Senator Shuaib Salisu, the lawmaker representing Ogun Central at the Senate, on Friday, provided educational materials to over 1,000 students in the district.

Speaking at the empowerment programme in Abeokuta, Mr Salisu said the initiative cuts across all secondary schools in Ogun Central.

He said the educational support materials included school bags, mathematical sets, exercise books, text books and past question books.

The lawmaker said the gesture was to encourage the students to excel in their education.

He urged the students to focus on their education, be committed and always exhibit good character.

“I was extremely clear that the true empowerment is empowerment that leaves lasting impact. We started last year; we procured over 1,000 JAMB forms for candidates, we paid NECO and WAEC registration fees.

“I am a senator because of God’s benevolence and the education that I had. I am aware of the empowerment people do—empowerment that you distribute items—items that will be sold immediately that will not have lasting impact. We didn’t come just to give the students materials; we also brought people to share life experiences,” the lawmaker said.

He urged the students not to see themselves as being disadvantaged for attending a public school but to build networks and alliances that would assist them in the future.

In his remarks, Abayomi Arigbabu, the Ogun Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, applauded the senator for the kind gesture.

Mr Arigbabu said it was important to always give back to society and urged the students to have plans and be focused and determined.

In his goodwill message, the Speaker, Ogun Assembly, Oludaisi Elemide, advised the students to utilise the educational materials judiciously.

“Make the best use of the educational materials. Aim for the best all the time and don’t let anybody say you can’t do it,” Mr Elemide said. 

(NAN)