Like the jubilation that supervenes the arrival of a long-anticipated winning goal in a highly competitive world cup tournament final, the pupils of Samuel Ayodele Memorial Primary School, Molete, Ibadan Oyo state and Odeda Local Government (OLG) Primary School, Alagbede, Abeokuta, Ogun state jubilated at the sight of a white colored Toyota Hilux coated in black which epitomizes the symbol of SLIDEN AFRICA driving into their school premises with loads of writing materials. The agog pupils who regard SLIDEN AFRICA’s visits to omen blessing assembled like the ant’s formation around the cube of sugar to welcome Chief Kola Adebayo, the chairman of SLIDEN AFRICA, chanting songs without a rehearsed lyrics to eulogize the Ode-Remo born Professor of international and rural development. With great excitement like someone whose brighter future is assured, the pupils converged on the assembly grounds in high spirit as recorded in Ojude-Oba festival, eagerly awaiting the distribution of writing materials as the emissaries reached out for the head teacher’s office to notify their arrival.

Chief Adebayo in his address delivered through his representative Mrs Badmos-Okunlola, acknowledged that access to quality education is the bedrock for national development and government should not be left alone to bear the burden of education. He added that this will enable the poor to also access quality education which will bring about inclusive development. “This is why SLIDEN AFRICA a non-governmental, non-profit making organization is committed to alleviate poverty and sustain national development through educational development support programme for schools and students in Africa” he concluded.

Receiving the writing materials on behalf of the school, Comrade Olawale, the Head teacher of Samuel Ayodele Primary School, Ibadan thanked Chief Adebayo, for his consistent support towards the development of the school over the past decade. He said, his support to the school has given the less privileged access to primary education in the community as parents and guardians are relieved of the financial burden of acquiring writing materials for their wards/children. An effort which he said compliments the free education program of Oyo state government as initiated by the state governor, Engr Seyi Makinde.

In her remarks, the Head teacher OLG primary school Abeokuta, Mrs Akinsanya commended the Oluomo of Eposo land for his immeasurable contributions to the school and charged the pupils to emulate him by becoming successful in their future endeavors so as to become assets and not liabilities to the society. While giving vote of thanks, the head boy of Samuel Ayodele Primary school, Olawale Samuel noted that all through his stay in the school, his parent had no cause to buy note books for him as they were sure that Prof Adebayo will always bring writing materials to the school. The dark-skinned head boy appreciated the kind gesture of Prof Adebayo and promised that as students they will not disappoint his intent towards their development.