CSR: Ogun 1 Command Extends Educational Supports To 100 Primary School Pupils

By Chinonye Anyatonwu

A number of 100 primary school pupils from five different schools in the Idiroko axis of Ipokia Local Government Area (ILGA), Ogun State, have been given educational support including uniforms, socks, and books by the Ogun Area 1 Command of Nigeria Customs Service. The Command, in collaboration with Teach for Nigeria, a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO), provided support under the Cloth a Child Initiative of the NGO.

Explaining the rationale behind the initiative, the delegation stated that, it was observed during learning process that some pupils’ school uniforms are tattered and are affecting their studies, and interaction with their fellow pupils, psychologically. They explained further, that 20 pupils from 5 schools, having such challenge, were identified for urgent attention. The selected schools for the programme included Community Primary School Igbo Adiguns, Community Primary School Odan Aje, Ipokia Local Government (IPLG) School 1 & II Idiroko, and Ipokia Local Government School Ikolaje.

As part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), the Command expanded the scope of the initiative by making the proposed pair of uniforms with only socks to a complete set and included writing materials such as books and stationery for the pupils. It also added chalk and whiteboard markers for the selected schools to teach the pupils. During the presentation ceremony held on Wednesday 20 March 2024 at IPLG School I & II Idiroko, the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Ahmadu Shuaibu, represented by the Deputy Comptroller Administration, DC Charles Ogunesan, congratulated the beneficiaries of the initiative and urged their parents to reciprocate the gesture by taking their children’s educational progression seriously and look after their wellbeing keenly.

He described children as great blessings from God Almighty which must not be taken for granted and applauded the NGO for introducing such a great initiative. While speaking, the Ipokia Local Government Education Secretary, Alhaja Oduntan Ireti highlighted the significant roles played by teachers in imparting knowledge to learners and emphasized that no one at the helms of affairs or corridors of power that do not pass through teachers before attaining their present positions. She congratulated the pupils who benefited from the educational support and their parents and commended the collaborative efforts of the NCS and the NGO in uplifting the learning conditions of the privileged pupils.

The Education Officer, Mr Bankole Joseph, similarly appreciated the kind gesture of Ogun I Command and urged it to sustain the established synergy with the education board. He extended his gratitude to the NGO for championing such a wonderful initiative in favour of their pupils and urged them to sustain the tempo and beseech God’s blessing on them. Giving vote of thanks, Miss Hunnesi Florence, a primary 5 pupil of the Community Primary School, Igbo Adiguns, appreciated the Command for supporting them with a set of uniforms and writing materials.

In his closing remarks, the senior coach of the NGO, Mr Babatunde Atteh, disclosed that he was extremely overwhelmed with joy, realizing the huge success recorded with the propagated initiative. He expressed his profound gratitude to the Command for its enormous support which made the achieved success a reality. He congratulated the beneficiaries of the initiative and thanked everyone in attendance for gracing the auspicious occasion.