Ogun State politician Senator Solomon Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, has awarded a full university scholarship and ₦2.5 million cash to seven-year-old Kendis, whose portrait of the lawmaker went viral on TikTok. The presentation took place during the senator's Scholarship and Bursary Award Ceremony in Abeokuta on Sunday.
Viral Portrait and Emotional Story
The artwork first gained attention after being posted on TikTok by Kendis' father, who manages the account @noahs_ark.ng. In the video, the young boy explained that his constant hearing of the phrase "Things will get better soon" from his father, especially when food was scarce, motivated him to create the painting.
"My name is Kendis. I am an artist. Let me tell you how it started," the seven-year-old said in the clip. He recalled his father apologising when there was no egg for rice or sugar and groundnut for garri, always adding, "Things will get better soon."
Kendis said he asked his father, "Daddy, when is soon?" The father replied, "Tomorrow." The boy's response resonated deeply: "Tomorrow never comes for my daddy. So I told him, instead of waiting for tomorrow to come, let us paint tomorrow today."
Life-Changing Reward
During the ceremony, Senator Adeola and his wife Temitope Adeola warmly welcomed Kendis and his father. The lawmaker then announced the full scholarship covering education up to university level and a cash gift of ₦2.5 million. The gesture drew loud applause from guests, many describing it as a powerful way of encouraging young talents and rewarding creativity.
The emotional message struck a chord with Nigerians, reflecting the daily struggles of countless families battling economic hardship while still holding onto hope. The scholarship and cash award have now transformed the boy's future, securing his education and supporting his artistic dreams.
A Message of Hope
In his viral explanation, Kendis added, "Through the eyes of a little child, we painted our future now. We painted our tomorrow, today. We painted joy, we painted hope, we painted happiness, we painted our aspiration. No more waiting for tomorrow. Tomorrow is now. Our future is now."
The story has inspired many, highlighting how a simple painting and a child's perspective can lead to life-altering support.
