The Ikeja Dynamic Lions Club, an arm of Lions International District 404B2, Nigeria, has donated school books, bags, story books and other stationery to pupils of Agidingbi Primary School in Ikeja, Lagos.
Speaking during the gift presentation, Mr Sanyaolu Opeyemi, President of the club, said that the gesture was extended to the school in commemoration of the 2023 World Literacy Day.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the World Literacy Day is celebrated annually on Sept. 8, to highlight the importance of literacy to individuals, communities and societies.
Opeyemi said that the club was operating with its annual theme, “Service With Love”, which also necessitated the act of gifting the pupils educational aid.
He said over 500 story books, 200 school bags, 200 exercise books, 200 biros and 500 pencils with erasers were donated.
He said uniforms were also sewn for some of the pupils who did not have.
“This is our way of giving back to the society to commemorate the World Literacy Day, bearing in mind the theme for the year in the Lions Club, “Service with Love”.
“We will come back to do more for the school; we have another big project on the way; we will spread the kind gesture to other schools around Ikeja Local Government Area.
“We appreciate Belloxxi biscuit for their generosity shown toward the children,” he said.
Also speaking, Mrs Oluwakemi Abimbola, Second Vice District Governor of the club, described the donation as a significant and signature project, urging the pupils to make good use of all the materials donated.
She called on the staff of the school to join the club as it is a voluntary and humanitarian society.
Mr Lekan Owolabi, immediate past District Governor of the club, commended the current leadership for believing in the future of the pupils.
Owolabi said this was an opportunity given to the children to realise their full potential.
“With this, we are securing your future, it is better to nurture you properly so we will not take the fate of having our future in jeopardy because you are the future of tomorrow,” he said.
In her response, Mrs Deji Alao, Head Teacher of the school, said, “I believe God is solidly behind us here, I thank Ikeja Dynamic Lions Club for the humanitarian job done so far.
“We have been enjoying this gesture, at least three times in a session, your charity work is really appreciated.
“I pray that your own children will never be stranded in life.”
Mr Popoola Ayodeji, representing Mr Shittu Babatunde, Chairman, Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), said, “This act of kindness will spur the children to also give back to their society when they are older. We appreciate you.”