A non-governmental organisation, the Felix Ebenezer Opata Foundation, has supported 461 indigent students drawn from 59 public secondary schools in Lagos State with educational materials at its maiden outreach programme.

According to the organisers, the foundation was established in response to the widening education gap, with a focus on identifying and supporting brilliant but indigent children who have the potential to excel, but lack the financial and structural support to do so.

The Chairman of the foundation, Mrs Catherine Opata, said education remains one of the most powerful investments that can be made in the future of young people, and ultimately in the future of society.

She added that every child deserves the opportunity to learn, develop their talents and build a meaningful future, regardless of circumstances.

Opata explained that the outreach was not simply about providing material support, but also sending a clear message to every student that their future is worth investing in.

While urging beneficiaries to make good use of the opportunity, Opata said: “I encourage you to receive this support, with determination, making good use of every opportunity placed before you. Study diligently, respect your teachers, believe in yourselves and remember that the circumstances of today do not have to determine the possibilities of tomorrow.”

In his remarks, the Head of Operations, Mr Frederick Opata, said the current intervention is deliberately focused and location-specific, beginning in the Alimosho local government area of Lagos State, one of the most densely populated areas with a significant number of children from low-income and rural communities facing barriers to education.

He disclosed that the foundation’s three-year plan, following a successful pilot, includes expansion beyond Alimosho into additional local government areas, increasing its reach to over 5,000 students yearly, strengthening government and institutional partnerships, and introducing digital and vocational learning components, with funding priorities clearly mapped out in the first year.

In his address, Felix Opata, in whose name his children established the foundation, said his children had taken what began as a personal commitment more than 40 years ago, and given it an organised platform through which countless more lives can be touched.

Opata said, “To the 461 students, please do not allow your present circumstances to determine your future. Work hard, remain disciplined, respect your teachers and make the best use of every opportunity available to you.”

He stated that the vision is to see a Nigeria where every child, regardless of socio-economic background or location, has access to quality education, can fulfil their potential, and contribute meaningfully to national development.

According to him, financial contributions, educational resources, scholarships and other forms of support can help the Foundation reach more children and transform more lives.

Beneficiaries received school bags, textbooks, exercise books, mathematical sets, calculators, biros, and other learning materials.