By John Dike, Osogbo
The Funmilayo Bamidele Oke Memorial Foundation (FBOMF) has strengthened its humanitarian outreach with the implementation of a school support programme and the Noble Teachers’ Initiative, reaching pupils and female teachers across Ayedaade, Irewole and Isokan Local Government Areas of Osun State.
The programme, which held at the Teachers’ House, Gbongan, in Ayedaade Local Government Area, was designed to support education at the grassroots while recognising the dedication and sacrifices of teachers, particularly women.
As part of the intervention, the foundation distributed 50 school bags to pupils drawn from St. Richard Roman Catholic Mission (RCM) Primary School, Oloba; St. Matthew’s Primary School, Wekale Majaaye; and St. Stephen Anglican Church Primary School, Ogbaaga, all within Ayedaade Local Government Area.
In addition, over 200 female teachers from Ayedaade, Irewole and Isokan LGAs received clothes and footwear as a mark of appreciation for their commitment to shaping young minds despite prevailing challenges in the education sector.
An address delivered on behalf of the Chairperson of FBOMF described the Noble Teachers’ Initiative as deeply symbolic, noting that the foundation was established in honour of the late Funmilayo Bamidele Oke, who was a teacher until her passing nearly 30 years ago.
The address emphasised that teaching was not merely her profession but a lifelong calling rooted in service, sacrifice and compassion, adding that celebrating teachers today was a way of preserving her legacy and honouring educators who continue to mould the future of society.
“This programme is one of our modest but heartfelt ways of saying thank you to our teachers. While the items we present may seem simple, the message is sincere: your sacrifices are recognised, your work is appreciated, and your dignity matters,” the address stated.
In a goodwill message, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of FBOMF, Honourable Taiwo Oluga, represented by the Foundation’s Secretary, Barrister Adenitan Akinola, described the initiative as a moral responsibility rather than an act of charity.
“Honouring teachers is a vital investment in the future of our society.
At FBOMF, we understand that teachers continue to give their best despite limited resources and demanding circumstances,” Hon. Oluga said.
The Director of Quality Assurance at Osun State University and a friend of the foundation, Professor Amos Popoola, commended the initiative, noting that the gesture reflected FBOMF’s enduring commitment to education and teacher welfare.
He advocated sustained celebration of educators and continuous support for indigent pupils.
Community leader, Hon. Femi Abiona, who donated additional school bags during the programme, encouraged the pupils to remain focused, hopeful and determined in the pursuit of their dreams.
In separate goodwill messages, the Chairperson of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) in Ayedaade Local Government, Mrs. Abiola Mojisade, and her Irewole counterpart, Mrs. Oluwabunmi Babalola, expressed appreciation to the foundation and Hon. Oluga for their consistent support for teachers.
Also speaking, Mrs. Oladipo R.A., a teacher from ADC Grammar School, Apomu, in Isokan Local Government Area, described the gesture as timely and impactful, referring to Hon. Oluga as a “natural giver” whose humanitarian efforts predate her political career. Female teachers from Isokan similarly expressed gratitude for the sustained support.
As further encouragement, Hon. Oluga, through the foundation, presented ₦50,000 cash grants each to the NUT branches in Ayedaade (Gbongan), Irewole (Ikire) and Isokan (Apomu).
Speaking on behalf of the FBOMF Board, Barrister Akinola reiterated that the foundation remains a non-political humanitarian organisation focused on supporting women, widows, the aged and the girl child.
He noted that since its establishment in July, FBOMF has carried out a free medical outreach and distributed school bags to pupils from underserved communities.
He described teachers as “destiny moulders” whose work requires passion, patience and emotional investment, adding that the clothes distributed to teachers were generously donated by partners of the foundation in the United States.
