ABEOKUTA– As school resumption draws near, an American Based NGO, Alli Foundation has put smiles on students from 27 schools in Ogun State.
The students who were drawn from both primary and secondary schools in Abeokuta North Local Government area of the state were provided with free school uniforms, text book and other materials as they prepare for resumption in September.
Speaking with newsmen at the presentation, the Nigeria Coordinator, Alhaja Ganiyat Folashade Agboola said the gestures was part of the foundation’s social responsibilities, adding that plan to sponsore some children through primary, secondary and tertiary education, which will be a continuous exercise.
“This is our pilot project starting from Abeokuta North Local Government, and we have identified students from 27 schools as first set of the beneficiaries, and we are still going to spread the tentacles of our activities to other parts of the country as being done in the U.K and U.S”, she said.
Agboola disclosed that founder, Kehinde Alli, being an indigene of Abeokuta resolved to embark on the project, having also been a victim of poverty which he noted can affect academic excellence of indigent students
The foundation, she said has a warehouse in producing large number of school uniforms, so that enough will be provided for the beneficiaries across the country, noting that the programme was to ensure that pupils and students have access to quality materials to boost their education.
The coordinator, who was also a former Deputy Governorship Candidate in the State said the philanthropic activities which has spanned over ten years will continue with more scholarships for indigent students.
The Chairman of the Occasion and chairman, Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), Ogun State Chapter, Arc Samson Popoola in his remarks commends the foundation for the laudable projects, while calling on other Non-Government Organisations (NGO’s) and philanthropists to emulate the gestures and be alive to their roles in social responsibilities
He noted that guesures such as this, will go a long way to cushion the effects of purchasing new school materials by parents and afford the beneficiaries of new set of uniforms during the next session.
He, however, encouraged the students on need to show commitment to their education, and avoid all social vices that may derail them for better future, adding that while studying they should also show interest in entrepreneurship training, pointing out that the era of clamouring for white collar job is gone.
Some of the parents, teachers and students while responding to the donations, expressed appreciation to the foundation, adding that the gestures was a relief for both parents and the students.
