By Babatunde Tiamiyu
As part of present administration’s efforts to improve education at the grassroot, the Vice Chairman of Ede North Local government Area, Honnourable Habib Oyekanmi has empowered hundreds of Primary and Secondary school students in Ede North local government with curriculum compliant textbooks, writing materials, school sandals and school bags.
The ceremony which attracted top politicians,dignitaries and students of primary and secondary school in the Local Government was held at Ede North PDP secretariat Opposite Ansarudeen Central Mosque,Ede.
Speaking during the distribution of the materials,Hon. Oyekanmi who also doubles as the Council’s Supervisor for Education, said the initiative was part of his late father, Alhaji Jimoh Oyekanmi Foundation’s project to cushion the financial burden on parents as well as encourage students in attaining academic excellence.
Hon Oyekanmi further stated that the establishment of the foundation was aimed at keeping the political ideology and humanitarian services of the late political maestros who was also former Chairman of the council alive.
The founder of the foundation however thanked his boss, the caretaker chairman of Ede North local government,Alhaji Taiwo Amodu for his moral and other supports which made the programme a successful exercise.
Speaking at the programme, the caretaker chairman of Ede North local government, Honourable Taiwo Amodu commended his vice, Hon. Oyekanmi for his huge contributions to education sector of the local government,describing the gestures as right step in right direction.
According to Hon. Amodu, the place of education in the development of the young ones cannot be underestimated, adding that the contribution of Hon Oyekanmi would go a long way in addressing the hardship faced the students in their studies.
While describing the initiative as historic and highly commendable, the Ede North Local Government council helmsman stated that the programme is a tip of iceberg and assured the people of the council that many more meaningful and developmental projects under his administration are in the offing.
On his part, the caretaker chairman of Ede North LCDA, Honourable Zaka Bakare Oladapo also applauded the founder of the foundation for providing the relief materials for future leaders, saying it would complement the effort of Governor Ademola Adeleke’s government towards the revitalization of the educational sector.
Also speaking,a People’s Damocratic Party, PDP leader in the local government area, Alhaji Sikiru Olayiwola, lauded the efforts of Honourable Oyekanmi,describing him as a genuine and undiluted son of late his late father,Alhsji Jimoh Oyekanmi.
Some of the beneficiaries, who were drawn from various primary and secondary schools within the local government, appreciated Honourable Oyekanmi for the gesture.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, miss Rofiyat Abiola of Agbale Grammar School Ede, thanked Hon. Oyekanmi for the gestures.
The young scholar stated that many students have dropped out of school due to inability of their parents to purchase books and other education materials w for them.
The students then called on spirited leaders and public officeholders to emulate the kind gestures of Hon oyekanmi in order to assist those who could not afford education while urging the beneficiaries to make good use of the materials.
Some of the parents present at the event also appreciated the council Vice chairman,describing the donation as a great relief, considering the huge amount they have been spending on their children and wards Education.
