As schools resume for a new academic session, JAKIN NGO has empowered 1,000 orphans and vulnerable students in Lagos and Ogun states with essential school supplies at the 15th edition of its Dress a Child for School project.
The event, held in Lagos on Monday, September 9, 2025, brought together students from 533 vulnerable households across 105 Lagos State Government primary and secondary schools. The beneficiaries, who reside mainly in slums and low-income communities across various LGAs in Lagos and Ogun states, received essential school items as part of the project.
The event, themed “Promoting Literacy in a Digital Era,” was held to mark the 2025 UNESCO International Literacy Day. It aimed to provide orphans and vulnerable children with essential learning tools to enable them to return to school and continue their education.
Over 8,000 orphans and vulnerable children in Lagos State have benefited from the programme since its commencement in 2010, obtaining basic school supplies like new school uniforms, school bags, and books, among other essentials for the start of a new academic session.
Speaking at the presentation, the chairman of the occasion, who doubled as the Chief Executive Officer of TIS Renewable Energy, Mr Okezie Oluikpe, stressed that literacy remains a powerful tool for unlocking human potential.
“Literacy is more than just reading and writing. It is a key to unlocking human potential and a tool to create a more equitable society where individuals are empowered for greater understanding,” he said.
On her part, the guest speaker and Chief Executive Officer of TY Workspace, Mrs Toyin Arowolo, emphasised the importance of digital literacy as a vital skill for both personal growth and societal development.
Also speaking, Mrs Olubukola Adebiyi, President of JAKIN NGO, revealed that the project has already received ten recognition awards, including commendations from the Lagos State Government, the Office of the Governor, the Ministry of Education, and the Mainland Local Government Education Authority.
“The impact of JAKIN N.G.O annual Dress a Child for School project has already attracted ten recognition awards, especially from Lagos State Government office of the Governor, Ministry of Education and Mainland Local Government Education Authority,” She said.
Mrs. Adebiyi further appreciated the organisations and individuals who have continued to support the project despite the ongoing economic challenges.
“I am indeed grateful to all individuals, organisations, groups, faith-based organisations and businesses that donated generously to make this edition possible despite the negative impact of the ongoing global economic hardship,” She said.
Further acknowledging sponsors, she added, “ We are most especially grateful to God and our outstanding partners; Gamesville Foundation, Prayer Fountain (UK), Bossam Empowerment Foundation, Deano Golf Limited and Empowered Christian Centre, Southern Australia. Your exceptional support made today possible.”
Mrs Adebiyi encouraged the students to put more effort into their academics and make the NGO proud in the fresh academic year.
Speaking during the event, one of the guardians of the beneficiaries of the Dress a Child for School project, Mrs Kemisola Ogungbemi, commended the NGO for its consistent efforts in making life easier for vulnerable children and orphans by providing them with essential school items needed for resumption.
She went on to express her gratitude to the organisation for its unwavering support, noting that as a single mother of four, the assistance had greatly eased her burden. She explained that, beyond being warmly received, she was also empowered with a new branded sewing machine, some cash support, a cover button machine, tailoring materials, and an invitation to acquire additional skills in small chops making.
Emeke Hope, a student of Herbert Macaulay Girls Senior High School and a beneficiary of the project, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the organisation for its unwavering support. A three-year recipient of the scholarship sponsored by Shelf Drilling Limited through the Gamesville Foundation and executed by JAKIN, she recounted how the programme has funded her lessons, provided daily meals, and covered her transportation to and from school.