By Philo Ezewu
The President-General of Ogoni Olomu Community, Prince Sony Jifas Ogbon (JP), has flagged off the distribution of learning materials to primary school pupils in parts of Delta State as part of his annual back-to-school initiative, now in its 11th year.
The programme, aimed at easing the financial burden on parents at the beginning of a new academic session, saw pupils receive notebooks, biros and other essential learning materials to support their education.
The flag-off ceremony was held at Ogoni Olomu Primary School in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State, with the initiative extending to beneficiaries in Burutu and Ethiope East local government areas.
Speaking during the exercise, Prince Ogbon expressed gratitude to God for sustaining the programme over the past 11 years, describing its continuity as a source of fulfilment and encouragement.
He said the initiative was driven by his personal commitment to promoting basic education and supporting indigent parents who struggle to provide essential learning materials for their children.
According to him, education remains the foundation of societal development, stressing the need for well-meaning individuals and organisations to invest in the education of children, particularly at the primary school level.
Ogbon, who promised to extend the programme to Ughelli North Local Government Area next year, by God’s grace, called on old students’ associations, social groups, humanitarian clubs and other organisations to emulate the gesture.
He noted that collective efforts by individuals and groups could help reduce the challenges confronting parents and ensure that more pupils have access to basic educational materials.
The community leader urged philanthropists and other good-spirited Nigerians to support educational initiatives in their respective communities, adding that investing in children was essential to building a better future.
In her remarks, the Head Teacher of Etako Primary School, Okpare-Olomu, commended Prince Ogbon for sustaining the initiative over the years.
She described the distribution of learning materials as timely, noting that the gesture would encourage the pupils to take their studies seriously while reducing the financial burden on their parents.
Some parents and pupils who benefited from the exercise also expressed appreciation to Ogbon for his continued support for education, saying the materials would assist the children in their academic activities.
The annual back-to-school programme has continued for 11 years as part of Ogbon’s efforts to promote basic education and support families across communities in Delta State.
