Kwara First Lady distributes school sandals to students across public schools

…education commissioner Olohungbebe hails initiative as timely support for pupils.

…convener Ibrahim Kale thank First Lady for championing child-friendly education support

The First Lady of Kwara State and Chairperson of the Nigeria Governors’ Spouses Forum, Amb. Prof. Olufolake AbdulRazaq, has reaffirmed her commitment to ensuring that every child has access to quality education, healthcare, and basic necessities for a better life.

She made this known on Sunday, September 14, 2025, during the distribution of school sandals to pupils and students from public schools across the three senatorial districts. The event was held at the Office of the First Lady, Government House, Ilorin.

Amb. AbdulRazaq said the initiative was designed to provide comfort for children as they walk to classrooms, stressing that every child deserves the opportunity to learn and excel irrespective of background.

“Our children’s footprints will shape society. This initiative is to ensure they walk with joy into their classrooms, ready to learn and achieve their dreams,” she said.

The First Lady added that her office and the Ajike People Support Center have implemented various social programmes over the years — including scholarships, school supplies, family support, skills training, and empowerment — to complement government’s efforts and guarantee that no child is left behind. She pledged continued support for education and child welfare, while urging students to be worthy ambassadors of their families and the society.

Convener of the Sandals Initiative Programme (SIP), Ibrahim Kale Jimoh, explained that the programme was designed to provide free sandals for students in need, appreciating the First Lady for funding the intervention.

Commissioner for Education, Dr. Lawal Olohungbebe, described the initiative as timely, commending AbdulRazaq for supporting students and promoting locally made products. Similarly, Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Prof. Adaramaja, applauded her consistent contributions to education, noting alignment with Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s agenda on human capital development.

The event was attended by the Wife of the Speaker of the State Assembly, Hajia Saadatu Danladi, Wife of the Chief Judge, Mrs. Olufunke Adebara, Deputy Chief of Staff Government House, Princess Bukola Babalola, cabinet members, political and artisan groups, as well as students, teachers, and principals from the three senatorial districts.