Date: 2018-02-15

Mr Muyiwa Oladipo, Chairman, Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara has advised Nigerians to imbibe the habit of being their brother's keeper, especially to the less-privileged in the society.

Oladipo gave the advice in Omu-Aran on Wednesday while handing over an undisclosed amount of money to the management of St. Paul’s School for Special Needs, Omu-Aran, Kwara. He said that the gesture was targeted at bringing succour to pupils, teachers and management to assist in the smooth running of the school.

He said the donation was also in line with the state government policy of making qualitative and quantitative education affordable and accessible to all categories of the populace.

"It is part of our desire and mandate as elected officers of the council to ensure that all categories of students in the council are adequately impacted in their academic pursuit.

"Notwithstanding the lean purse and resources of the council occasioned by the dwindling allocation from the Federation Account, we will not relent in the discharge of our civic responsibilities. "We are at the same time optimistic that this little cash incentive will assist the management in the smooth administration of the school, particularly in the area of logistics."

Oladipo also pledged to liaise with the council's health department to make quality healthcare services accessible to the pupils.

Earlier in his remarks, the Headmaster, Mr Raphael Olaoye, described the visit as the first of its kind in the school’s history by any elected government official or philanthropist, since its establishment.

He listed some of the challenges confronting the school as inadequate funding, logistics and insufficient teaching and learning materials.

"We will forever be grateful to this administration for identifying with our school and promise the judicious use of this kind gesture," Olaoye added.

The Newsmen reports that the visit was part of the administration's familiarisation tour of facilities and institutions within the council, following its inauguration a few months ago.

Among the pupils of the school are those with Down's Syndrome, the crippled, the deaf and dumb.

NAN