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Bukola Olajide
Students and pupils from selected public schools in Kwara State have benefitted from the distribution of school sandals through the office of the wife of the Kwara State Governor, Professor Olufolake Abdulrazaq.
Speaking during the symbolic presentation of the footwear at the Government House, Ilorin, Professor Abdulrazaq explained that the initiative was designed to ease the burden on parents and guardians in providing school items ahead of the new academic session.
She observed that for many children, attending school comes with the daily challenge of blistered feet from worn-out slippers, which often cause discomfort and distraction in class.
Kwara First Lady with Kale- Jimoh
The First Lady noted that, in some cases, pupils have been forced to make the heartbreaking decision to stay away from school simply because they lacked proper footwear.
Professor Abdulrazaq stressed that the sandals represent more than just comfort; they symbolize the commitment of the State and her Ajike People Support Centre to ensuring that every child can walk confidently into the classroom, ready to learn.
“My office and the Ajike peoples support center will continue to lead advocacies to protect children more effectively from violence, child labour, child trafficking, forced marriages and other such related vices.
“In return, however I urge you all to imbibe and exhibit in greater measure, the virtues of hard work, diligence, discipline, honesty, prudence, selflessness patriotism which are essential to becoming responsible citizens”.
The State Commissioner for Education, Dr Lawal Olohungbebe, said the sandals made in Nigeria was part of efforts by the State government to promote local content, Kwara State in particular.
Speaking with Radio Nigeria, convener of the Sandal Initiative Project, SIP, Ibrahim Kala-Jimoh, explained that project was to promote punctuality and reduce low self esteem among students.
“Project SIP– Sandal Initiative Project is an initiative which wins to provide free sandals to students who walk to school barefooted, or with ugly sandals.
“No matter how beautiful the classroom is, and the competence of the teachers, the child needs the confidence to learn”.
Some of the students expressed gratitude for the gesture, stressing that it would serve to cover the area of their need for a befitting footwear.
Harmony FM reports that highlight of the programme was a special performance by a fifteen year old saxophonist, Temilayo Abodunrin from Offa in Kwara State.
Editing by Sola Rotimi
