Members of the Missouri State General Assembly in the United States of America have welcomed a Nigerian-born recipient of the Rotary International Scholarship at the University of Central Missouri, Mr. Muritala Ayinla. They expressed their appreciation for the positive image of the United States that Ayinla and other aspiring youths hold following their experiences in the country.
Speaking while playing host to Ayinla at the Missouri State Capitol, located in Jefferson City, Senator Rick Brattin, who represents Missouri’s 31st Senatorial District, expressed his delight in Ayinla’s positive impression of the United States. “I feel immensely proud of you and am excited to learn of your positive perceptions of the United States,” Senator Brattin remarked.
The visibly elated Senator Brattin stood up from his seat and asked Ayinla to sit on his own chair as a mark of honour. He emphasized the commitment of the Missouri State legislature to strengthening democracy through legislative functions, saying that the lawmakers would continue to strengthen US democracy through legislative functions.
Representative Dan Houx, representing Johnson County District 54 in the Missouri House of Representatives, praised the University of Central Missouri and Rotary International for their efforts in providing scholarships to students whose home is outside the United States of America.
He also commended David Pearce, the Executive Director for Governmental Relations and former Missouri Senator, for his significant contributions to the legislative chamber during his tenure.
Chair of the Higher Education Committee in the Missouri House of Representatives, Representative Brenda Shields, reiterated Missouri State’s dedication to offering the best educational opportunities for all children in the state. She applauded the University of Central Missouri for its advancements in education. Representatives Kemp Strickler of District 34 in Jackson County and Kelvin Windham of District 74 in St. Louis County welcomed Ayinla to the Capitol, highlighting the legislature’s efforts to enhance educational opportunities for everyone.
On his part, Representative Dane Diehl of District 125, said he was happy to see Ayinla coming from the University of Central Missouri, saying that he had so many ties to the university, having enrolled in the school for a while. The lawmakers in the Missouri General Assembly comprise 34 members of the Senate representing various districts, and 163 House Representatives members are all up for the 2024 elections.
