The Ogun State Government has reiterated its commitment to partnering with relevant organisations to build a stronger, more educated and prosperous State.

Chairman of the Ogun State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Evangelist Olalekan Ifede, stated this during the distribution of learning materials, including textbooks and exercise books to pupils of public primary schools across the State.

The event, organised by the Promoting Education for Indigent Children Foundation (PEFIC), a non-governmental organisation, at Imo Methodist Primary School, Oke-Yeke, Isabo, Abeokuta.

Represented by Permanent Member III of the Board, Hon. Abiodun Ajayi, Ifede noted that, although, the gesture might appear modest, but, its impact on the lives of pupils, especially those from indigent homes, would be  significant and far-reaching. He commended the promoters of the initiative for their thoughtful and consistent interventions, as well as their commitment to supporting vulnerable children.

“Education remains the most powerful gift we can offer our children. It is the foundation for development, innovation, and future progress. Today’s distribution is not just about textbooks and notebooks,” he said.

The SUBEB Chairman added that the materials would reduce financial pressure on parents, motivate pupils, improve school attendance and enhance learning outcomes.

He further emphasised the State government’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that every child, whether in urban centres, rural communities, or hard-to-reach areas, has access to quality basic education.

According to him, efforts so far included the renovation and construction of classrooms, provision of furniture and instructional materials, continuous teachers training, strengthening of school monitoring and supervision and various interventions aimed at reducing the number of out-of-school children.

In his welcome address, the Convener and Management Committee member of PEFIC, Mr. Lateef Oridota, stated that the organisation was established to mobilize resources in support of learners, recognising that government could not shoulder the responsibility of education alone.

He listed some of the distributed materials to include English Language textbooks, Mathematics textbooks, Alawiye Iwe Kika Yoruba, Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, Modern Method of Writing workbook, and 60-leaf exercise books.

Lending his voice, the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu, represented by the Zonal Education Officer, Abeokuta South, Mr. Yusuf Olatunji, commended the Convener for giving back to the community. He added that the State government would continue to support individuals and organisations that complemented its efforts in providing succour to the less privileged.

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Olaide Abayomi  of OOLG Primary School II, Adigbe, Abeokuta South Local Government expressed gratitude to the organisation for the materials and prayed for God’s continuous elevation for the donor.