National Youth Council of Nigeria, Imota Branch, Distributes School Essentials | ClipTV Online

As part of the effort to enhance educational development, the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) Imota local branch effectively implemented the second phase of “Back to School Essential Support Project.” Aimed at enrolling out of school pupils and an all-round sponsorship. It is to empower pupils, ensure their readiness for the new academic session. With the project school essentials were distributed to pupils in eight primary school within Imota LCDA.

The first phase project accommodates some other schools. The core objective was to support pupils with learning essentials such as school uniforms, bags, notebooks, pens, pencils socks and shoes. It was evident of the council’s desires to tackle the education issues affecting the society Imota LCDA. The local branch of NYCN set to reduce the number of out of school children and support the indigent parents and guardians. With this support, the financial strain is reduced while encouraging the children to go to school with confidence.

Beneficiaries Response

Parents, teachers and the leaders in the society equally appreciated the NYCN for the effort to provide succor in promoting education at the grassroot. Some said more efforts such as “Back to School” are still needed as lots of families are struggling financially.

Goodluck Awakawo, a basic 6 pupil of United Native Africa primary school, Igbalu shared his excitement and gratitude. Goodluck said “on behalf my friends and I, I am saying thank you. Thank you for the new school uniforms, shoes, bags and the notebooks. “We are very happy to receive the new school bags and books. It will help us do better in our studies,” he said with smile.

Adebayo Bose, a parent of two appreciated the youth council, saying she never knew she could get children to school at the moment due to financial constrain. Speaking on the benefits, “my children got brand new school uniforms, school bags, shoes, notebooks…,” she said. Adebayo who is not lettered herself noted this is a huge opportunity for her and her family.

“I am really grateful and will be eternally thankful for this opportunity, because of the youths in Imota, my children are now enrolled in school,” concluded.

School Head Teachers

Mrs. Olawuyi Comfort Olufunmilayo, Head Teacher, United Native Africa (UNA), Primary School, Igbalu, hailed the youth council. She stated that the youth council provided school uniforms, notebooks, pens, and sandals. She stated that the council “really touch the lives of the pupils. I pray that God will continue to provide for them and grant them the strength to do more”.

Speaking with ClipTV Online correspondent, Mrs. Olubowale Shakirat Omowunmi, Head Teacher, United Native Africa (UNA) Primary School, Oke-Agbo, highlight some of the challenges pupils faced. Olubowale noted that this is welcome development because many of the pupils currently struggles with writing materials. Further stated that it is already fourth week in the new academic session some pupils do not have notebooks. Mentioning that other students come to schools with tattered uniforms.

Olubowale said, the NYCN, Imota branch “may not understand the effect of the initiative right now however, this will have a lasting impact,” she said. She applauded the council executives, prayed for the the sponsors and seek for continuation of such support.

NYCN Imota Local Branch Coordinator

The coordinator NYCN Imota local branch, Comrade Oriyomi Modupe Adebogun in an interview, appreciate the sponsors. “This would have been a mere dream without your support, he said. “With your support, this project has become a reality”. Furthermore, Adebogun thanked the project committee, mentioning that the Chairman, Comrade Wasiu Oyinolaji and the Secretary, Comrade Zainab Okelarin has done a great job for the success of the project. Appreciating other youth organizations that supported the project, Adebogun underscores, Leo Club, Imota Student Union (ISU), CCN Youths, and others.

“These young children hold the future of our nation and as a community we owe them a responsibility of preparing them for that future. We believe these school items will motivate them to desire a good education. It will also boost them to inspire and strive for something big which is important in the learning process, he said.

He highlighted the items NYCN Imota gave out during the phase 1 and 2 of the project. “There were 120 schools uniforms, 52 bags, 3,000 notebooks, 22 pairs of sandals, including socks, pen and pencils were distributed. He said that the support from the council would make it possible to see children from all backgrounds get education. Also that they have the materials that are needed to accomplish their learning goals. He stressed on the need for education as a panacea for community and the nation at large.

Adebogun further calls for more support. Stating that the scholarship for the pupils is an ongoing project and needs sustenance.