To commemorate International Literacy Day, the Ikeja Unique Lions Club made a remarkable contribution to education by donating back-to-school supplies to over 200 pupils in Lagos. The donations took place at Ogudu Nursery and Primary School and Anglican Nursery and Primary School in Ogudu. The event, which occurred on Tuesday, was aimed at uplifting underprivileged students and motivating them as they return to school.

Speaking at the event, Lion Rosetta Emele, President of Ikeja Unique Lions Club, emphasized the Club’s core philosophy of addressing needs wherever they arise. “You know what they say about Lions Club, that where there’s a need, there’s a lion. That was what really inspired it,” Emele explained. She continued, “September 9th is supposed to be back to school for children, so we came to this school after the need assessment to donate to them what you see us doing today. You can see from their faces that they are very, very happy.”

The donation included school bags, shoes, stockings, and writing materials for over 100 students. Emele expressed satisfaction with the initiative, noting, “Looking at them, you will see the joy in their faces. And I’m also very, very happy that we are able to touch these students.”

“Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.”

However, the project also brought attention to larger issues affecting public schools. “When we came here for needs assessment, we found out that there are still a lot of things that need to be done. Most schools, when you get to their classroom, are not conducive at all, and this is one of the reasons why students don’t look forward to going to school,” Emele said. She called on the government to improve the state of school facilities, adding, “They don’t just wait for non-governmental organizations to do most of the things they are supposed to do.”

The Lions Club plans to extend its efforts to Ojota Grammar School, a special needs institution. Emele detailed upcoming projects there, including the provision of transportation and toilets, noting that the school lacked basic facilities such as playgrounds. “Some of them have autism, and some find it difficult to walk. We need to do a lot there. That’s our next project, to go to that school and take care of a lot of things,” she said.

“Any book that helps a child to form a habit of reading, to make reading one of his deep and continuing needs, is good for him.”

Lion Engineer Adedapo Gabriel, the Club’s service chairperson, shed light on the Club’s meticulous needs assessment process. “We went around to see the children. Most times, when you see them coming to school, you see some with ridicule sandals, torn uniforms, or no school bags. We did a thorough assessment, and that formed our decision of choosing this place.” Gabriel explained that while they had provided essential items like sandals, more remains to be done. “For some of the children, some don’t even have school uniforms at all. We will send in a tailor to take their measurements and give back to the community.”

He also highlighted how private organizations like the Lions Club fill the gaps left by the government. “Government cannot do it all because their priority is not really centered around education. Private individuals, non-profits, and NGOs will also come in between to support the government.”

The donation was met with gratitude from the pupils, including 10-year-old Elizabeth Adebajo, a primary five student at Ogudu Primary School, who expressed her joy. “I am so happy, thank you. God bless the donors; they will never lack and God will continue to replenish their pockets,” she said.

Headteacher of Ogudu Primary School, Mrs. Adebola Agnes, urged students to use the materials wisely. “My advice to the pupils is that they should not misuse the materials. They should use it well and let the Club be happy even when they see that,” she said. Reflecting on the importance of the donation, Agnes added, “I feel very happy because most of these children, their school materials are not complete. Some of them did not even have writing materials. Thank God for the Lions Club now that came here to provide for them. It will motivate them.”

“It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.”

Mrs. Umole Fausat Modupe, headteacher of Anglican Nursery and Primary School, echoed similar sentiments. “I feel very happy, highly delighted to see that at least this Unique Lions Club of Ikeja is donating. They are giving back to the society by giving indigent learners writing materials,” she said. She expressed optimism that the students would now attend school regularly and use the donated materials responsibly. “This will even make them come to school every day because they might think that if they don’t come, they might miss something.”

Both headteachers and pupils agreed that the donation was a timely intervention, bringing hope and encouragement to children in need. As Mrs. Modupe concluded, “God will continue to bless them even far beyond their imagination.”