...as Katamaran Deck hosts award presentation to Nathaniel Oyelola Memorial Scholarship's beneficiaries
The Katamaran Deck of the National Association of Seadogs (NAS), popularly known as the Pyrates Confraternity, has again demonstrated its commitment to educational development and community upliftment by paying the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) fees for thirty (30) indigent but academically outstanding students in Ijebu-East Local Government Area of Ogun State.
The beneficiaries, drawn from three public secondary schools, St. Anthony's Senior Grammar School, Ijebu-Imushin; Ijebu-Ife Community Senior Grammar School, Ijebu-Ife; and Itele High School (Senior), Itele, were honoured at a congratulatory and award presentation ceremony held at St. Anthony's Senior Grammar School, Ijebu-Imushin on Wednesday, December 10, 2025.
The initiative formed part of the Nathaniel Oyelola Memorial Scholarship Scheme (NOMS), a long-standing educational support programme established to ease financial barriers for brilliant students and encourage academic excellence within underserved communities.
The key objectives of the programme are: Celebrate and officially recognise the 30 selected beneficiaries, provide motivational guidance and counseling to support academic and career development, inspire the students to fully maximise the unique opportunity provided by the scholarship, strengthen community relationships and deepen public understanding of NAS' social responsibility initiatives.
Katamaran Deck Cap'n, Comrade Jamal Apena, urged the beneficiaries to remain focused on their WAEC examinations, cultivate disciplined study habits, and uphold strong moral character.
He encouraged them to take full ownership of their academic future and aspire to become positive contributors to society.
Admonishing the beneficiaries further, Apena said, “This scholarship is a stepping stone, but your success will be defined by the discipline you apply. Focus on your WAEC examinations with unwavering commitment; this is your moment to shape the future you desire."
Also speaking on the occasion, representative of the Young Elites Club of Ijebuland, an indigenous Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) that partnered with Pyrates Confraternity, Engr. Lawal Popoola, congratulated the awardees, advising them to remain committed to their studies in order to secure brighter career opportunities.
Earlier, during the opening session, a member of Katamaran Deck, Dr Olusola S. Adeyemi, in a welcome address, emphasised the National Association of Seadogs' unwavering commitment to education, nation-building and youth empowerment.
He declared that the event underscored the organisation's enduring partnership with the communities of Ijebu-East Local Government Area.
Adeyemi stressed that the gesture was a collective responsibility of NAS to uplift young minds and empower them with opportunities that shape brighter futures.
Vice Principal of the host school, Mrs. Ogunnowo Olufunmilayo Bose, also welcomed guests, expressing deep appreciation for NAS' continued support to public schools within the region.
Secretary of the Pyrates Confraternity, Katamaran Deck, Mr Yomi Obisanya, gave a brief overview of the Nathaniel Oyelola Memorial Scholarship Scheme, outlining its history, objectives, and the confraternity's sustained investment in educational empowerment.
He said that the Nathaniel Oyelola Memorial Scholarship Scheme was created to bridge the gap for brilliant students who are held back by financial constraints.
"Our goal is simple, to ensure that no child's academic potential is limited by circumstance. This scholarship is not just about paying WAEC fees; it is an investment in the future of our communities. When we empower young minds, we contribute to building a stronger and more enlightened society,” he said.
Members of the Katamaran Deck, in company with invited guests and stakeholders, took turns to formally present the Letters of Award to each of the 30 beneficiaries.
The moment was marked by heartfelt applause, visible excitement and a sense of pride as students stepped forward to receive their letters. Parents and guardians expressed deep gratitude for the gesture, noting that the support had lifted a significant financial burden and renewed their children's confidence.
The atmosphere in the hall was one of genuine joy and collective appreciation, reflecting the profound impact of the scholarship on the beneficiaries and their families.
Parents, teachers and community representatives expressed heartfelt appreciation to Pyrates Confraternity for easing the financial burden of WAEC registration. Many highlighted that the programme had reshaped earlier misconceptions about the organisation, demonstrating its transparency, civic responsibility and commitment to humanitarian service.
One of the parents stated, "This programme has changed my earlier misconception about the Pyrates Confraternity. I now see an organisation that genuinely cares about the future of our youths."
He called for increased public sensitisation on the side of the National Association of Seadogs to further enlighten rural communities that Pyrates Confraternity is not a secret cult but a globally recognised humanitarian and advocacy organisation.
The beneficiaries expressed happiness about the awards.
Akanbi Peter Olaoluwa from St Anthony's Senior Grammar School said, “This scholarship means everything to me and my family. It has taken a huge burden off our shoulders, and I am very grateful to the Pyrates Confraternity for believing in us."
Akinola Azeez Opeyemi from Ijebu-Ife Community Grammar School, Ijebu-Ife noted that not everyone could get such an opportunity, saying, "I feel honoured, and I will make sure I don't waste it.”
Elated Kokori Joshua, on his part, said that being selected had encouraged him to work even harder.
"I now feel more confident about preparing for my WAEC examinations," he said.
The 2025 award ceremony recorded significant positive impact, boosting the morale, confidence, and academic enthusiasm of the 30 beneficiaries. The event also strengthened community trust in the social development activities of the Pyrates Confraternity.
Delivering the vote of thanks, the Welfare Officer of the Deck, Mr. Samuel A. Idowu expressed profound appreciation to all dignitaries, teachers, parents and community stakeholders who graced the event despite their busy schedules.
He acknowledged the unwavering support of the Katamaran Deck members whose commitments made the initiative a success, and he praised the dedication of the school administrators for creating an enabling environment for the programme.
He extended heartfelt gratitude to the parents for believing in the future of their children and for encouraging them to seize the opportunities provided through the scholarship.
Turning to the beneficiaries, he urged them to honour the investment made in them by remaining focused, disciplined and determined in their academic pursuits.
Idowu concluded by reaffirming the Deck's commitment to sustaining the Nathaniel Oyelola Memorial Scholarship Scheme and continue efforts that promote education and community development.
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