.

The youth under the auspices of the Ondo North Development and Advocacy Forum (ONDAF) expressed concern over what it described as deliberate attempts by certain interests to politicise the students’ bursary in the state district.

In a statement signed by the ONDAF Coordinator, Mr. Emmanuel Akinkunmi, said the bursary programme by the lawmaker has been duly captured in the Federal Government’s budget and is currently awaiting the completion of implementation processes by the appropriate authorities, which accounts for the delay being experienced in disbursement to beneficiaries across the district.

The Forum noted that it is already a matter of public knowledge that the implementation of the 2025 budget is yet to be fully completed, while the capital component of the budget has been extended till June 30, 2026, due to poor release of funds.

According to the group, the issue clearly goes beyond Senator Olajide Ipinsagba and should not be twisted for political purposes.

Akinkunmi said: “We consider it necessary to disabuse the minds of students and members of the public of insinuations aimed at portraying Senator Jide Ipinsagba in a bad light over circumstances beyond his immediate control. .

The attempt by certain interests to politicise the issue and incite students against the Senator should be disregarded, as it is clearly targeted at gaining cheap political advantage.”