The Rotary Club of Canal Estate, District 9111, Nigeria in partnership with the Rotary Club of Wyndham Harbour, District 9800, Australia, have donated hundreds of writing materials and exercise books to students of Okota Junior High School and Ajumoni Junior Grammar School in Lagos.
The event, held on September 24, 2025, marked Rotary International’s Basic Education and Literacy Month, a fundamental component of the club’s international humanitarian efforts, benefiting more than 500 pupils.
Beyond the donations, the clubs hosted interactive sessions, educating students on the dangers of drug addiction, abuse and outlining academic pathways to careers such as law, medicine, and pharmacy among others.
President of Rotary Club of Canal Estate, Rotn Chike Ikenga, said the initiative aimed to enhance the learning environment and provide pupils with essential tools while addressing the educational challenges that local communities face.
Ikenga emphasised the initiative’s significance in bridging educational disparities during his remarks at the ceremony.
“September is Rotary’s Basic Education and Literacy Month, a critical time for Rotary clubs around the world to concentrate on expanding educational opportunities and advancing literacy.
“Every child should have the opportunity to thrive, but several pupils fall behind because they lack the necessary resources. We want to provide these pupils with a better future by offering these tools,” he stated.
Also speaking, the International Service Chair of Rotary Club of Wyndham Harbour, Mamode Osikoya, stressed that literacy is key to educational achievement and personal development.
She added that the partnership seeks to stock school libraries and classrooms with books, ensuring every child, regardless of their circumstances, can experience the joy of reading.
Past President of the Canal Estate Club, Rotn Gbolahan Akerele, delivered a cautionary talk on drug misuse, warning students about the dangers of illegal substances such as cannabis, cocaine, heroin, amphetamine-type stimulants, inhalants, and solvents like glue.
“Many misconceptions exist regarding the kinds of medications individuals take and their adverse effects,” he said.
Assistant Governor, Canal Estate Rotary Club, Rotn Agboola Adeniji, reiterated Rotary’s commitment to promoting universal access to quality education opportunities in underprivileged communities and hinted at plans to establish an interactive club within the schools.
He appreciated the school management for giving the club the opportunity to do what it did.
School leaders, including the Principal of Okota Junior High School, Mrs. Oluwawemimo Orina, and the Head Teacher of Ajumoni Junior Grammar School, praised the Rotary Clubs for their support and urged other organisations to invest in education.
She added that the project will greatly raise the children’s spirits.
Also, Head Girls and boys of both schools thanked Rotary for the donations and talks on the effect of drugs in our society, describing the lecture series as an eye-opener for the pupils.
The Service Project Chair for Rotary Club of Canal Estate, Rotarian Razak El-Alawa, indicated his excitement at partnering with the Rotary Club of Wyndham Harbour on this impactful literacy project.
