By Aderonke Ojediran
The Olalekan Ayinla Foundation on Thursday distributed back-to-school materials to 480 pupils in eight public primary schools under the Ikeja Local Government Education Authority.
Speaking during the distribution, the foundation’s founder, Mr Olalekan Ayinla, said the intervention in public primary schools was aimed at easing the financial burden on parents and encouraging pupils to remain committed to their education.
He said the initiative, approved by the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (LASUBEB), provided educational materials including school bags, books, stationery, uniforms and sandals.
The selected schools include: Adeniyi Jones Primary School, Tokunbo Ali Primary School, Sogunle Primary School and Onigbogbo Primary School.
Others are, St. Peters Primary School, Opebi Primary School, Estate Primary School and Oke-Ira Primary School, Ogba.
He said the motive was to support pupils in Lagos State and Nigeria at large, and to encourage continuous learning for a better tomorrow.
“We believe that education is very important.
“The children should be encouraged to face their studies because education has helped many of us to get to where we are today.
“This is our own way of giving back and supporting parents by helping to reduce some of the financial burden associated with sending their children back to school,” he said.
Ayinla urged the beneficiaries to take their studies seriously, remain morally upright and be good ambassadors of their schools.
He said the foundation had sustained its intervention because of its belief in the importance of education to the development of children and the society.
Dr Hakeem Shittu, Chairman, LASUBEB, represented by Mrs Folake Elliot, an administrative officer, commended the foundation for complementing government’s efforts in the education sector.
Shittu said such interventions would improve the pupils’ learning environment and outcomes.
He appealed to other well-meaning Nigerians and organisations to emulate the foundation by supporting children and families in need.
Mr Segun Odunmaku, Chairman, Ojodu Local Council Development Area, also commended Ayinla for the initiative.
Odunmaku said the gesture would help children remain in school and focus on their education.
Mr Anthony Makinde, School Manager, Oke-Ira Primary School, commended the foundation for the sustained support.
Makinde said the foundation had previously supported the school, noting that the latest intervention further demonstrated its commitment to the welfare and education of pupils.
“This is not the first time, the foundation also supported us last year and made sure that our pupils were happy.
“This year again, they have started another round of support. We pray that God Almighty will grant the founder the desires of his heart and continue to bless him,” he said.
A pupil of Oke-Ira Primary School, Master Faizal Kazeem, also expressed appreciation to the foundation for providing back-to-school materials and other items to support their learning.
Kazeem prayed for continued blessings for the foundation for remembering pupils who needed such assistance.(NAN)
Edited by Edith Bolokor
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