By Etop Ekanem

As part of activities marking this year Valentine’s Day, the Soledotun Abdulkarim-Yusuf Foundation
has donated chairs and other items to Arifat Nursery & Primary School, Oshorun Ibeshe, Ikorodu Lagos.

Speaking at the occasion, Founder of the foundation, Mrs Soledotun Abdulkarim-Yusuf, advised the pupils and teachers of the school to “learn to love one another. Love your friends. Love your neighbours. Love your teachers. And most importantly, love yourselves.

“When many people hear ‘Valentine,’ they think only about gifts and sweets. But today, we want you to understand the real meaning of love. Love means being kind. Love means sharing. Love means helping someone who is sad, respecting your teachers, obeying your parents, and being a good friend to your classmates.

“When you love yourself, you will believe in yourself, behave well, and work hard in school. When you love others, you will not fight, bully or hurt them. Instead, you will help, encourage, and support them.
“That is why we came today — not just to give Valentine’s gifts, but to remind you that the greatest gift you can give anyone is kindness.

“The Soledotun Abdulkarim-Yusuf Foundation was founded because we believe every child deserves care, guidance and opportunities to grow. Our mission is to support and empower young children, especially the boy child, to become responsible, confident, and compassionate leaders in the future. We want you to grow up with good values, good education, and a good heart.
“We visit schools, support children, and teach important life lessons like respect, kindness, responsibility, and love — because when children are taught well today, they become better adults tomorrow.
“Today, we shared gifts and also donated chairs to support your learning, because you deserve a comfortable and encouraging environment to study and succeed.”