Oyo State Govt Distributes Free School Supplies To Indigent Students Through The Ministry Of Women Affairs & Social Inclusion

The Oyo State Government led by His Excellency Governor Seyi Makinde has proven it’s resolve to cushion the effects of economic hardship on indigent students and their parents by instituting initiatives that remove any impediments that can hinder them from accessing the Free Education Program of his Government

The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Hon (Mrs) Toyin Balogun stated this while giving out free school supplies (exceptionally good quality back backs, school bags, exercise books, water bottles and other related supplies) to students at the “Back to School Giveaway Program” organised by her Ministry.

The “Back To School Giveaway Program” is to be organised in the 3 Senatorial Districts of the State: Oyo North, Oyo Central & Oyo South

The flag off event was held at Iseyin District Grammar School, Iseyin on Friday 17/05/24 to great fanfare and excitement by both notable citizens of the LG and beneficiary students from the 13 local governments of Oyo North Senatorial district

The Honorable Commissioner explained that the inspiration for the program was received during the last campaign of the Governor when she served as the Director of Women Mobilization for his 2nd term bid.

She stated that while returning from campaign at one of the LGs, she observed that many of the students returning home from school were carrying their books in cement bags or rice bags

This touched her deeply because, it showed that while their parents were eager to key into the Free Education Program of Governor Seyi Makinde, many of them were still unable to provide even the most basic school supplies for their children

On getting to Ibadan, she discussed her observations with His Excellency and being the fatherly and empathetic leader that he is, he almost immediately provided school supplies which the then DG Women Mobilization (Mrs. Balogun) proceeded to distribute at all the local government visited throughout the duration of the entire campaigns.

The Honorable Commissioner further explained that not only will school supplies be distributed to all Senatorial Districts in the State, the Back To School Giveaway Program has been approved by His Excellency as a fundamental program of her Ministry, which will be reinstated every term when schools resume.

This will reduce the Out Of School Children Index of the State as that impediment is taken away from parents and will ensure more indigent students are able to benefit from the Free Education Program of this Government.

Further expatiating, she observed that Oyo State is blessed, because we have a Governor who understands how far education can take one in life and the fact that education is one of the fundamental pillars of sustainable development

Hon (Mrs.) Balogun stated that while UNESCO instituted a benchmark of 18-20% in annual budgets for Education for Countries serious about attaining sustainable development, Governor Makinde overshot that benchmark by providing a whopping 25% in this year’s budget for education!

The Commissioner ended her comments by advising the beneficiaries to make good use of the gifts, pay attention to their studies so they can become productive members of the society

She stated that she and the Governor are looking forward to meeting some of the beneficiaries 10 to 15 years later to hear that they have been motivated by this program to become doctors, nurses, engineers, lawyers, manufacturers and other productive members of society.

In line with the Social Inclusion mandate of her ministry, Hon Balogun further reiterated the unwavering commitment of the Gov Makinde led govt to continued implementation of policies, interventions & programs that prioritize access to social welfare & quality education for all, regardless of socio-economic background, gender or faith.

In his goodwill message, the Aseyin of Iseyin, Oba Sefiu Oyebola Adeyeri III, Ajirotutu I appreciated this gesture of the Governor for prioritising and making education a cardinal program of his govt.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Saliu Adelabu, represented by the Permanent Secretary/Inspector of Education, Engr. Adebayo Salam stated that Education has the largest percentage in year 2024 budget which indicate the commitment of Governor Seyi Makinde to quality education.

In her welcome address, the PS, Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Mrs. Popoola stated that Education has always been at the forefront of Government efforts to uplift and empower communities.

Also present were a member of the Local Govt Service Commission & a leader from Atisbo LG Hon Nike Arewa and Dr. Mrs. Toyin Ajiboye a don from the University of Ibadan and Child Development Consultant who advised the beneficiaries to face their studies so as to become notables in society like our eminent Governor

Mrs. Kemi Omotosho

MEDIA OFFICER

MINISTRY OF WOMEN AFFAIRS & SOCIAL INCLUSION OYO STATE