Ekiti First Lady Distributes Gifts, Money to 400 Vulnerable Pupils

Gbenga Sodeinde in Ado Ekiti

The wife of Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, yesterday showered gifts of school materials on about 400 indigent pupils from the 16 local government areas of the state, as she restated her readiness to ameliorate the suffering of vulnerable people in the state.

Mrs. Oyebanji distributed brand new schoolbags containing water bottles, food warmers, six 60-leave exercise books, mathematical sets, books, and transport allowance to each of the beneficiaries of the exercise, the majority of whom were orphans under her Back to School Programme for Vulnerable Children.

The state first lady explained that the Education Empowerment Programme, which was part of her Widows and Orphans Hope (WAOH) Project, was also to relieve the guardians and caregivers of the pupils the burden to be shouldered as the school resumption is near.

She explained that the gifts were an opportunity to make an impact in their lives, give them a sense of belonging, support their education to motivate them to do well in their studies and ensure that their smooth resumption back to school is not hampered by poverty.

Oyebanji, who assured the people that the support for the indigent kids would be a continuous exercise to incorporate more beneficiaries, also revealed her intention to launch an Interface With Adolescents very soon to cater to their needs.

Dr. Oyebanji, who disclosed that WAOH Project would be formally unveiled in October, revealed that over 30,000 widows have so far been registered under the scheme, to support them and give them succour socially and economically.

She emphasised that the scheme was not government-sponsored but was bankrolled by her friends and partners, urging privileged individuals, corporate bodies, and interest groups to support her pet project with funds to enable her to assist the poorest in society.

Oyebanji said: “This is not a political jamboree, and it is not a government sponsored programme. It is with the support of my office, friends and partners. This is an opportunity for people and organisations to support our project so that we can make more impact on the lives of the vulnerable persons among us.”

Speaking earlier, the Deputy Governor, Chief Monisade Afuye, lauded the first lady for taking a personal interest in offering hope for the needy, especially the widows and orphans, noting that she is sowing great seeds of impact into their lives.

The Deputy Governor said the Back to School Programme of the First Lady would boost the pupils’ interest in education and give them a sense of pride among their colleagues as the new school session is about to take off in the state.