Education once again took the centre stage in Lagelu Local Government Area of Oyo State on Saturday as the Hassan Olawale Giwa (HOG) Foundation distributed hundreds of school bags and thousands of exercise books to pupils and students drawn from the 14 wards of the council area.
The event, held at HOG House, Ibadan, attracted royal fathers, religious leaders, political stakeholders, educationists and community leaders, further reinforcing the foundation’s growing reputation as one of the most impactful non-governmental organisations in the state.
The outreach, which saw no fewer than 470 school bags and about 5,000 exercise books distributed to primary and secondary school students, was widely described as a timely intervention aimed at easing the burden on parents and strengthening access to quality education at the grassroots.
Beneficiaries and their guardians expressed gratitude, noting that such gestures offer hope and encouragement at a time when many families are grappling with economic hardship.
Founder of the foundation, Arc. (Dr.) Hassan Olawale Giwa, thanked the dignitaries and community members who turned out in large numbers to support the programme. He used the occasion to remind parents of their critical role in shaping the future of their children, stressing that children often learn more from what they observe than from what they are told.
According to him, values such as honesty, patience and discipline are best taught by example, as children naturally emulate the conduct of their parents.
Giwa also addressed the students directly, urging them to take their studies seriously and cultivate a positive attitude towards learning. He emphasised that attitude plays a decisive role in determining success in life, encouraging the beneficiaries to remain focused, disciplined and committed to their education.
Reflecting on the journey of the foundation, he explained that the educational support initiative began over two decades ago, coinciding with the early years of his professional career in estate development and real estate, and has continued consistently without discrimination based on religion or political affiliation.
In a light-hearted moment that drew applause from the audience, Giwa disclosed his intention to seek the All Progressives Congress (APC) ticket to represent Lagelu Constituency in the Oyo State House of Assembly in the 2027 general elections, a declaration many attendees described as a natural extension of his long-standing service to the people.
Earlier in his welcome address, the chairman of the planning committee, Mr. Idris Ismail, described the programme as part of the foundation’s broader mission to empower the next generation and uplift communities across Lagelu. He noted that beyond education, the foundation’s interventions span healthcare, youth development, support for widows and the aged, empowerment for traders and farmers, as well as skills acquisition through ICT and vocational training.
He added that the distribution of learning materials was not merely a donation but an investment in the future of the local government, while calling on governments at all levels to prioritise education as a necessity rather than an option.
Goodwill messages poured in from religious leaders, education stakeholders and community representatives, all of whom commended Giwa’s consistency and selflessness over the years.
In their separate remarks, the representatives of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Pastor (Dr.) Olorunfemi Daniel, and the League of Imams and Alfas, Imam Waliyulah Otegbeye, expressed deep appreciation to Arc Giwa for the yearly educational gesture, which they said has significantly uplifted educational development in the community. They offered prayers for the founder and the HOG Foundation to continue to flourish in good works.
Dr. Daniel noted that Arc. Giwa has sustained the initiative for over twenty years, thanking God for his life and for the numerous students who have benefited from the programme. According to him, the intervention has restored hope for the future among beneficiaries while easing the financial burden on their parents.
Imam Otegbeye also praised the founder’s resilience and compassion, describing his commitment to the welfare of children as a rare act of selflessness. He prayed that God would continue to stand by Giwa and his family.
In his remarks, the Secretary of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Lagelu Local Government, Comrade Ayodele Tunde Anthony, described Mr. Giwa as a selfless philanthropist and expressed delight at the gesture, noting its positive impact on teaching and learning across the local government.
Political leaders were not left out, as APC spokesman in Oyo State, Hon. Wale Shadare, commended Giwa for contributing meaningfully to education and human development without holding public office, describing his efforts as worthy of emulation.
Islamic scholar and religious leader, Prof. K.K. Olosho, also lauded the initiative, urging other politicians and well-meaning individuals to follow Giwa’s example in serving humanity.
Similarly, political leader in Lagelu, Hon. Sikiru Adebayo, popularly known as “O Ka Jue,” described Giwa’s foray into politics as a welcome development, calling on the people to support individuals who have consistently deployed personal resources for the advancement of the common good.
Founded by Arc. (Dr.) Hassan Olawale Giwa, the Hassan Olawale Giwa (HOG) Foundation is a non-governmental organisation dedicated to humanitarian service, community development and social empowerment across Oyo State and beyond.
The foundation focuses on educational support, youth and women empowerment, healthcare interventions, market and vocational support, and assistance for widows, the aged and other vulnerable groups. Through initiatives such as the distribution of learning materials, payment of WAEC, NECO and Common Entrance examination fees, skills acquisition programmes, healthcare outreach and economic support for traders, the foundation has consistently invested in improving lives and promoting inclusive development without discrimination based on religion or political affiliation.
Packaged by Adekunle Adegboyega
