The wife of the governor of Lagos State, Mrs. Bolanle Ambode, has launched the distribution of writing materials, school bags, shoes and socks to about 17,5000 pupils in public schools in the state, under the Bright Steps of Hope For Women In Nigeria Initiatives (HOFOWEN), her pet project.

In her remarks at the launch of the project, Mrs. Ambode stressed the importance of properly equipping children for school, adding that it plays a great role in boosting their level of confidence, morale, concentration and that of overall performance.

“It is HOFOWEM’s way of encouraging us as a society that we have the power to collectively mould our future for the better. These children are our future and it is disheartening to know that majority of them do not wear shoes and socks to school. I have seen this happened on several occasions and it is heartbreaking.”

Ambode noted that going barefooted has subjected many pupils to ill health, while some even lose their feet to bacterial infections and other life threatening diseases, hence the compelling need for kids to always have their shoes on.

She noted that a properly kitted pupil has a higher chance of doing well in academic because he or she is better motivated, more confident and has higher self-esteem, which translates to better academic performance.

“As a mother, I am deeply passionate about children. Some lucky ones have the necessary support, while others have very little or nothing. HOFOWEM realises that many children do not have the opportunity to wear ordinary shoes. Yet, this is something that we take for granted.

“The initiative reckons that one of the best ways to achieve its goal is to focus attention on children’s social welfare, education and good healthcare,” Ambode stated, adding that because pupils represent the future of the state and the country, the group would continue to do its best to motivate them for excellence.

“Nothing is ever too small or too big to invest in a productive future for these young ones, towards preparing them adequately to take up their future leadership roles.

“To all my children here today, you don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great. No matter what you plan to be in life, I am sure you will need education to do it.”

Chief Executive Officer of HOFOWEM, Ms Oyefunke Adeleke, said the initiative is poised to make a difference, by giving hope, support and empowerment to as many as possible.

Adeleke said as mothers, they deem it necessary to make a positive and lasting impact in the lives of people they come across.

“Together we can create a vision for ourselves and every individual. This vision does not need to be grandiose achievement. Small steps can dramatically enhance and improve a pupil’s life, and Project Bright Steps is our small step…”

She added, “We are immensely grateful for the kind disposition of Mrs. Ambode, who made the project a priority, and we are also full of appreciation to all public-spirited individuals and companies who supported this worthy cause in diverse ways. May God generously reward your service to humanity.”

Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, in his goodwill message, commended his wife for seeking to empower pupils of public primary schools, saying that the development was in line with the vision of the state government to make education accessible to all.

Represented by his deputy, Dr. Oluranti Adebule, Ambode said his administration recently earmarked N10billion for the upgrade of infrastructure and other items in public schools, calling on public-spirited individuals and organisations to take a cue and assist in any way possible.

At the unveiling ceremony, pupils in attendance received their shoes, bags, socks and some writing materials.

One of the beneficiaries, Grace Ogugua from Community Primary School, Abijo, Ibeju-Lekki Local Council, expressed appreciation to Mrs. Ambode for the gesture.

Another of the beneficiaries, Jumoke Ganiu of LA Primary School, Ajegunle, summarised her thoughts this way, “I feel good, thank you governor’s wife, God will bless your family.”

Nifemi Akinpelu of L. SUBEB Model Primary School, Ajeromi-Ifelodun, was also appreciative of the governor’s wife’s gesture, and counted himself lucky to be one of the beneficiaries.

A parent, Lawal Adebayo, described the initiative as a very good one, and prayed for its sustenance.

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