UNILAG POSTGRADUATE COMMUNITY LAUNCH MAJOR OUTREACH TO SUPPORT CHILDREN AND VULNERABLE GROUPS

UNILAG POSTGRADUATE COMMUNITY LAUNCH MAJOR OUTREACH TO SUPPORT CHILDREN AND VULNERABLE GROUPS

The Postgraduate Students’ Community of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), in collaboration with the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority, Risibello Foundation, and the Iyanda Sidikat Iyabo Group, recently concluded a two-day outreach initiative aimed at supporting children and vulnerable populations in the Yaba area of Lagos.

The programme commenced on Friday with a visit to St. Francis Junior Grammar School in Onike-Iwaya, where approximately 300 pupils received essential items including writing materials, socks, sanitary pads for girls, and prizes recognizing outstanding academic achievements. Following this, the team visited Modupe Cole Orphanage to extend their support to the residents.

Saturday’s activities focused on a community development outreach within the Yaba neighbourhood, which included free medical services, environmental sanitation, and the distribution of vital medications.

During the prize-giving ceremony, Bello Risikat, President of the Risibello Charity Foundation, underscored the critical role of mentorship in nurturing responsible young adults. Motivational mentor Bukola encouraged students to remain focused and avoid negative social media influences, sharing how determination has been key to her own career success.

Iyabo Iyanda, an educational consultant and founder of the Iyanda Sidikat Iyabo Group, highlighted the urgent need to equip Nigerian children with the skills necessary for global leadership. She advocated for improved curricula and stronger educational systems to better prepare young people for national development.

Ezekiel Gbemisola, President of the UNILAG Postgraduate Students’ Community, emphasized that the outreach fosters a sense of social responsibility among postgraduate scholars and expressed intentions to develop a replicable model for similar initiatives in other tertiary institutions. Alice Amajama, the community’s Vice President, encouraged greater postgraduate involvement in community service, confirming plans to expand outreach efforts to more schools, orphanages, and local communities.

At Modupe Cole Memorial Child Care and Treatment Home, Vice Principal Mr. Ajani detailed the complex needs of the facility’s residents, noting that the home currently supports 476 individuals, including 318 abandoned persons. He expressed gratitude for the donations and support provided by the outreach team.

The initiative concluded on a positive note with community health services and environmental clean-up efforts that aimed to improve the quality of life for Yaba residents.