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OGUN STATE, Nigeria — A non-governmental organisation (NGO), Eziokwu Ebubechukwu Foundation (EEF) has organised its annual Book Drive project tagged, 'Christmas experience for the rural child at Yewa South Local Government Area', in Ogun state.
The program, targeted at pupils in rural communities and its environs saw over 500 underprivileged children of Olorunda community receiving essential items which included branded school bags, writing materials, water bottles, mathematical sets, and others to boost learning at the event held recently at Olorunda community in Yewa South Local Government Area of Ogun State.
The communities that benefited from the gesture were Irogun Akere, Alaran, Isaga Abata, Asafo, Ojuota, Abule Joga, Isaga Olatunji, as well as Abule Alfa.
The Foundation, which has over the years been giving back to the society especially children in the rural environment through the provision of educational materials, stressed that, it was imperative to empower the younger generation with education, as it is a powerful weapon to change the world.
In addition to the benefitted children, the initiative was also extended to their families who received clothes, shoes and household materials.
The support no doubt aimed at alleviating the financial burden many families are facing amid the current economic challenges in Nigeria.
Highlighting the significance of the event, the founder, EEF, Mr Ezeukoh Ebubechukwu, stated that it was designed to assist the less privilege parents and caregivers in preparing their children for the future.
He emphasized that providing these educational materials would help the pupils stay focused on their education and succeed in their academic endeavors which according to him would birth greater career opportunities.
He noted that developing children remains very important to laying the foundation for a stronger, more prosperous Nation.
According to the founder, "the gesture was not a showoff but a drive towards empowering the leaders of tomorrow.
"The initiative is a commitment not to deprive the younger generation of quality access to education and proper learning tools, irrespective of their location. We are particularly glad that the gesture will boost education in Olorunda community and also encourage the young people in the geographic location to be more educated," he said.
Mr Ebubechukwu who sees the opportunity to give back to the society as a privilege affirmed that, the initiative without any doubt would enhance the educational system in the community, foster empowerment and create long term transformation, granting pupils the access to advanced learning to boost their knowledge, career opportunities and make them compete with their peers in other communities, state and countries at large.
He said, "It is a privilege to be in this position to get people gather resources to give back to the society. I see it more as a privilege to give back to the society that birth me.
"Education is important, the very reason for this gestures to encourage pupils to learn. With this outreach, we get them to know that school can be fun, boost togetherness and the need for family bond and emphasis on the fact that education is not a scam. Education is profitable. We are here to motivate a child and inspire parents so that we can raise the next generation of people that will drive global sustainability in the global community.
"We want the community to feel our impact and fill the gap where they lack behind. This outreach also seems to help school children learn the official language and open their mind that a lot is possible for them if they can communicate with English Language, they can as well compete globally irrespective of their rural setting background.
"We are therefore committed to supporting younger generation of this community to enjoy good education so that they won't be left behind," Mr Ebubechukwu said.
He however, appealed to the teachers to communicate more with the pupils with the official language to enable the students become better people in the community and society at large.
Mr Ebubechukwu who harped on the need to help one another, called on Nigerians not to tribalise helping people in the country.
He urged the schoolchildren to remain focused on their studies for them to achieve greater success and build capacity to also give back to the community.
Earlier speaking, the Head teacher of the school, Mrs Enitan Idowu commended the foundation for the laudable gesture.
She said, “Your commitment to the cause of education and child development is truly commendable. You are the embodiment of the values we seek to instill in the younger generation, for them to thrive better and further in life.”
“I am very impressed by the foundation's tireless efforts in organizing this initiative and keen dedication to making a positive impact. The NGO commitment to supporting underprivileged students is truly commendable," she said.
She, however appealed to parents to support their wards and allow them attends school regularly.
In his remarks, the monarch of the community, Baale of Alagbe Village in Ilaro District, Yewa South Local Government, Hon. Olanipekun Alagbe (JP) described the support as laudable gesture, noting that, "the donations of educational materials to school in this rural area is the first of its kind in the history of the community.
"This gesture no doubt will boost Olorunda community and change the story of our academic system for good."
Hon. Alagbe who called on the government to assist the community in the provision of electricity, pipe borne water and an accessible road highlighted poor study materials, insufficient teachers and unavailability of funds to access education as the major challenges affecting pupils in the community.
He however appealed to the state government as well as the federal government to come to their aid.
He said, "Our children appreciate this gesture and the people of the community. However, our major challenge here is that no road, no material for student to study with, insufficient teachers, no enough funds to send these children to school.
"The government should help in this regard and make teachers available. Even most school building is in deplorable state. No power supply in this community and access to clean water is almost impossible as we depend on stream water to survive. We therefore appeal to the government to assist us here."
Hon. Alagbe described the book-drive initiative as a step in the right direction that will put smiles on the faces of the school children and their parents who cannot afford the educational materials.
He added that, "The convener is truly doing a great job ensuring the younger generations of children are getting the needed attention through his foundation and I will say that again and again that he’s doing a great job.
“I wish to encourage the recipients to focus on their education for them to attain their potential when and where necessary.”
A primary 4 pupil of the school, Wahab Bose, expressed gratitude on behalf of the rest of the students.
