Ogun Customs Partners NGO Partners To Provide Educational Support To Primary School Pupils

In a bid to enhance educational opportunities for primary school pupils in Ipokia Local Government Area (ILGA) of Ogun State, the Nigeria Customs Service, Ogun 1 Area Command, in collaboration with Teach for Nigeria, a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO), has provided educational support to 100 pupils from five different schools in the region.

The initiative, known as the Cloth a Child Initiative, was spearheaded by Teach for Nigeria members Mrs. Akanbi Olutoyosi, Mr. Mathew Emmanuel, and Mrs. Obot Aniebietabasi, who approached the Command seeking support. The program aimed to address the challenge of tattered school uniforms affecting the studies and psychological well-being of some pupils.

Identifying 20 pupils from each of the selected schools for urgent attention, the Command expanded the scope of the initiative as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). Alongside providing complete sets of uniforms and socks, the Command included writing materials such as books, stationery, chalks, and whiteboard markers for the schools to facilitate teaching.

During the presentation ceremony held at IPLG School I & II Idiroko on Wednesday, March 20, 2024, the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Ahmadu Shuaibu, represented by Deputy Comptroller Administration DC Charles Ogunesan, congratulated the beneficiaries and urged parents to prioritize their children’s education and well-being.

Alhaja Oduntan Ireti, the Ipokia Local Government Education Secretary, commended the initiative and highlighted the significant role of teachers in shaping learners’ lives. She lauded the collaborative efforts of the NCS and the NGO in uplifting the learning conditions of the pupils.

Mr. Bankole Joseph, the Education Officer, expressed gratitude to Ogun I Command and encouraged sustained synergy with the education board. He commended the NGO for championing the initiative and urged them to continue their efforts.

Miss Hunnesi Florence, a primary 5 pupil, expressed appreciation on behalf of the beneficiaries for the support received. Mr. Babatunde Atteh, senior coach of the NGO, thanked the Command for its support and congratulated the beneficiaries on the success of the initiative.

Parents of the beneficiaries expressed sincere appreciation to the Nigeria Customs Service and the NGO for their support. The event was well-attended by the management team of Ogun 1 Command, representatives of the Department of State Security, members of the education board, head teachers, parents, Idiroko youths, and other dignitaries.

The educational support initiative underscores the commitment of the Nigeria Customs Service and partnering organizations to promote access to quality education and improve learning conditions for pupils in underserved communities.