By Peter Omopo
The Postgraduate Students’ Community of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), in partnership with the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority, Risibello Foundation, and Iyanda Sidikat Iyabo Group, carried out a two-day outreach programme in the Yaba axis of Lagos on Friday and Saturday, providing support to children and other vulnerable groups.
The programme began with a secondary school outreach at St. Francis Junior Grammar School, Onike–Iwaya, where approximately 300 pupils received writing materials, socks, sanitary pads for girls, and prizes recognising academic excellence across various subjects. The initiative also included a visit to Modupe Cole Memorial Child Care and Treatment Home and concluded with a community development outreach in the Iwaya neighbourhood.
During the school visit, Bello Risikat, President of the Risibello Charity Foundation and representative of the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority, highlighted the importance of mentorship in shaping responsible young adults.
Bukola, a mentor at the event, urged students to remain focused and purposeful, warning against the influence of negative content on social media. “Young people must be focused, determined, and purposeful in life. If you know where you are going, nobody can distract you,” she said, adding that students should strive to excel in their chosen fields.
Iyabo Iyanda, educational consultant and founder of the Iyanda Sidikat Iyabo Group, emphasised preparing Nigerian children for global leadership. She noted that providing study materials and fostering proper educational structures is key to nurturing future leaders. “Youth is the neck of the nation. To close the development gap, we must inspire them and provide role models they can emulate,” she said.
Ezekiel Gbemisola, President of the UNILAG Postgraduate Students’ Community, told journalists that the outreach aimed to instil social responsibility among postgraduate scholars. “We chose to do outreaches like this to give back to society and contribute to nation building. Postgraduate students are potentials who can influence development,” he said. Gbemisola also revealed plans to develop a framework that could be replicated across other tertiary institutions.
Alice Amajama, Vice President of the postgraduate community, stressed that community service is a value every young adult should embrace. She urged more postgraduates to participate, noting, “This initiative has come to stay. We hope to reach more schools, orphanages, and communities across local governments.”
At Modupe Cole Memorial Child Care and Treatment Home, Vice Principal Mr. Ajani highlighted the complex needs of residents, many of whom live with physical and mental disabilities and were abandoned by their families. The facility currently houses 476 individuals, 318 of whom were abandoned, he said. Ajani expressed gratitude for the support, stating, “We appreciate your visit and donations. God will bless you and grant your desires.”
The outreach concluded with a community development programme in Iwaya, which included free medical care, environmental sanitation, and distribution of basic medications to local residents.
This initiative reflects UNILAG postgraduate students’ commitment to social responsibility and community development, aiming to positively impact education, health, and welfare in local communities.
