 |
Ibala Ìjẹ̀sà, a community in Obokun local government area of Osun State has expressed utmost appreciation for the donations of incentives to its community school, Saint James Anglican School.
The relief materials which were donated on Tuesday by the International Labour Organization (ILO) in conjunction with the Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands through the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment and the Osun State Government included school uniforms for the pupils, school bags, shoes, socks and underwears, textbooks on different subjects from primary 1 to 6, school signpost, public address system among others.
The project consultant is Kids and Teens Resource Centre.
The Onibala of Ibala Ìjẹ̀sà, His Royal Highness, Oba Christopher Adegboyega Ariyo conveyed his appreciation for insightful and timely donations.
"We thank all the ministries, organizations and persons who brought this project to the fore."
The monarch, who was a former Nigerian ambassador to China, was duly represented by one of his Chiefs, Adeyeye Adeyoju and Secretary of Ibala Ìjẹ̀sà, Mr Olajide Samuel.
Oba Christopher Ariyo expressed his surprise that the donations were made after the consultation earlier made with the community leaders and the school management.
"We need to thank these people for fulfilling their promises. They had been here earlier and we told them our yearnings. They returned to fulfil their promises. This is an uncommon act in today's world."
The monarch however added that the Community is still in a dire need of some other amenities and plead to concerned agencies for intervention.
Furthermore, Mrs Bolanle Adegunju, the community woman leader and Yeyedofin of Ibala Ìjẹ̀sà appreciated the agencies and the ministries on behalf of women in the community.
She said the community alone can't bring the total change needed but the help of the people in positions.
She subsequently applauded the community teachers for working tirelessly and with dedication as circumstances present.
In addition, Mrs Funmilayo Ayinla, Osun State Controller of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment charged parents with responsibility for their wards.
She said, "children are vulnerable beings whose moulding solely depends on their parents and elders they see around. We should speak on child labour, though there are many different ways to it the Osun State Government is committed to bringing a stop to it by the year 2025."
Mrs Ayinla afterwards expressed his happiness that the donations were already bearing fruitfulness as more pupils expressed interest to join the school.
On behalf of the Osun State Ministry of Education, Mrs Awotunde F.O thanked the International Labour Organization (ILO) on behalf of the Osun State Ministry of Education.
She appealed to the parents to make sure the materials are well taken care of.
Furthermore, speaking on behalf of the state steering committee on child labour, Mrs Moriyike Pade-Omisakin lamented the rate by which child labour is surging in communities at an alarming rate.
In her words, the federal and state governments cannot do it all except with the cooperation of parents and guardians.
"These materials, though given to you for free, were paid for by some people. Please do take good care of them. We pray may exalted persons emerge from you in the future who would put the community in the desired place, " Mrs Pade-Omisakin admonished.
Olumide Ajani from Osun State Ministry of Women, Child and Social Affairs duly appreciated the community for accommodating representatives from different organizations and ministries.
Mr Ajani reinforced the Ministry's commitment to prioritize the interest of women and children through its endeavours.
Also speaking, Mr Martin Mary, Chief Executive Officer of Kids and Teams Resource Centre appreciated the community for making the donation feasible.
"So many hands were on deck in bringing these together. There are representatives from different organizations and ministries here.
"Aside from these donations, we will like to counsel you on child abuse, molestation and child labour. It is unlawful and there are punishments for them under the law," he said.
The Ministries and the NGOs reaffirmed earlier promises made during a consultation with the community leaders to renovate the community school.
See photos of event:
0 comments: