A non governmental organization called Fortunate Michael Foundation, engaged hundreds of public schools’ students in vocational training as well as quiz and debating competitions on Friday, July 15 at the Community Grammar School, Eyinni, Orita-Challenge, Ibadan, Oyo State.
The students were filled with excitement as they got exposed to different vocations in readiness for the future and to take them through the strenuous economic situation in the country.
The participants were trained on soap making, tying of gele and cake baking.
As part of activities marking the second year anniversary of FMF, students of Bashorun Ogunmola High School, Ibadan slugged it out with students of Community Grammar School, Eyinni in a debate on the topic, ‘Sex education should be taught in schools.’
Students of Community Grammar School, Eyinni spoke in favour of the motion while their opponents from Bashorun Ogunmola High School spoke against it. Those who argued in favour of the motion, however, carried the day.
In quiz competition, Community Grammar School, Eyinni came first with 18 points, Bashorun Ogunmola High School made second position with 13 points, while Eyini High School came third with 11points.
The participating students won different prices such as branded school bags, pens and big baskets.
Michael Oloruntola, Chief Executive Officer of FMF, who lamented the plights of the less privileged in the society, said that “We created this Foundation to help the needy in line with the our Motto, ‘Hope for the hopeless.’ We started this Foundation last year.
“We visit orphanages. I use this to commemorate my birthday by giving to the widows and other less privileged members of the society. Most of our rich people would celebrate Christmas and other festivals with their family members and friends, but we always meet the needy. I urge you all to let us support this Foundation.
“The Foundation focuses not only the students but the society at large. We also give emphasis to education and empowerment. We take the youth on vocational training.
“The Nigerian government is doing its best in terms of education for children, but government alone cannot do it. That is why we the citizens should rise and support the government.
“It is to this end that FMF is playing its part in supporting the vulnerable and less privileged members of the society, including students.”
The goals of the Foundation are to reach out to the society and the less privileged; enhancing humanitarian aids to the youth; provision of relief items to the widow and old people; and organizing and conducting training and seminar and workshop in the society.
Oluwatosin, wife of the founder of FMF, while expressing concern on the prevailing insecurity in the country, stressed the need for governments at all levels to rise to the occasion.
She said that “We need God’s help to come out of the current situation. What I can say is that many people are selfish by just doing things the way they want. Government should improve on security enforcement. The trouble spots should be identified and heavy security should be drafted there just as government should ensure the well-being of the citizens.”
The host Principal, Dr Bolanle Sotikare, lauded the Foundation’s initiatives, stating that “The FMF is here to help the hopeless not minding religion or ethnicity. Last year, we had entrepreneurship training.”
Dwelling on the topic of the debate, Sotikare said that “I believe that sex education should be taught in schools because majority of the parents do not know what sex education means. They assume that it is about teaching on having sex whereas it is more than that.
“The parents are not doing much. Between 8am and 2pm, the students are with us. The parents are not always at home and you don’t see them in school. There are parents who we asked to see us in school for the past three weeks who have not seen us on the claim that they do not have time. Are these the ones that would teach their children sex education?”
Officials of the participating schools that were present on the occasion included Mr Oladimeji Bolanle, Mrs Atilade TO and Mr Omoniyi FK, all vice principals.
