A Japan-based company, Kawasho Foods Trade Corporation and JFE Shoji Corporation donated educational materials to 10 public primary schools in Oyo State yesterday.
The materials, including 11,000 exercise books, 360 desks, benches, and 150 cartons of canned food products, were distributed among some selected primary schools across the state’s three senatorial districts.
Speaking at the official presentation of the educational materials in Ibadan, the executive chairman of the Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board (OYOSUBEB), Dr Nureni Adeniran, commended the company for its support of the state government’s efforts to provide qualitative education in the state, starting at the basic education level.
Adeniran, who urged the donor to continue supporting, noted, “The furniture would improve the pupils’ sitting posture and convenience, while the exercise books would provide writing materials for the pupils, particularly the indigent ones, which would improve their academic performance”.
He said donating to Basic Schools in the state is a good step in the right direction and will encourage other multinational companies operating in the country to invest in children’s future.
Adeniran said the company’s gesture would complement the state government’s effort, noting that the governor recently approved recruiting 7,000 teachers to fill the existing vacancies created by retirement and other factors.
He assured the company its effort would be worthwhile, as the materials would be used well.
“I enjoin the teachers of the beneficiary schools to reciprocate this good gesture of the Corporation by remaining diligent and dedicated to their duties so that the effect will show or manifest sooner than later”, he said.
“As a board, we appreciate the gift of 360 desks and chairs, 11,000 pieces of 60leaves exercise books, and 150 cartons of Geisha,” Adeniran said.
Earlier, the company’s African representative, Mr Murata Kotaro, disclosed that JFE Shoji Corporation and Kawasho Foods Corporation, the brand owner of the Geisha brand, have been supporting education in Nigeria since 2011 and have visited more than 15 states.
