The Chairman of the Ogun State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Evangelist Joshua Ifede, has urged pupils across the state to remain focused on their studies and avoid distractions, describing education as the surest path to a successful and fulfilling future.
Ifede gave the charge on Wednesday in Abeokuta during the presentation of educational materials donated by JFE Shoji Corporation and Kawasho Foods Corporation to public schools in Ogun State. The donation included 13,500 branded exercise books, 750 chairs and desks, and 200 cartons of Geisha products, all aimed at improving teaching and learning conditions in public schools.
Commending the companies for their sustained support, Ifede described the gesture as a “tangible investment in the future of our children,” noting that it demonstrates the donors’ strong commitment to education and community development.
“Through this initiative, our esteemed partners have graciously donated 500 chairs, 250 desks, and 13,500 branded 60-page exercise books, as well as 200 cartons of Geisha products, to enhance teaching and learning across schools in Ogun State,” he said.
“This generous contribution goes far beyond the provision of materials; it represents a tangible investment in the future of our children, who are the leaders of tomorrow. It is particularly noteworthy that this marks the eighth consecutive intervention by JFE Shoji Corporation and Kawasho Foods Corporation in support of Ogun SUBEB.”
Addressing the pupils, Ifede advised them to handle the donated materials with care and take their education seriously.
“To our dear pupils, I urge you to make the best use of these materials. Handle your books and furniture with care, study diligently, and continue to make your parents, teachers, and Ogun State proud,” he said.
The SUBEB chairman reaffirmed the Ogun State Government’s readiness to continue collaborating with private organisations and public-spirited individuals to strengthen the education sector, stressing that such partnerships align with the government’s vision of providing qualitative and affordable education for all.
In his remarks, the Managing Director of Kawasho Foods Corporation, Mr. Akira Yano, said the gesture was part of the company’s 2025 Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative to support educational development in Nigeria.
“Kawasho Foods has a strong interest in education, as we believe it has a positive relationship with economic growth and development. We have been contributing towards educational advancement at various levels in Nigeria,” Yano stated.
He added that although Kawasho Foods was established in Japan over 114 years ago, it has operated in Nigeria for more than 70 years and remains deeply committed to the country’s progress through meaningful interventions in education and community welfare.
According to Yano, the donations were designed to enhance learning experiences and support selected public schools across Ogun State.
A 2023 UNICEF report highlights the urgency of such interventions, revealing that Nigeria still has over 10 million out-of-school children aged between 5 and 14, with many—especially in rural and northern areas—facing barriers like poverty, poor infrastructure, and socio-cultural challenges.
Despite an 88% primary school enrolment rate and a 77.6% literacy level recorded in 2021, the report notes that many Nigerian children still lack foundational skills.
Against this backdrop, Ifede reiterated that partnerships between government, corporate organisations, and communities remain essential to transforming Nigeria’s education system.
“With consistent collaboration and a shared sense of responsibility,” he said, “we can build a stronger foundation for learning, empower our children to achieve their dreams, and secure a brighter future for our state and our nation.”