By Muyideen Aliyu, Ilorin
In its continued efforts to uplift the underprivileged and promote inclusive education, the Kwara State Government has distributed nutritional and educational materials to Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC) in Oro-Ago, Ifelodun Local Government Area, Southern Senatorial District of the state.
The intervention, aimed at restoring hope and dignity to children at risk of being left behind, was spearheaded by the State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Chief (Mrs) Opeyemi Oluwakemi Afolashade, who praised Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his unwavering commitment to the welfare of vulnerable groups.
Speaking during the distribution ceremony, the Commissioner said the palliatives, comprising rice, beans, garri, sugar, palm oil, vegetable oil, school uniforms, sandals, exercise books, school bags, socks, writing materials and PTA levies, serve not just as relief but as empowerment tools to help OVC stay in school and thrive.
She said: “These items are more than materials; they are seeds of hope, they represent a deliberate effort by the AbdulRahman-led administration to invest in the future of every child, regardless of their background. We hope that these children, when empowered, will pay this gesture forward by giving back to their communities.”
Afolashade reaffirmed the government’s zero tolerance for any form of abuse or violence against children, including rape, assault, child labour, female genital mutilation, and sexual exploitation. She stressed that the welfare and protection of children remain central to the policies of the present administration.
She said:“Our government places a high premium on the wellbeing and sustainable development of orphans and vulnerable children in the state.
We are committed to ensuring they live meaningful and dignified lives despite the odds they face.”
Also speaking at the event, the Oloro of Oro-Ago, His Royal Majesty Oba Johnson Olanrewaju Dada, commended Governor AbdulRazaq for his inclusive governance model, which he said has brought tangible benefits to communities across the state. He urged the beneficiaries to make good use of the materials given to them.
Similarly, the Principal of ECWA Christian Commercial School, Mrs Roseline Olawuyi, praised the state’s social investment programmes targeted at vulnerable groups. She noted that the impact of the government’s education and welfare policies is already being felt in schools and communities across Kwara.
“This administration has not only identified the needs of the people, but it has also taken deliberate steps to address them. We urge the government to sustain this momentum and continue to support OVC to ensure no child is left behind,” she added.
