By Omowumi Hannah, Ibadan

Chairman and Special Assistant on Fire Services to Oyo State Governor, Hon. Dr. Maroof Akinwande, has pledged over 200 school uniforms, socks and sandals for pupils of four selected primary schools across Afijio, Atiba, Oyo East and Oyo West Local Government Areas of the state.

The pledge was made during the Catch Them Young Initiative, held on Monday in Oyo.

Akinwande, a former member of the House of Representatives and alumnus of the University of Ibadan, shared his personal experience of overcoming poverty through education.

He said, “I started like boys I met here. My first five or six years in primary school, I did not have shoes all through. Even clothes were occasional.”

He urged the pupils to remain focused, hardworking and committed to their education, while also promising business empowerment for vulnerable parents to support their families.

The former Chairman of the FCT Secondary Education Board, Abuja, stressed the importance of notable individuals giving back to their alma mater, saying such gestures could help reduce infrastructural and welfare challenges facing schools in the state.

Mrs. Ayodeni Aluko, Chief Coordinator of the Catch Them Young Initiative, appreciated Akinwande for his support and encouraged the pupils to prioritize their education.

She also called on parents to support their children’s education, noting that parental involvement would contribute positively to effective teaching and learning.

A beneficiary pupil, Abdullahi Sulaimon, fondly called “Omo Oyo,” expressed appreciation to Akinwande for selecting his parent for the business empowerment programme. He described the gesture as a “parent’s lifeline to smooth home running.”

The selected schools are LA Basic School, Aro-Ilora; ADS Basic School, Oke Balogun; Baptist Primary School, Isokun; and LA Primary School, Sabo.

The event also featured the inauguration of clubs and societies in the selected primary schools.