Wale Jagun & Mariam Akinloye
-Set for second phase of distribution in November
As pledged, 300 hundred pupils at three primary schools for the first phase of the distribution of 1000 school bags, branded exercise books, pencil and biro as part of I – Heroes Back – to – School initiative aimed at empowering the next generation of leaders by ensuring that every child in underserved communities of Ikorodu Division has access to quality education.
The educational support with focus on reducing the barriers that prevent children from staying in school and thriving academically, has seen the young Ikorodu professionals visiting United African Methodist Primary (Eleja) Nursery and Primary School in Igbogbo/Baiyeku LCDA, Togedejoye Primary School, Ojokoro, Ikorodu West LCDA and UNA Primary School, Imota, where 100 school bags, four 40 leaves, pen and pencil were given to each learner in each of the school.
Speaking at the UNA Primary School, Imota, where the first phase of the distribution terminated recently, I – President, Mr. Olashile Majolagbe, said that the group has intervened in many aspects of Ikorodu Division in the last 15 years of its existence.
He emphasised that the Back – to – School Initiative is another way of giving back to society.
“I am delighted to stand before you today on behalf of a group of like-minded individuals — indigenes of Ikorodu — who came together with a common goal: to give back to the community that made us who we are.
“Over the past 15 years, we have engaged in several community development projects aimed at improving the lives of our people. During this time, we have: donated bed sheets to Ikorodu General Hospital, carried out traffic control projects within the division, supported the educational sector by donating white marker boards and markers to schools — including Ipakodo Local Government Primary School, reconstructed and built boreholes, including one at Mowola community and organised inter-school debate competitions to encourage academic excellence among pupils.”
The I-Heroes lead expatiated on the aim and achievements of the group, “As part of our ongoing commitment this year, we launched a Back-to-School Programme aimed at supporting pupils across Ikorodu Division. Through this initiative, we are donating 1,000 school bags filled with writing materials to pupils in local primary schools.
“So far, we have completed distributions in three LCDAs: Igbogbo LCDA – at United African Methodist (Eleja) Nursery and Primary School, Ikorodu West LCDA – at Okedejoye Primary School and Imota LCDA – at UNA Igbalu Primary School, which is the last of the first phase.”
Majolagbe said that the learning materials were provided to support children who are unable to attend school due to the lack of these basic educational items or finding learning difficult because their parents were unable to provide for them.
“The main purpose of this Back-to-School programme is to support children who are at risk of falling behind in their education due to lack of basic school materials. Some of these children are unable to attend school because they lack simple necessities like books, pens, and school bags.
“By providing these materials, we hope to encourage them, boost their confidence, and help them feel a sense of belonging among their peers.”
Barr. Leke Bakare, a member of the group in his own submission, charged pupils of UNA Primary School, Imota on the need to be serious with their education.
“We want to encourage you, as we are giving out writing materials, to make good use of them so that it will boost your concentration and your commitment to education. And you know that education is a very good thing, oh.
“You don’t play with your studies at this stage you are. You have to be very, very attentive because this is the stage that will determine the future. So, you have to be very obedient and very focused. Don’t be missing classes; even if somebody is trying to discourage you, tell that person that you need this education more than anything.
“You need education more than any other thing — even more than your home activities and any other community activity.”
The group’s Secretary, Mr Oke Godwin Olaoluwa presenting the group to the Chairman of Imota LCDA, Hon. Benson Sunday Ayodele, who members of I – Heroes visited after the distribution of the learning materials, stressed how they have been intervening in the areas of education, health and security.
“Basically, what we do as a group is to give back to our community. Our main areas of intervention are education, health, and security.
“In the area of education, we have successfully renovated Methodist High School and repaired their boreholes — that was done last year. For this year, our educational intervention focuses on distributing 1,000 school bags and writing materials to pupils across Ikorodu Division.
“One of the schools selected for this year’s project is UNA Primary School, Igbalu.
While praising the chairman for his commitment to give people of Imota good governance, he said the group as a matter of courtesy always deemed it necessary to pay courtesy calls on council chairmen whenever they are visiting any council area to give back.
The council boss, Hon. Benson Sunday Ayodele, welcoming members of I – Heroes to his office commended them for the good job that they are doing in supporting the government and the society.
“My brothers, you are doing a fantastic job. The government cannot do it alone, and as you continue to contribute your own efforts, you may not realise it, but you will surely be rewarded by God’s grace.
On behalf of myself, my vice chairman, my councilors, and the entire management team, I say a big thank you for recognising our UNA Primary School, even in this rainy season.
Hon. Benson assured members of I – Heroes and National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) who were also visiting at the same time of his administration’s readiness to support education.
He enjoined members of I – Heroes not to hesitate in beckoning on him anywhere that the assistance of the council or him personally is needed.
The Head Teacher, UNA Primary School, Mrs. Comfort Olawuyi on behalf of the school thanked members of I – Heroes for the support for their pupils and for putting smiles on their faces.
“The school management of UNA Primary School, Igbalu, really appreciates your contribution to education. I thank you on behalf of the school management and the pupils. We thank you for putting smiles on the faces of our pupils, for giving them joy, and for making them come to school every day.
“Sharing school bags and writing materials will make the pupils come to school every day. May the Lord enrich your purse. I say it shall be well with you. For helping these children, Almighty God will help your children in Jesus’ name,” she prayed.
Some of the pupils that benefited from the I – Heroes gesture – Aliya Arike Afeez, Testimony David and Promise Okon, expressed their delight at the learning support provided to them. They prayed and wished members of I – Heroes well.
