Ten indigent undergraduates of Ibadan origin studying at Nigerian Universities have received scholarships from Oluyole Club, a socio cultural organisation that funds the awards through voluntary contributions from its members.

The scholarships were announced at the club's 13th annual lecture and awards ceremony, titled "Riding the Economic and Financial Storms," held at the LCCI Conference and Exhibition Centre, Ikeja, Lagos.

Club President Oluniyi Fatokun, in his welcome address, disclosed that Oluyole Club also operates a Youth Empowerment Programme through which funds are channelled to small scale businesses and artisans via banks at low interest rates. He added that the club maintains a Welfare Scheme extending support to members who are ill or bereaved.

Honorary awards of meritorious service to Ibadan land were presented at the event to the club's presidents, its elders, and Prof. Jide Owoeye of the Governing Council of Lead City University, in recognition of their contributions to the club and to Ibadan.

Guest lecturer Pastor Bayo Olugbemi, addressing the economic challenges facing Nigerians, urged the audience to reframe adversity, stating that every problem presents an opportunity in disguise. He advised individuals and businesses to maintain liquidity buffers, tighten receivables, and monitor payables as strategies for weathering financial uncertainty.

Olugbemi warned against over-borrowing, noting that excessive leverage can destroy businesses, and stressed the importance of strategic long term investment, particularly taking advantage of downturn pricing.

On technology, he stated: "Technology is expected to drive efficiency and growth across sectors. You have to ensure you stay informed, be proactive, and develop contingency plans. This has become critical in Nigeria today because policy shifts can be sudden and market dynamics change rapidly."

He urged business owners to adopt digital payment systems, deploy data analytics for decision making, and embrace artificial intelligence and automation, describing digital transformation as no longer optional.

Olugbemi concluded by affirming that despite its economic challenges, Nigeria retains strong investment potential, pointing to a growing digital economy, expanding capital markets, and robust entrepreneurial energy as indicators of opportunity.