According to the Programme Manager, GIDN, Adebukola Adeboye, the project, titled: ‘Girls Will Rise,’ was aimed at breaking the barriers hindering girls from accessing education due to economic challenges.
She said 1300 students from Herbert Macaulay Senior Girls School, Birrel Avenue Secondary School, Jibowu High School, Potential School in Makoko, Beam-Royal Academy in Makoko, Herbert Macaulay Junior Grammar School in Ebute-Metta, and Aiyetoro Senior Grammar School in Ebute-Metta, all in Yaba area of Lagos State, directly benefited from the project.
According to her, educational materials such as white boards, markers and dusters, were provided for the schools, while text books, exercise books, biros, school bags, sanitary pads and mathematical sets, were provided for the students.
“Indirectly the project reached out to about 5000 households because relatives of the 1300 beneficiaries will also use some of the materials. The joy on the students’ faces is a testament to the project’s remarkable achievements. Girls Inspired recognises that investing in girls’ education contributes to the holistic development of families, communities, and the nation as a whole,” she stated.
Speaking about the project, OPay’s CSR Manager, App & Card, Itoro Udo, said the company was excited with the project execution.
“Despite the last minute amendments that were recommended, GIDN was flexible enough to accommodate requests,” he said.
Principals from three of the schools, Dr. Olusola Adenekan of Birrel Avenue Senior High School, Sabo Yaba; Akindele Olayinka of Herbert Macaulay Girls’ Senior High School; and Mrs. Adedeji Oluyemisi Olukemi of Jibowu High School, all commended the sponsors of the project.
Adenekan said the project meant a lot, particularly for the indigent students with outstanding grades in their academics, as they would be encouraged to put in more effort in their studies.
He commended Udo’s sense of identification and responsibility as an alumnus of the school, for trying to leave an indelible mark in the learners’ memories, by giving back to society.
“The parents and learners alike are grateful,” he said.
Olayinka also commended OPay and GIDN for finding his school worthy to benefit from the project, noting that 150 of his students were beneficiaries.
“To say that the students were very happy is an understatement. They posed for pictures with the bags, exercise books and pens. Some parents visited the school while others called to express their appreciation. Some SS3 students told us they would use theirs to carry their laptops when they get admission into higher institutions of learning.
“For me, it’s a thing of joy to put smiles on people’s faces. I pray that God will bless and grant OPay and Girls Inspired more positive repositioning now and forever. I really appreciate them,”
For Adedeji, the initiative was one of the best moments in the year 2023. She noted that students were happy and grateful to OPay and Girls Inspired, as many of them who didn’t have school bags before, now carry the OPay bags to school, instead of using their hands or polythene bags.
“This event will continue to linger in the students’ memory for a long time. The initiative brought joy to the students and their parents. The class teachers, in fact, testified that parents were calling to appreciate the organisers for such a great gesture.
“The school bags were not enough because of the students’ population, but in all, God bless Opay and Girls Inspired for the great gesture,” she said.
One of the beneficiaries from Birrel Avenue Secondary School, 14-year-old Korolo Mary, said she was highly excited when she was given the OPay bag and books.
She said: “I am very grateful for what they have done, providing essential things needed for students regarding their academics. It was truly a wonderful experience not just for me, but also for the whole 150 students. I also feel very lucky to have been chosen to be part of the number.
“This has really inspired me in a way that reminds me not to forget my life in school, and all the people that have imparted so much knowledge in me and made me who I am today. And because of that, I can say I am the luckiest student in the world to have experienced this. Thank you OPay and Girls Inspired.”
