Indigents pupils in ibadan benefits from free 500 bags to school from a US based philanthropist.

As part of efforts to reduce the rate of out-of-school children and assist parents, an NGO on Saturday took its ‘Back to School’ campaign to Lalupon area of Ibadan in Oyo State.

The Nigeria News Agency reports that the NGO, Seun Akinlosotu and Friends, distributed no fewer than 500 brand new school bags and exercise books to the pupils.

recalls that the group founded by Seun Akinlosotu, a philanthropist, commenced its campaign in 2018 in Ondo State where it distributed similar materials to no fewer than 300 pupils.

Akinlosotu told on the sidelines of the exercise that the campaign was to encourage pupils to return to school.

“This initiative is devoid of any personal gain. I believe thoroughly in the quotes of Robert F Kennedy which says that the purpose of life is to contribute in some way to making things better.

“The effort is to contribute significantly to society and take off part of the burden of parents in sending their children to school. We believe this will also encourage the pupils to return to school.

“This campaign is funded by donations from friends and family members across the world,” she said.

She said that millions of naira were expended in acquiring the 500 brand new school bags as well as exercise books distributed to the pupils in Ibadan.

Akinlosotu expressed joy that the pupils would return to school with bags that would last them for between three and four years, promising that the campaign would keep improving.

“Our target is to keep increasing the distribution annually. Last year, we distributed 300 and now 500. Maybe we are going to do 1,000 in other states.

“We have been able to create a platform for everybody to come together, contribute the little they have and accomplish something big,” she said.

Akinlosotu also expressed fulfilment with the response and happiness displayed by both the parents as well as the pupils, promising more of such initiatives.

She said that the group was in Ibadan because the Oyo capital had the highest number of votes on its online platform.

Adelanke Adeola, who spoke on behalf of the parents, commended the group for extending the gesture to them, praying God would bless them the more.

“Some of the parents here told me they are widows and can’t afford to buy bags for their children.

” This is indeed a good gesture. I pray the Lord will help them to continue doing this,” she said.

reports that several other parents and pupils at the event expressed joy at the gesture from the group