A Japan-based company, Kawasho Foods Trade Corporation, and JFE Shoji Corporation, on Wednesday donated educational materials to 10 public basic schools in Oyo State.
The materials, which included 11,000 exercise books, 360 desks and benches, as well as 150 cartons of canned food products, were distributed across selected primary schools in the three senatorial districts of the state.
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 Aderemi Adeniran, commended the company for its support of the state government’s efforts to provide quality education, starting at the basic education level.
Adeniran, who urged the donors to continue their support, noted that “the furniture will improve the pupils’ sitting posture and comfort, while the exercise books will provide writing materials for the pupils, particularly the indigent ones, thereby enhancing their academic performance.”
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He said the donation to basic schools in the state is a positive step and will serve as encouragement for other multinational companies operating in Nigeria to invest in the future of children.
Dr. Adeniran emphasized that the company’s gesture complements the efforts of the state government, adding that the governor had recently approved the recruitment of 7,000 teachers to fill vacancies created by retirements and other factors. He assured the company that the materials would be put to good use.
“I encourage the teachers of the beneficiary schools to reciprocate this kind gesture by remaining diligent and dedicated to their duties, so that the benefits will manifest sooner than later,” he said.
“As a board, we appreciate the donation of 360 desks and chairs, 11,000 60-leaf exercise books, and 150 cartons of Geisha canned mackerel,” Adeniran added.
Earlier, the Africa representative of the company, Mr. Murata Kotaro, disclosed that JFE Shoji Corporation and Kawasho Foods Corporation, the brand owner of Geisha, have been supporting education in Nigeria since 2011 and have visited more than 15 states. He added that the company chose Oyo State in 2024 to express gratitude for the support from consumers in the state.
He noted that “the provision of notebooks, desks, and benches each year is to support children’s education, while Geisha canned foods are donated to support the pupils’ diets.”
“It is in line with our corporate social responsibility that, in 2024, we officially donate these educational materials, 360 sets of desks and chairs, 11,000 Geisha branded notebooks, and 150 cartons of Geisha mackerel products to the selected beneficiary schools chosen by the Oyo State school board,” he said.
Present at the ceremony were the Executive Secretary of the Board, Mrs. Olaide Ladipo, Education Secretaries, the management staff of the board, and the country representative of the company, Mr. Agboifo Henry.
The selected schools include:
- F.O.A. Primary School II, Ode-Aje, Ibadan (Ibadan North East Local Government)
- Salvation Army Primary School, Yemetu Barracks, Ibadan (Ibadan North Local Government)
- Sacred Heart Primary School, Oke-Ayo, Odo-Ona, Ibadan (Ibadan South West Local Government)
- Baptist Primary School I, Sango, Eruwa (Ibarapa East Local Government)
- L.A. Primary School, Saabo, Oyo (Atiba Local Government)
- Community Primary School, Tose, Moniya, Ibadan (Akinyele Local Government)
- Christ Anglican Basic School II, Amuloko, Ibadan (Ona-Ara Local Government)
- Nybrosis Basic School, Oke-Teje, Kishi (Irepo Local Government)
- Community Primary School, Surulere, Saki (Saki West Local Government)
- Saja Basic School II, Owode, Ogbomoso (Ogbomoso North Local Government)
