By Mohammed Adekola
Epe branch of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) received high praise from Hon. Sikiru Owolomose, Vice Chairman of Epe Local Government, and Hon. Aliu Shittu (SAICO), Epe LGEA Education Secretary, over its academic and charitable initiative for primary school pupils.
Speaking on the sidelines of the exercise in an interview, Hon. Owolomose commended the Council for choosing to invest its resources in charity over extravagant celebrations.
“Putting smiles on the faces of the less privileged is a noble initiative that will go a long way toward encouraging the pupils. My advice is that they should keep it up, they shouldn’t organize this for this year alone. They should explore soliciting donations from donors to further expand the reach of schools and students as well. I commend this initiative, and I pray Almighty God continues to bless you all,” he stated.
Hon. Aliu Shittu SAICO also lauded the Council’s efforts to uplift future leaders, emphasizing that their programs are well-recognized and crucial in building a solid foundation for students. Reflecting on a similar vocational training initiative, he remarked, “In life, wherever you belong, there’s a need to give back to your community. What you’re doing is a way of giving back. Those of us serving here, having served the state for 35 years still believe we have something we can contribute, and that’s what brought us here.”
He highlights the significant investments in educational infrastructure, from the provision of qualified teachers to the supply of stationery and teacher training, affirming that such efforts are vital in maximizing the potential of the pupils. He emphasized the readiness of the Epe Local Government Education Authority (LGEA) to partner with the Youth Council in implementing its policies and programs. “No individual or government can do it alone,” he said, “and your support and intervention are instrumental as well.”
Comrade Moibi Ibrahim, the NYCN Epe Coordinator, encapsulated the essence of the initiative: “Our aim is to inspire academic excellence and exemplify the virtue of charity. By supporting these students, we hope to instill a sense of hope and possibility in their hearts.”
During the distribution exercise at St. Theresa’s Primary School, Epe, the best students from five selected schools received a branded school bag, while less privileged students were provided with essential stationery materials.
