Phebe Falodun
In the face of mounting economic challenges confronting many Nigerian families ahead of the September school resumption, the Jofunmi Loving Heart Foundation, a non-governmental organization based in Ogun State, has stepped up to provide relief.
On Thursday, the Foundation distributed essential school supplies to over 350 children, ensuring a smoother start to the new academic session.
The initiative, which took place in Libegu Village, Obafemi-Owode Local Government Area, targeted children from Kobape, Libegu, and Onipepeye communities.
Speaking at the event, the Foundation’s Project Coordinator, Olusola Ojo, emphasized the significance of the “Back-to-School” program, which is designed to keep school-age children in the classroom amidst the alarming rise in Nigeria’s out-of-school children, currently estimated at 18.3 million by UNICEF as of May 2024.
The Jofunmi Loving Heart Foundation’s intervention involved the distribution of school bags, sandals, water bottles, exercise books, rulers, pencils, mathematical sets, food flasks, and food items.
In total, nearly 400 students received these supplies, which amounted to several million Naira.
Addressing journalists, Ojo outlined the motivation behind the Foundation’s efforts, pointing to the severe economic hardship that has made it difficult for many families to afford basic school necessities.
“We recognized the current economic challenges facing parents and decided to step in to support families in Ogun State,” she explained.
“Our intervention aims to ease the financial burden on parents and ensure that children can start the academic year with the tools they need.”
Ojo also lamented the rising cost of school supplies, which has put them beyond the reach of many parents.
She stressed that the Foundation’s goal is to make education more attractive to children by providing these essential items, thus encouraging them to stay in school.
However, Ojo did not shy away from criticising the state of education in Nigeria, calling out successive governments for their neglect of the sector.
“It is disheartening that those who benefited from free education in Nigeria are now the ones making it difficult for today’s children to access basic educational resources,” she said.
“They enjoyed free meals and quality education, but now they are in power and failing to provide the same opportunities.”
She urged the government and well-meaning citizens to invest more in education, particularly in rehabilitating school facilities and providing necessary resources like books and furniture.
“We are calling on the government to prioritize education. It is time to stop relegating it to the background. Proper funding for education is essential, especially in these tough economic times when some parents are being forced to withdraw their children from school.”
Ojo also appealed to parents not to give up on their children’s education despite the financial challenges.
“Every child deserves quality education,” she said.
“An educated child has numerous opportunities, and limiting their education due to financial constraints restricts their future prospects.
“Parents should do their utmost to ensure their children receive the education they deserve, as it is the surest way to secure their future as leaders in this country.”
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