In a recent humanitarian effort, the Rotary Club of Ibadan-Ring Road, in partnership with Rotary Clubs from Cotonou, Districts 9126 and 9103, donated French language textbooks and a borehole to secondary schools in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State.
The recipients of the intervention are the students of Bashorun Ogunmola High School and Queens School, Apata.
During the event, Bolade Ipadeola, the President of the Rotary Club of Ibadan-Ring Road, shared that the project had been eagerly awaited for a long time.
Ipadeola mentioned that from the beginning of this year, they were determined that their district would partner with another district, and they are pleased to have accomplished it.
They initiated this plan around two to three months ago when the International Director of their club had to coordinate with the International Director from the Republic of Cotonou, which had only one club.
They began discussing and planning, and before they realized it, more clubs joined in, growing to a total of 15. These included RC E Concordia, RC de Godomey, RC de Cotonou Lagune, RC de Cotonou Cocotiers, RC de Cotonou Etoile, RC de Cotonou Rive Gauche, RC de Cotonou NEXUS, RC E-Club de Empowerment, RC de Cotonou Ifê, RC de Cotonou Passeport les Diplomates, RC de Parakou, RC de Cotonou, RC de Cotonou Marina, RC Abomey Calavi, RCC SIKE COLOMBE, RC de Cotonou le Nautile, and RC Natitingou-Tanguieta. They all committed to coming to Nigeria.
The initial step they took was conducting a needs assessment of the students at Queens School, Apata, where they identified the daily challenges students face in accessing water, having to walk long distances within the school to obtain it.
They chose to supply water for them, as it is one of Rotary’s key areas of focus. This is why they pooled their wealth and resources to successfully accomplish this admirable and impactful project.
How They Helped Students of Bashorun Ogunmola High School
At Bashorun Ogunmola High School, they realized that the students had limited knowledge of the French language. Since the school was collaborating with a French-speaking country, this prompted them to distribute French textbooks to the JSS1-JSS3 students. This need for better language skills was the inspiration behind the project, which they successfully accomplished.
They also engaged in tree planting, another key focus of the Rotary Club, highlighting its importance to economic development. They emphasized the need for clean air and a healthy environment in our schools.
They needed to plant trees at Queens School, similar to what they accomplished earlier today at Bashorun Ogunmola High School.
She urged the management of Queens School to continue supporting the water project, emphasizing that it had cost them millions.
She also mentioned that Bashorun Ogunmola High School distributed French textbooks but isn’t allowing students to take them home. Instead, the students are expected to keep the books at school for use during their French classes and return them afterward so that they are available for other students.
Akoregnon Rodrigue, the Joint Project Chairman, announced that Rotary Clubs from the Republic of Cotonou are collaborating with the Rotary Club of Ibadan-Ring Road to provide French textbooks to students, aiming to enhance their learning environment.
Remarks from State Commissioner for Education
Mrs. Kikelomo Adigun, standing in for State Commissioner for Education Professor Salihu Adelabu, expressed gratitude to the Rotary Club for their contribution. She noted that this support aligns with the vision and goals of Oyo State Governor Mr. Seyi Makinde, helping to position the state as a leader in all ramifications.
In their individual statements, the Principal of Queen School, Apata, and Mrs. Ogunshina Aderonke from Bashorun Ogunmola High School, as well as Mrs. Oluokun Abosede Olawunmi, praised the clubs for their contributions, noting that the donations would significantly address the students’ needs.
