Members of the Missouri State General Assembly in the United States of America welcomed Mr. Muritala Ayinla, a Nigerian-born recipient of the Rotary International Scholarship at the University of Central Missouri. They expressed appreciation for the positive image of the United States that Ayinla and other aspiring youths hold following their experiences in the country.
Speaking while hosting Ayinla at the Missouri State Capitol in Jefferson City, Senator Rick Brattin, representing Missouri’s 31st Senatorial District, expressed 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.
Visibly elated, Senator Brattin stood up from his seat and asked Ayinla to sit on his own chair as a mark of honor. He emphasized the commitment of the Missouri State legislature to strengthening democracy through legislative functions, stating that lawmakers would continue to do so.
Representative Dan Houx, representing Johnson County District 54 in the Missouri House of Representatives, praised the University of Central Missouri and Rotary International for providing scholarships to students outside the United States. He also commended David Pearce, the Executive Director for Governmental Relations and former Missouri Senator, for his 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.
Representative Dane Diehl of District 125 expressed happiness in seeing Ayinla coming from the University of Central Missouri, noting his personal ties to the institution. The Missouri General Assembly comprises 34 Senate members representing various districts and 163 House Representatives, all up for the 2024 elections.
