Kunle Adelabu
-Group plans distribution of school uniforms in next edition
The Executive Chairman, Ijede Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Hon. Motunrayo Gbadebo – Alogba and the Obateru of Egbin Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Oba (Dr.) AbdulHakeem Adeoriyomi Oyebo, have added their voices to the recognition of the impacts of I – Heroes across Ikorodu Division.
I -Heroes concluded the second phase of the distribution of 1000 bags, exercise books (four per pupil), pencil and biro, across primary schools in Ikorodu Division with a visit to Egbin Kingdom Nursery & Primary School, Egbin, Ijede LCDA, on Thursday.
The team led by its President, Mr Olanshile Majolagbe before and after the distribution of the educational materials to 100 pupils paid a courtesy visit to the Chairman and the royal fathers at the Ijede LCDA secretariat and Egbin Palace respectively.
Ijede Council boss, Hon. Gbadebo -Alogba, speaking with members of I -Heroes commended their educational support for pupils in Ijede adding that the gesture would complement the government’s efforts in providing good education and also reduce financial stress on parents.
“Distinguished guests, esteemed members, and honoured representatives of the Ikorodu Heroes, it is a pleasure to welcome you all to Ijede. I’m delighted to see familiar faces and meet new ones, although some names resonate with me from our shared connections in Ikorodu.
I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for your thoughtful initiative, “Heroes’ Back -To -School”, which focuses on giving back to the community. This noble endeavour is truly commendable, and I applaud your efforts in making a positive impact.
On behalf of the pupils of Egbin Nursery & Primary School and the entire community, I extend my sincerest appreciation for the generous donation of school bags and materials. Your support will without doubt enhance our efforts to provide quality education and alleviate the financial burden on our students and their parents,” she said.
The young council administrator also urged members of the group to capture more schools in Ijede LCDA to benefit from their gesture in future interventions.
“I would like to suggest that in the future, you consider involving more schools, including those from Ijebu, to spread the benefits of your initiative. Nonetheless, your efforts are really appreciated, and I believe that this gesture will go a long way in supporting our endeavours.
Your contribution will not only bring joy to the students but also earn the prayers and gratitude of parents. Thank you once again for your kindness and generosity.”
In his royal remarks during the visit of I -Heroes members to his palace, Oba Oyebo, also thanked them for considering the school in his kingdom for the distribution and for showing love and care to his children.
Obateru who was the initiator and sole financier of the school, before the government takeover, was represented by his Olori, Olori Oyebo.
The royal father urged I -Heroes members to sustain their community and educational interventions which he described as remarkable humanitarian gesture which is in support of what government is doing. He offered the visitors his royal blessings.
Mr Oke Godwin, speaking earlier at the Ijede secretariat, briefed the chairman on its group’s “Back -to – School” and other initiatives which he said came into being to address out of school children challenges and encourage pupils to study by providing them basic educational needs.
“As you may be aware, our group is dedicated to giving back to society, and education is one of our key focus areas. We were moved by the plight of some students. In response, we decided to provide school bags and materials to selected primary schools in Ikorodu Division.
This year’s initiative is just the beginning. We plan to expand our scope next year to include students with tattered uniforms. This reflects on our commitment to making positive impacts in our community. We commend your efforts in promoting education and look forward to collaborating with you to achieve greater heights. Thank you.”
Barr. Leke Bakare, speaking at Egbin Nursery & Primary School, explained the mission of I -Heroes and why the group is providing support for the pupils.
“Distinguished guests, esteemed teachers, and dear pupils of Egbin Nursery and Primary School, it is my pleasure to stand before you today to celebrate a meaningful initiative. We are here to distribute 100 bags, each containing essential school materials, to 100 deserving pupils who may not have had the opportunity to acquire these necessities.
As members of this likeminds group, comprising young professionals from diverse fields, who are committed to giving back to the community that has nurtured us. Our goal is not only to provide material support but also to inspire and motivate you to excel academically and become responsible citizens.
The essence of this gesture is to support your parents and teachers in their noble efforts, ensuring that no pupil is left behind due to lack of basic school necessities. We want to encourage you to make the most of this opportunity, use the materials judiciously, and apply them towards achieving academic excellence.”
He added further: “Our association is called I -Heroes, and we believe that you, the young ones, are the future leaders and change-makers. Whenever you get home today, please share with your parents that members of I -Heroes visited your school to bless you with these gifts. We pray that you will make the most of this gesture and go on to achieve great things.
As the name I -Heroes suggests, we are committed to doing great things, and we believe that you too will do the same. Thank you, and may God bless you all.”
I -Heroes President Emeritus, Mr Seun Eleso, speaking on behalf of the group at the Obateru Palace, said the team deemed it fit to pay homage to the royal father since they have come to his kingdom and use the opportunity to tell him about the I – Heroes.
“Your Royal Majesty, and esteemed members of the royal family, it is an honour to stand before you today. As part of our ongoing community outreach program, we have been providing support to various schools across Ikorodu Division. Recently, we launched our “Back to School” initiative, which aims to provide essential school materials to pupils in need.
We selected Egbin Kingdom Primary School as one of the beneficiaries and distributed 100 school bags, with writing materials, to deserving students.
Given our presence in Ijede, it was essential for us to pay our respects to the royal family. Although we did not have the opportunity to meet with the king, we were warmly received by the Olori. We take this as a sign of welcome and appreciation.”
Mrs Kadiri S.A, Social Mobilization Local Government Education Authority (LGEA), who was on ground to witness the distribution exercise on behalf of the Education Secretary, appreciated members of I – Heroes for the empowerment extended to pupils.
The head teacher, Egbin Kingdom Nursery & Primary School, and some of her pupils that also spoke commended the group for the good gesture towards their educational development
Other members of the group that were part of the exercise were Mr Shokunbi Oluwaseun, former President, Mr Ogunkoya Ibrahim, and Mr Abiodun Dawodu Olowoshago.
