Gafar Alabi,

JFE Shoji and Kawasho Foods Corporation have donated educational materials, 13,500 exercise books, furniture, including 180 desks and 150 cartons of Geisha to 10 selected public schools, including two junior secondary schools in Ogun State, as part of their continued Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives.

Speaking during the presentation in Abeokuta, the Chairman of the Ogun State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Evang. Olalekan Ifede, described the donation as a commendable intervention that would improve the learning environment and support the welfare of the pupils.

Ifede, urged other corporate organisations and well-meaning individuals to emulate the initiative by contributing to the development of public schools in the State, charging the beneficiary schools to ensure proper utilisation, custody and maintenance of the donated items to achieve their intended purposes.

He appreciated the organisations for their continued partnership and commitment to improving children's lives through educational support.

In her welcome address, the Board Secretary, Mrs. Olubunmi Oso, said providing quality basic education was a shared responsibility requiring the active participation of government, corporate organisations and other stakeholders, commending the donors for consistently complementing the efforts of the State government in promoting inclusive, equitable and quality education.

Speaking on behalf of the organisations, the Director of Kawasho Foods, Akira Yano, said the companies had a strong interest in education because of its positive relationship with economic growth and development, adding that they had continued to contribute to educational development at various levels across Nigeria.

Yano, appreciated the Ogun State Government for providing the opportunity to sustain the longstanding partnership, expressing optimism about strengthening the relationship in the years ahead.

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Janet Lamidi of St. Paul's African Church Primary School 1, Ayetoro and Waffuuqua Odukoya of St. John's Anglican Primary School, Ososa, expressed gratitude to the donors and pledged to make judicious use of the donated materials.