By: Gafar Alabi,

As part of efforts to enhance teaching and learning across public schools in the State, the Ogun State Government, in collaboration with JFE Shoji and Kawasho Foods Corporations, have distributed educational materials to public schools.

The donated items include 500 chairs, 250 desks, and 13,500 branded 60-leaves exercise books, aimed at improving the learning environment in public schools across the State.

Speaking during the presentation ceremony  at the Board Secretariat, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, the Chairman of SUBEB, Evangelist Olalekan Ifede, described the gesture as a tangible investment in the future of Ogun children, who are the leaders of tomorrow.

“It is particularly noteworthy that this marks the eighth consecutive intervention by JFE Shoji and Kawasho Foods Corporations in support of Ogun SUBEB. This consistent and sustained commitment clearly reflects our partners’ genuine passion for education and their steadfast belief in community development through purposeful action,” Ifede said.

He expressed appreciation to the corporate partners for their unwavering support towards the growth and advancement of basic education in the State, noting that their contributions have boosted teacher morale, inspired learners and rekindled hope across public schools.

In his remarks, the Chief Executive Officer, Kawasho Foods, Mr. Akira Yano, said the company, founded in 1912 and currently marking its 70th anniversary of operations, has maintained a long-standing relationship with Nigeria through its flagship product, GEISHA Mackerel.

“In Nigeria, the history of GEISHA began over seventy years ago when one of our pioneers carried GEISHA Mackerel in his backpack, visiting West African countries to introduce our brand. We have a strong interest in education because it directly contributes to economic growth and development. Today, we officially donate 250 sets of desks and 500 chairs, 13,500 copies of GEISHA-branded notebooks and 200 cartons of GEISHA Mackerel to selected schools in Ogun State,” Yano said.

Earlier, the Board Secretary of Ogun SUBEB, Mr. Olubori Akinleye, commended the companies for their continued support, stressing that government alone cannot shoulder the responsibility of education. He lauded the donors for their positive impact on pupils and teachers across the State.

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, from Local Government Primary School 1, Ibiade,  Waliat Ige and Abobade Goodness from All Saints Primary School, Itori, in Ewekoro, expressed gratitude to the donors and prayed for the continued success of the companies.