By James Ogunnaike, Abeokuta

A community based group, the Lisabi Elite Club of Nigeria, Idi-Aba, Abeokuta has demonstrated its commitment to education and community development, by donating exercise books to pupils in eight primary schools, across in Ogun State.

The initiative, which was part of the club’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), aimed to provide essential learning tools to pupils, including those with special needs, and alleviate the financial burden on parents.

The beneficiary schools included Abeokuta North LG Primary School, Oke-Ago Owu, Abeokuta, St. Augustine Primary School, Adatan, African Church School, Ogidan-Owode, Baptist Primary School, Pakoto, Ifo, African Church Primary School, Rogunrogun, Odeda, Methodist Primary School, Odeda, St. James’ Primary School, Kajola Owode and St. Michael Nursery & Primary School, Wasinmi.

The President of the Lisabi Club, Charles Lanipekun, who heads the 2024-2025 administration, underscored the importance of providing children with necessary resources to succeed.

He said, “You don’t send a child to a farm without giving him tools to work. In the same way, we believe every child should have the basic materials to learn comfortably in class,” he stated.

Lanipekun confirmed that the gesture marked the club’s first-ever donation of books to primary schools in the state and pledged to continue supporting educational institutions throughout the state.

He added that the club would deliberate on further support for the schools, noting that the project aligns with the Lisabi Elite Club of Nigeria, Idi-Aba, Abeokuta International’s broader commitment to education, community upliftment, and global causes.

The initiative, which received approval from the Ogun State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), was equally applauded by stakeholders, including school administrators and government representatives.

Mrs O. O. Ogundimu, a representative of SUBEB in Abeokuta North Local Government, commended the club, emphasising the “great impact” the support will have on the learners, particularly the most vulnerable.

“We pray that these children will succeed in life and also help others in the future,” she said.

The Headmistress of St. Augustine Primary School, Adatan, Mrs I. O. Akinwande, also acknowledged the club’s kind-heartedness.

Speaking on behalf of her classmates, Miss Memunat Adeyinka, the Senior Girl of St. Augustine Primary School, expressed her heartfelt gratitude. “I am very happy and I appreciate this kind gesture.

We will take good care of the books and use them for learning. My mother will be very happy about this,” she said.

The Headmistress of Abeokuta North LG Primary School, Oke-Ago Owu, Mrs A. A. Akinmade, alongside her teachers and learners, also extended their appreciation and prayers for the club members.

The book distribution was packaged by the club’s Education Support Committee, chaired by Chief Sina Yekinni, who opined that the gesture was in support of the Ogun State Government educational programmes.

Other members of the committee include Mr. Olanrewaju Adekunle, Mr. Olujinmi Sogbesan and Chief Segun Oniyide, with Hon. Olusegun Bankole serving as the committee’s secretary.