The Olorunda LCDA Chairman, Hon. Peter Ajose, has begun a two-phase school support programme with the distribution of bags and learning materials to primary school pupils.
According to the statement issued by the Media Unit of the Office of the Executive Chairman, Olorunda LCDA, the initiative was launched on Tuesday at Ansar-Ud-Deen Primary School, Araromi-Ale, to support families as the new academic session begins.
The programme targets pupils from Primary 1 to Primary 3 across more than 24 primary schools in the council area, with beneficiaries receiving school bags, notebooks, pens and pencils.
In his address, Ajose said the initiative was introduced against the financial demands parents, guardians and sponsors face when schools resume.
According to him, the cost of school bags, exercise books and other basic learning materials could place pressure on family budgets when combined with other back-to-school expenses.
The first phase of the programme commenced at Ansar-Ud-Deen Primary Schools 1, 2 and 3, before the chairman and his team moved to Morogbo Primary School, where more pupils received the materials.
Ajose explained that the intervention formed part of his administration’s RESHAPE Agenda, particularly its focus on education, human capital development and the welfare of residents.
He also cited the provision of GCE and UTME forms for indigent students, as well as visits to schools in upland and riverine communities, as other steps taken by the council to identify and address educational needs.
The chairman further disclosed that the council’s Bursary Award Scheme was being implemented for eligible Olorunda indigenes studying at undergraduate, master’s and PhD levels.
Addressing the pupils, Ajose urged them to take care of the materials and remain focused on their education.
He also urged the pupils not to allow their current circumstances to limit their aspirations.
“Never allow your present circumstances to determine your future,” he advised the pupils.
The chairman thanked teachers for their commitment to the development of the children, noting that educating a child requires the involvement of government, teachers, parents, guardians and the wider community.
Reacting to the development, the Education Secretary, Mr. Hontonyon Joel Viyon, described the distribution of the materials as a timely intervention for pupils and families, while commending the council chairman for the programme.
In his appreciation message, the Baale of Araromi-Ale, Chief Temitope Adele Agemo applauded Ajose for taking the initiative to the community and called for continued cooperation among the council executives, traditional institutions, communities and schools.
The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers, Comrade Bonu John, commended the administration for making education a key part of its grassroots development agenda. He urged the council to sustain support for schools and teachers across Olorunda.
A pupil of School 2, Ansar-Ud-Deen Primary School, Araromi-Ale, Abdulganiyu Fatimu, expressed appreciation to the council chairman, saying the materials would support pupils in their studies.
Dignitaries present at the event included the Vice Chairman of the Council, Hon. Adele Solomon; Secretary to the Local Government, Hon. Wahab Ashade; Chief of Staff and SA on Special Duties and Civic Engagement, Hon. Akinyele Cornelius; Leader of the Legislative Arm, Hon. Aina Dauda; Supervisor for Education, Hon. Afeez Bankole; Council Treasurer, Mrs. Olayinka Awosinu; members of the Olorunda management team; former Executive Secretary, Akin Ajayi; Education Secretary, Mr. Hontonyon Joel Viyon; NUT Chairman, Comrade Bonu John; Headmistress, Mrs. Tafa Afusat; teachers; traditional and community leaders; and other education stakeholders.