Kunle Adelabu
-As group begins distribution of bags and writing materials in Igbogbo
The much – awaited distribution of 1000 school bags and other writing materials by the I – Heroes (Ikorodu Heroes) to various primary schools across Ikorodu Division commenced Thursday with a visit to the United African Methodist (Eleja) Primary School, Igbogbo, where 100 pupils benefited from the gesture.
Materials distributed includes branded school bags, with four 40 leaves exercise books, biro and pencil in each of the bags, with the beneficiaries and the Chairman, Igbogbo/Baiyeku Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Omo’ba Hammed Aroyewun and Education Secretary, LGEA, Alhaji Taiwo Odumbo commending their gesture.
The distribution kicked – off the first phase of the Back2School initiative which will also see the group going to two other schools in Ikorodu West and Imota LCDA. The second phase, according to the organisers, will hold later in the month.
Aroyewun who recalled the roles played by many of the members of I – Heroes in his emergence as the council chairmen, gave his commendation on their support for the pupils when President of I – Heroes, Mr Olanshile Majolaggbe and members of the group paid him a courtesy visit before proceeding to the UAMC Primary School, for the distribution.
He emphasised his administration’s appreciation of what the group has been doing in contributing to the progress of Ikorodu Division.
“I must appreciate your organisation standing by me during the electioneering period even though you didn’t come out as an organisation. But I know the roles most of you played in my aspiration and emergence. It is well appreciated and I wouldn’t joke with it.
“For emphasis, I told someone before your arrival that it is only someone who is not upright that will see an organisation of young men that is pushing for development and using their personal resources and time, who will not identify with you.
“I might not be a member of this organisation, but I am telling you that I am a secret admirer of what you are doing and I am proud to identify with you any day, any time,” the council chairman said.
While he further emphasised the impacts of the group’s gesture on ensuring that children are in school, Aroyewun also lauded I – Heroes for producing the bags in his council.
“I see this as a rare privilege that the maiden edition of this initiative is starting at Igbogbo/Baiyeku LCDA. Again, we appreciate that and we will not take it for granted.
“This is basically for the needies; those that their parents cannot afford, even those that have parents that can afford it.
“To make it more impactful, it is locally made and I am happy that the bags are produced in Igbogbo/Baiyeku LCDA which I really appreciate. The producer will definitely have economic power from the production to take care of himself and family. Likewise, those that sold the materials.
“I am happy to see you and glad to receive you and I am fully with you in all ramifications. If there is any way that the LCDA will have a role to play, or my good self as an individual, feel free to call on us, because we are proud to identify with you and confident you will go places.”
“I congratulate you that you have chosen a noble path to impact on the society and may the Almighty continue to bless you”, he prayed.
Education Secretary, Local Government Education Authority (LGEA), Alhaji Taiwo Odumbo, who joined the I – Heroes at the United African Methodist (Eleja) Primary School, Igbogbo, described the initiative as historic while also commending the group for the educational support initiative.
“Today is an epoch-making day and I must appreciate the organisers of this programme. It’s like giving back to the community — a form of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) that we expect individuals and corporate bodies to emulate because the government alone cannot do everything.
“From the start of this academic session, we’ve seen several NGOs and groups giving back, and what I-Heroes is doing today is commendable. Their passion ensures that no child is left behind, aligning with the agenda of the Lagos State Government and LASUBEB, which emphasise that no child should be excluded from education. This distribution helps prevent discouragement among pupils who may lack materials.”
He charged other individuals and groups to emulate the group in giving back.
“We are calling on other organitations in our communities — not everything should be about social activities. Our children are the future; if we don’t build them now, we may lose them later. So, I appeal to corporate bodies and social groups to also give back. For I-Heroes, we appreciate what they’ve done and we know they will continue with more schools. We expect more, not just from them, but from all like-minded groups.”
I – Heroes President, Mr Majolagbe, speaking earlier explained the modalities for the first phase of the distribution.
”The project targets 1,000 pupils. For the first phase, we are distributing 300 school bags with writing materials across the Ikorodu Division. We are starting at Eleja Primary School, tomorrow we’ll be at Togedejoye Primary School in Ikorodu West, and afterward, we’ll move to Igbalu in Imota. That’s how the first phase will run,” he said.
The school headteacher of the school, Mrs Bukola Odumade, expressed her gratitude to I-Heroes and highlighted some of the challenges facing the school. She stated that the school only have two computers that are working and added that, the insufficient system is hindering students ability to acquire essential digital skills
Other challenges facing the school as expressed by the school head ae generating set for pumping water, and the general infrastructural maintenance to ensure a safe and conducive learning environment.
Some of the beneficiaries – David Olukoya, Daniel Amokumosa and Ganiat Akinwunmi appreciated I – Heroes for the gesture which they said would go a long way in enhancing their education.
