A chance encounter at the historic Olumo Rock in Abeokuta has changed the fortunes of 15 year old Ridwan Bolaji, a young photographer who had spent more than three years out of school because of financial hardship.
Ridwan’s story came to light during the 2026 annual week of the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), Ogun State, tagged Olumo 2026, when he offered to photograph participants at the tourist attraction.
His photographic skills caught the attention of the Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, who was representing the Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, CP Bode Ojajuni, at the event.
Further interaction revealed that Ridwan had completed his primary education in July 2023 but could not proceed to secondary school because his family was unable to meet the financial demands of further education.
Born on November 3, 2010, Ridwan attended Ijaye Community Nursery and Primary School, Gbangba, Abeokuta, where he completed his primary education.
After leaving school, he reportedly attempted to learn barbering but could not complete the training. He later began taking photographs of visitors at Olumo Rock to earn money and support himself.
Although the work began as a means of survival, Ridwan gradually developed an interest in photography and content creation, displaying an ability to handle a camera, position subjects and capture images effectively despite having no formal professional training.
His encounter with Babaseyi, however, turned his talent into the beginning of a new opportunity.
Moved by the teenager’s circumstances and impressed by his determination, the police spokesman pledged to take responsibility for his education and facilitate his return to school.
The gesture quickly attracted support from the PCRC leadership and members, who rallied around the teenager and his mother.
The National Safe School Club Project, led by Ambassador Prince S. O. Akintoye, donated ₦200,000, while the Chief of Staff to the PCRC National Chairman, Hon. Taiwo Akinlabi, contributed ₦100,000 on behalf of the Special Advisers to the National Chairman.
The PCRC South West, led by Prince Sunny Yemi Adenowo, donated ₦50,000, while the PCRC Zone 2 Chairman, Ven. Arch. Samson Popoola, contributed ₦100,000.
The Ogun State PCRC, under Comrade Abdullahi Babatunde Lawal, donated another ₦50,000, while the Ogun State Coordinator of the PCRC Safe School Club Project, Pastor Olanrewaju Joshua, and his Central Unit contributed ₦25,000.
The institutional contributions amounted to ₦525,000, with individual PCRC members also making additional donations towards Ridwan’s immediate welfare and that of his mother.
The PCRC National Chairman, Alhaji Mogaji Ibrahim Olaniyan, further pledged to personally provide Ridwan’s second term school fees, strengthening the commitment to ensuring that the teenager remains in school.
The intervention reportedly brought tears of joy to Ridwan’s mother, who expressed gratitude to the Nigeria Police Force, PCRC leadership and members for giving her son another opportunity to pursue his education.
The development was described as a practical demonstration of community policing, showing how the partnership between the police and members of the public can extend beyond conventional law enforcement to address social challenges affecting vulnerable citizens.
It also underscores the importance of identifying and supporting young people whose talents and potential may otherwise be overshadowed by poverty, unemployment and other social pressures.
The intervention comes amid calls for greater attention to children who are unable to continue their education because of economic hardship, as prolonged disengagement from school can increase their vulnerability to exploitation, trafficking, drug abuse and criminal influences.
Stakeholders also commended the Inspector General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, for promoting professionalism, community engagement and people oriented policing, saying the intervention demonstrated the practical meaning of the police being a friend to the people.
For Ridwan, the encounter at Olumo Rock has created a new path. What began as an attempt to earn a living with a camera has opened the door to a return to the classroom, while giving him an opportunity to develop his photographic talent.
His journey from school dropout to prospective student has also highlighted the impact that timely intervention can have when public institutions, community organisations and individuals respond to the needs of vulnerable young people.
As Ridwan prepares to return to school, his story has become one of resilience, compassion and a second chance, with the hope that his camera will eventually become not just a means of survival but the foundation of a rewarding career.