Physically Challenged Pupil Gets Lifeline
A non-governmental organization, the Pa Philip Akintoye Development Foundation (PAPADEF), has commissioned a borehole and donated a 3.5KV generator to Yewa North Primary School, Sagbon, in Yewa North Local Government Area, as part of efforts to improve learning conditions and community welfare.
Speaking at the event, the founder, Comrade (Amb.) Akintoye Kehinde Festus, described the occasion as “not just a ceremony but a fulfillment of purpose and a demonstration of our commitment to humanity.” He explained that the foundation, established in 2009 in memory of his late father, Pa Philip Oluwafunmilayo Akintoye, was created “to continue his legacy of service to humanity.” ccording to him, PAPADEF is “a non-political, non-religious, and non-governmental organization committed to promoting education, supporting women and children, and advancing community development.”
Highlighting the foundation’s achievements, Akintoye noted that its impact has been felt across seven states in Nigeria through “grants, payment of school fees, and distribution of educational materials,” as well as empowerment programmes for widows and artisans, and the provision of walking and hearing aids. I am pleased to inform you that this borehole being commissioned today is the 7th borehole provided by the foundation,” he said, adding that both the borehole and generator underscore the group’s commitment to improving lives.
“We believe that access to clean water will enhance hygiene, health, and overall well-being, because, truly, water is life. The generator will also support learning and other academic activities for the school,” he added.
Akintoye disclosed that the intervention followed a request from the school and the Sagbon Community Development Society, while appreciating Dr. Aayodeji Idowu for facilitating the project.
He, however, raised concern over the poor state of infrastructure in the school, calling for urgent intervention.
“It is important to draw attention to the dilapidated state of the school buildings, which urgently requires rebuilding into modern structures with adequate infrastructure,” he said.
He called on “corporate organizations, individual philanthropists, and government at all levels” to to support the rehabilitation of the school to create a conducive learning environment.
The PAPADEF founder also urged the school management and community to maintain the facilities, stating, “I encourage the community and school management to ensure proper maintenance of these facilities for long-term use. As part of the event, Akintoye announced scholarships for two best pupils in the Common Entrance examination from Primary Six. He also made a humanitarian pledge to a physically challenged Primary Five pupil, Joseph Koselu, promising a new wheelchair and fully funded enrollment into a special school within Ogun state.
He further assured that the foundation would collaborate with government and private individuals to rehabilitate the school.
Speaking at the event, the boy’s father, Jimoh Koselu, expressed gratitude to the foundation for the gesture and the promises made.
I approve all the assistance promised to be rendered by PAPADEF to my son. I will appreciate it if all the promises are fulfilled. I am really happy,” he said.
The event featured the formal commissioning of the borehole, presentation of the generator, and interactions with pupils, including moments with the physically challenged pupil.
Akintoye reaffirmed the foundation’s commitment to community development, saying, “PAPADEF remains committed to impacting lives and fostering sustainable development in our communities.”