… Five Public schools benefited
Ola Feso
The Nigeria Customs Service, Ogun 1 Area Command in collaboration with Teach for Nigeria, a Non Governmental Organization (NGO), has provided educational support to 100 primary school pupils from 5 different schools in Idiroko axis of Ipokia Local Government Area (ILGA) of Ogun State.
The NGO through 3 of its members, Mrs Akanbi Olutoyosi, Mr Mathew Emmanuel and Mrs Obot Aniebietabasi approached the Command with Cloth a Child Initiative, a pet project of the NGO, and sought for its support.
While explaining the rationale behind the initiative, the delegation stated that, it was observed during learning process that some pupils’ school uniforms are tattered and are affecting their studies, and interaction with their fellow pupils, psychologically. They explained further, that 20 pupils from 5 schools, having such challenge, were identified for urgent attention. The selected schools for the programme include Community Primary School Igbo Adiguns, Community Primary school Odan Aje, Ipokia Local Government (IPLG) School 1 & II Idiroko, and Ipokia Local Government School Ikolaje.
The Command commended the initiative and considered it a laudable project. As part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), the Command expanded the scope of the initiative by making the proposed pair of uniforms with only socks to a complete set and included writing materials such as books and stationery for the pupils. It also added chalks and white board markers for the selected schools to teach the pupils.
During the presentation ceremony held on Wednesday 20 March 2024 at IPLG school I & II Idiroko, the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Ahmadu Shuaibu who was represented by the Deputy Comptroller Administration, DC Charles Ogunesan congratulated the beneficiaries of the initiative. He urged their parents to reciprocate the gesture by taking their children’s educational progression seriously and look after their wellbeing keenly. He described children as great blessings from God Almighty which must not be taken for granted. He applauded the NGO for introducing such a great initiative.
The Ipokia Local Government Education Secretary, Alhaja Oduntan Ireti commenced her remarks by highlighting the significant roles play by teachers in impacting knowledge in learners. She emphasized that there is no one at the helms of affairs or corridors of power that did not pass through teachers before attaining their present positions. She congratulated the pupils that benefited from the educational support and their parents. She equally commended the collaborative efforts of the NCS and the NGO in uplifting the learning condition of the privileged pupils.
Similarly, the Education Officer, Mr Bankole Joseph, during his own speech, appreciated the kind gesture of Ogun I Command and urged it to sustain the established synergy with the education board. He prayed for God’s blessings and protection to abide with the Command. He extended his gratitude to the NGO for championing such a wonderful initiative in favour of their pupils. He urged them to sustain the tempo and beseech God’s blessing on them.
While giving vote of thanks, Miss Hunnesi Florence, a primary 5 pupil of the Community Primary School, Igbo Adiguns, appreciated the Command for supporting them with set of uniforms and writing materials. The senior coach of the NGO, Mr Babatunde Atteh, who gave the closing remarks, disclosed that he was extremely overwhelmed with joy, realizing the huge success recorded with the propagated initiative. He expressed his profound gratitude to the Command for its enormous support which made the success a reality. He congratulated the beneficiaries of the initiative and thanked everyone in attendance for gracing the auspicious occasion.
At the end of the occasion, the parents of the beneficiaries expressed their sincere appreciation to the Nigeria Customs Service and the NGO for providing educational support to their children. The event was well attended by the management team of Ogun 1 Command, representative of the Department of State Security, members of the education board, head teachers of various schools, parents, Idiroko youths and other important personalities.
