Ojo Ibukun Foundation has celebrated All Progressives Congress (APC) stalwart Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu at 65, OLATUNDE ODEBIYI reports.
It was a gathering of the high and the mighty at PAYM Event Centre in Naforija, Epe, on Friday. They dignitaries had gathered to honour the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu at 65.
The programme was organised by Ojo Ibukun Foundation in collaboration with Hassmowun Foundation. Tinubu was represented by a member of the Editorial Board of The Nation Newspapers, Mr Kunle Abimbola.
A cultural dance group Oyo Egiri youth ladies, thrilled guests with their scintillating dance steps.
The APC women decked in green ankara with orange head gear; sang the praises of dignitaries as they arrived at the venue.
The event, the second of its kind had as its theme “Indigent Pupils Adoption Programme”. It was designed to identify with very indigent pupils in public primary schools in Eredo Local Council Development Area (LCDA) by providing them with school items not covered by the free education policy of the Lagos State Government. 300 pupils received items such as books, school bags, uniforms, scandals, socks and writing materials.
Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr Idiat Oluranti Adebule said the gesture was one to complement the free education initiative of the state government, adding that it was also a way to give back to the society.
“The event demonstrates commitment to philanthropy and love for the less-privileged families. It also shows the volume of dedication and passion for child development.
“The hearts of these 300 pupils that have been selected to benefit in this year’s programme are delighted. The hearts of their parents are filled with joy that their wards will have a good start in life in acquiring quality basic education.”
Adebule, represented by the Tutor-General/Permanent Secretary in the State Ministry of Education District III, Mrs Magret Solarin, noted that there was a limit to what government could do, given the limited resources available to the government to meet various contending needs of the education sector, while also providing enabling environment that is expected to provide quality and effective education for children irrespective of their backgrounds and most especially those who are indigent.
She urged well-meaning individuals, corporate entities and other philanthropic organisations to emulate the initiative and come up with similar or more innovative ways to complement the efforts of the administration in the education sector.
“We can come together to identify ways of helping those families and children who are indigent in order to give them better and quality education,” she said.
She noted that quality education remains the bedrock of any society, adding that it also remains the tool for the eradication of poverty, hunger and disease.
“Our administration will continue to be focused on the provision of quality, functional and effective education for all our children. We will continue to implement laudable projects and strengthen the free education programme and policies that will enhance the full development of our children irrespective of class, gender or social background,” she said.
Wife of Lagos State Governor, Mrs Omobolanle Ambode said the foundation has imparted the lives of the less-privileged and shown commitment to the welfare of the indigent at this challenging time.
Represented by the State’s former Commissioner for Education, Mrs Olayinka Oladunjoye Mrs. Ambode commended the foundation for giving back to the society and contributing its quota to the service of humanity.
“Some less-privileged children within this community who never thought of seeing the four walls of the elementary school have been presented with a life-time opportunity to better their lives through the programme of the foundation,” she said.
She noted that the items given to the children will embolden their desire to go to school; they will be able to concentrate, learn in class and do well.”
The convener, Ojo Ibukun Foundation and a former Secretary of Eredo Local Council Development Area, Hon Adeniyi Adekunle Shamsideen said the gesture was not aimed at just helping children that are financially disadvantaged, but also to secure the future of our own children.
“You cannot bring up a child in isolation. Most of the children of the affluent are getting inducted into deadly cults by the children who never had a chance to live decently due to their challenging background.
“With this programme, each pupil will receive this benefit till he or she leaves the primary school.
“This edition was designed to honour Asiwaju, a leader, mentor and philanthropist per excellence for creating Eredo LCDA. His boldness in creating Eredo LCDA gave me the opportunity to serve my people and opened my eyes to their challenges, one of which triggered the initiation of the programme. Many have, through his name, activities and benevolence, become prominent people,” he said.
He said the foundation was set up to create a platform for joint philanthropy where individuals come together to contribute towards a good cause.
Chairman, House Committee on Heath, Epe State Constituency II, Hon Olusegun Olulade described Asiwaju as a mentor, a leader that has produced leaders and a hero to the entire black race.
“Asiwaju is different things to different people. He is a man that transformed Lagos; he made all his successors. He is a philanthropist, an organiser; a strategist-he knows who is fit for every position. He is a man that you can trust his judgment any day any time.
“He is a mentor to many, even those that have not met him; many people are following him and they believe in his vision. He is a man of no race, religion and tribe, but he is a man of the world. “To some, he is Jagaban, to others he is of the different chieftaincy titles that he had received. He has received so many awards.
“When he was born, he was not known, but when he started making impact and touching lives, he became known. He believes in everybody’s vision, he is a dogged fighter; he is committed and he is a success. Anybody that comes in contact with him will go back joyfully, because he will have something to give to you- it may be money or strategy,” he said.
Chief Host and founder of Hassmowum Foundation, Hon Wasiu Odeyemi, described Asiwaju as a man that many people desire to be like.
“He has gone through many challenges, but he is still standing firm. He has been knocked down, but he stands and keeps fighting. He is a man that believes in others,” he said.
He noted that the gesture of the convener is a spirit that propels development and leads to nation-building, saying that life is worth living for others.
“The items donated would ensure that future of the children will be better tomorrow. The gesture is to address some of the challenges that we experience in the educational system, which will give birth to education, liberation, freedom and security.
“It is time to see the children as our responsibility and make a better life for them by taking them out of any situation that brings them sorrow,” he said.
Chairman, Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), represented by Mrs Abosede Omobolanle Adelaja described the gesture of the convener as one that brings great joy to both the pupils, teachers and parents, adding that it had also supported the present administration’s aim in the educational sector.
According to her, education is a big project that government cannot carry out alone.
“We need people to collaborate with us to take education to higher levels. Today’s gesture will encourage students to study hard and take education seriously,” she said.
She urged parents not to leave the entire responsibility of education to teachers. “Teachers cannot do it alone. Parents must support their children, play their role as parents and take care of them.
She urged them to ensure that the items donated to the pupils are properly used and well kept.
She called for more partnership to support the education sector.
