Mariam Akinloye & Olaleye Taiwo (SIWES Student)
Chieftains and members of I – Heroes continued their educational support for pupils across Ikorodu Division by extending their gestures to 100 beneficiaries at Togedejoye Primary School, Agric Owutu, in Ikorodu West Local Council Development Area (LCDA).
The educational support which includes school bags, four 40 leaves exercise books, biro and pencil for each pupil, took place at the school last Friday and was witnessed by the representative of the Local Government Education Authority (LGEA), Ikorodu LG, i Mrs. Sarah Adebisi, Head of Social Mobilisation Unit.
Barr. Gbemileke Bakare, a member of the group speaking said that members of the group are professionals that are giving back to the society. He added that the initiative is designed to support pupils, parents and the government in providing good education.
“We are here to support you with a token that we have. It is to support and give better education to indigent pupils. What we are giving out are school bags, four exercise books, a pen, and a pencil to each of you.
“Yesterday (last Thursday), we were at the UAMC Eleja Primary School in Igbogbo to do the same thing. We gave out 100 school bags, and writing materials.
“The essence of doing this is to support indigent pupils because we know education these days costs a lot. We have some parents who are not that financially buoyant to buy these materials. That is why, from our own pockets and with support from some individuals within the Ikorodu Division, we are able to gather some materials to support your parents, to support your teachers, and to support your life also.
“It is our prayer that you will use these materials diligently and it would encourage you to face your studies and be diligent.”
Another member of I – Heroes, Mr Ibrahim Ogunkoya, speaking in the same vein like the first speaker, enjoined the children to cultivate the habit of giving back to the society when they are in position in future.
He urged them to be good students and develop a positive character that will make them important people in the society.
“We are now encouraging you to have it in mind that in the future, you also will come back to your school, to your community, to give back like we are doing today.
“And, you can only do that if you are a student with good behaviour, character, and you don’t join bad gangs, or use drugs. Do you understand me?
“If you read very well and have good character, we are seeing the future leaders of tomorrow. We are seeing President, Governors, members of the House of Representatives tomorrow,” he charged them.
“So, you have to be good ambassadors. You have to face your studies. You have to listen to your parents. You have to listen to your teachers. You have to read your books. And I pray that may God Almighty bless you with wisdom and understanding,” Ogunkoya added.
General Secretary of the group, Mr Oke Godwin, stated that I – Heroes has over the years provided white boards, and water projects in some schools and also rehabilitated collapsing school structures.
Mrs. Sarah Adebisi, the LGEA representative commended the group for their support for the pupils and education in Ikorodu Division and urged the pupils and to embrace good character and excellence in their academics.
“You have to be good pupils, behave well, and be good ambassadors — in your home, country, society, family, church and mosque,” she said.
She also encouraged them to strive for a brighter future.
The Head Teacher, Jogedejoye Primary School, Mrs R.B. Akindele described the initiative as awesome and great efforts at support education of her pupils. She commended the group while assuring her that the school will ensure that the pupils make good use of the educational supports given to them.
Some of the beneficiaries also thanked I – Heroes for the educational materials provided to support their learning.
Earlier in the day, I – Heroes led by its President, Mr Olanshile Majolagbe paid a courtesy visit to the Chairman, Ikorodu West LCDA, Hon. Sulaimon Olanrewaju, at his office before proceeding for the distribution at the Jogedejoye Pry. School.
The Chairman was represented by his Chief of Staff who welcome the team to the council secretariat. He commended the group for the initiative.
Other members of I – Heroes that were part of the delegation were Engr. Babatunde Oshin and Mr. Ibrahim Sanni. Divisional Commander, Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps.
The distribution continues at UNA Primary School, Igbalu in Imota LCDA on Tuesday.
