In a move to boost learning conditions and strengthen basic education, the Elemu Social Base Club, a community-based non-governmental organisation, on Friday, September 19th, donated two brand-new white marker boards to Methodist Primary School, Okeletu, Ijede Local Council Development Area (LCDA) of Lagos State.
The club said the gesture reflects its commitment to improving education within the community and ensuring pupils have access to essential teaching aids that enhance classroom interaction and comprehension.
Club President Mr. Akande Adewale explained that the initiative underscores the group’s mission to redefine the role of social clubs beyond leisure.
“Many people think social clubs are just about sitting together to drink and relax. Our aim is to change that perception and show that clubs can be agents of positive impact.”
“What we are doing today is a clear example—giving back to the place where we all began,” he said.
Adewale added that, as products of the public primary school system, club members felt it was only fitting to start their philanthropic outreach by supporting grassroots education.
He stressed that the donation was not a one-off effort but part of a broader plan to assist other schools within and outside Ijede.
He also praised the Executive Chairman of Ijede LCDA for ongoing investments in education, noting that the club’s contribution complements government efforts.
“We are supporting what she is doing because it reflects good governance. By this small effort God has enabled us to make, we are sending a message that we are partners in progress,” he said.
Adewale further expressed hope that the pupils would be inspired to cultivate a culture of giving back.
“Children learn more from what they see than what they are told. Witnessing this act may encourage many of them to grow up determined to contribute positively to their communities,” he added.
The donation, he said, was also intended to motivate teachers and deepen the club’s relationship with the school.
Mrs. Ayola Omotolani Golden Queen, a prominent member of the club, described the gift as timely and impactful.
“I’m very happy with what we have done because it will help the students,” she said.
“When we first discussed it, I supported it wholeheartedly. The government cannot do everything alone; we must complement its efforts to improve pupils’ learning conditions.”
Mr. Olatunji Oladayo, the club’s Public Relations Officer, revealed that the project emerged after consultations with the school management to identify their most pressing needs.
“This is simply an act of giving back. We came to the school and asked, ‘What can we do to help the children learn in a more conducive environment?’ Donating marker boards became the best immediate solution,” he said.
Oladayo assured that the gesture marked the beginning of a series of community development projects.
“Expect more from us. We have many plans on the table and are touring the community to see where else we can make a difference,” he added.
The initiative drew commendations from education stakeholders.
Mrs. Osho Bolanle, Assistant Head of Education for Ijede LCDA, described the donation as a “step in the right direction” that would enhance teaching and learning.
Also present was Mr. Tijani Faruk Taiwo, Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), who praised the club for prioritizing education and urged other organizations and individuals to follow suit, emphasizing that collective efforts are key to strengthening grassroots education.
Representatives of the school and pupils expressed their appreciation, pledging to put the boards to good use.
The Elemu Social Base Club reaffirmed that the donation is only one of several initiatives aimed at supporting education and community development across Ijede and neighbouring communities.
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