Governor pledges support to bereaved family, promises justice for teenager
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has offered an employment opportunity to the mother of late 14-year-old Ezekiel Olapade as part of measures to support the bereaved family following the teenager’s death.
The gesture was disclosed by Hon. Bamidele Salam, a close ally of the governor, during a visit to the family of the deceased.
According to Salam, Adeleke has directed that support be extended to Ezekiel’s family, particularly his mother, who is an NCE holder and has reportedly been without a job.
The employment opportunity is expected to provide the woman with a means of livelihood as she continues to cope with the loss of her son.
The governor also extended support to Ezekiel’s elder brother, Peter, with a scholarship offer covering his education through tertiary level.
Peter is expected to enter senior secondary school in September, and the scholarship is intended to ensure that the family’s financial situation does not prevent him from continuing his education.
The intervention comes at a difficult moment for the family, following the death of young Ezekiel.
Salam, who visited the bereaved family, conveyed the governor’s sympathy and assurances of continued support.
Beyond the immediate assistance, Governor Adeleke also assured the family that efforts are ongoing to ensure that justice is served in connection with Ezekiel’s death.
The governor’s position is significant because the family is not only seeking assistance but also answers over the circumstances surrounding the teenager’s death.
The offer of employment to Ezekiel’s mother and the scholarship for his brother are therefore being presented as part of a wider response to the family’s situation, while the demand for justice remains a major issue.
For the Olapade family, the loss of a 14-year-old child has left a painful gap that financial assistance alone cannot fill.
However, the intervention is expected to ease some of the economic pressure on the family and give Ezekiel’s mother an opportunity to rebuild her livelihood.
The scholarship for Peter will also ensure that his education is not disrupted by the family’s present circumstances.
Governor Adeleke has consequently assured the family that the government will continue to monitor developments surrounding the case and work towards ensuring that the circumstances of Ezekiel’s death receive the necessary attention.
The family is expected to continue seeking justice while government support is put in place to assist those left behind.
