In commemoration of Nigeria’s 64th Independence anniversary, the Ajafeto Youth Forum of Nigeria (AYFN), a subsidiary of the Charity Capital Foundation (CCF), hosted a special event at Muslim Grammar School, Odunjo, Oluyole Local Government, Oyo State, on October 1st, 2024. The program, tagged “One Child, One Book,” aims to foster education and literacy by providing books to underprivileged children across the nation.
The flag-off ceremony began with a welcome address from the Chairman of the One Child, One Book Initiative, Ambassador Adeagbo Ayodeji. In his remarks, Ayodeji highlighted the dual significance of the day, celebrating both the Independence anniversary and the transformative power of education. He reiterated the importance of the initiative, emphasizing that it is a symbol of the nation’s commitment to empowering young minds.
“Today marks a dual celebration of freedom and the power of education—both pivotal elements in shaping a progressive society. The ‘One Child, One Book’ project symbolizes our collective commitment to securing a brighter future through education. As Nelson Mandela once said, ‘There can be no keener revelation of a society’s soul than the way it treats its children,’” said Amb. Adeagbo.
He extended his heartfelt gratitude to the initiative’s esteemed sponsor, Hon. Salami Ibraheem Oladeji (DIKKO), for his unwavering support, and lauded the efforts of AYFN President, Amb. Okesanmi Taiwo, for his visionary leadership in bringing the initiative to fruition.
Although Hon. Dikko could not attend the event, he was ably represented by a delegate, who expressed the sponsor’s appreciation for the organization’s remarkable initiative. The delegate also conveyed Hon. Dikko’s deep gratitude to the school for its support and reiterated his continued commitment to backing both the foundation and the school’s efforts.
In his message, the delegate emphasized Hon. Dikko’s belief in the transformative power of education, assuring the students that he would always be ready to support such impactful initiatives. He further advised the students to take their education seriously, as it holds the key to their future success.
The keynote address was delivered by Okesanmi Taiwo, President of AYFN, who emphasized the program’s significance in nurturing the minds of Nigeria’s young citizens, ensuring that every child gains access to literature and its transformative power. Taiwo noted that the initiative represents a commitment to investing in the education of the nation’s youth.
“We stand here today to launch the ‘One Child, One Book’ program, which is more than just an initiative. It is a promise to our children and our nation, to equip every child with the tools for a brighter future through books,” Taiwo stated.
The event witnessed the presence of several dignitaries, including Dr. (Mrs.) Olayiwola Monisola, representing the late Chief Mrs. Grace Olayiwola Apeke Aniwuura; Hon. Dr. Salami Ibraheem Dikko (represented by a delegate); and various other notable figures and community leaders.
In his address, Taiwo highlighted the essential role of books in shaping destinies, fostering understanding, and broadening children’s perspectives. He called on parents and guardians to encourage their children to read, stressing that books not only provide knowledge but also serve as bridges to new possibilities and dreams.
“As we launch this program today, our goal is to place books in the hands of every underprivileged child. By doing so, we invest in their education and future,” he added.
The program also focused on collaboration with educators, authors, and libraries to ensure that accessible and engaging books reach every child. The organizers called on stakeholders to support literacy programs that create nurturing environments for literary exploration and development.
The AYFN’s “One Child, One Book” initiative aims to build a better future for Nigeria’s youth through reading and literacy, providing a platform for students to develop their critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills.
The event closed on a hopeful note, with participants reaffirming their commitment to ensuring that every Nigerian child is given the opportunity to unlock their potential through access to books and quality education. As Amb. Adeagbo aptly concluded, “Every book handed to a child is a step towards liberating them from ignorance, and every page turned is a stride towards nation-building.”
Report by JEDIDAH OGIDI for Ibadancity ANNOUNCER.
