During the presentation of furniture to the Baptist Day Nursery and Primary School in Akinale, Ewekoro Local Government Area of Ogun State on Monday, the CEO of Olatunde Prestige and Belzaleel Manufacturing Ltd, Pastor Babatunde Ebidero, encouraged businesses to increase their investment in the education sector.
Ebidero stressed the significance of investing in education
for the future, emphasizing that businesses would greatly benefit from
supporting individuals with the potential to positively impact their
organizations and society as a whole through their education.
The entrepreneur emphasized the importance of not solely
relying on the government for everything, highlighting the need for individuals
to also play their part in supporting government initiatives.
He clarified that the donation was a demonstration of his
company's commitment to corporate social responsibility and a gesture of
solidarity with the residents of his host community.
Ebidero said, “This kind gesture is a way to identify with
the development of the community that has hosted our company for years, and why
not do something to provide them with modern chairs and tables, which we
manufacture in our company?
“One thing that I have observed is that the yawning gap we
have in terms of social amenities is because we have heaped too much on the
government’s shoulders.
“I think the corporate organisations can do more; yes, they
are doing it but they can do more. We must team up with the government and see
how to make society better, especially in the area of investment in education,
which is the biggest investment for the future of any society. After all, there
are many research projects today being funded by corporate organisations.”
Ganiyu Lasisi, the Chairman of the School Based Management
Committee at the primary school, expressed his gratitude to Ebidero for
assisting in providing chairs and tables for the students and teachers.
Nevertheless, he appealed to the state government to assist
in supplying additional teachers, noting that the school currently only had two
teachers provided by the government, with parents taking on the responsibility
of others who help in educating the children.
He also made a plea to the government to aid in providing
toilet and water facilities, along with fencing the school compound to improve
its security.
Mrs. Evlyn Davies, the head-teacher of the institution,
expressed her profound appreciation to Ebidero and his spouse, as well as the management of the
furniture-making company, for their esteemed decision to collaborate with the
state government in the endeavor of creating a conducive learning environment
for the students.
She solemnly pledged that the furniture will be meticulously maintained and
utilized to its fullest potential. Furthermore, she seized this opportune
moment to extend a heartfelt invitation to other corporate organizations and
individuals who possess a philanthropic spirit to join hands with the Governor Dapo Abiodun’s administration in the pursuit of enhancing the
education sector.