National Telescope national telescope newspaper
Oyedunmola Olakunle | Ilorin
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and the founder of the Babatunde Adekeye Foundation (BAF) Mr Babatunde Adekeye has said his greatest achievement since he was born over five decades ago is the impact he has been able to make on the poor and the vulnerable in the society.
Adekeye, who was speaking on his achievements since he was born in January, 18 1972, explained that the benefits of generosity are far more important. “Even if you are giving out small amounts you will feel wealthier, healthier and happier.”
According to him, “individuals that spend on someone else are said to be happier than those that spend on themselves. People who keep others in mind while making financial decisions feel less stress than those who don’t.”
He said through is Foundation, BAF, he has been able to reach out to all the students in the two Secondary and Primary Schools in Omupo; Omupo Anglican Grammar School, Omupo Muslim Model Secondary School, St Michael Primary Schools and Omupo Muslim Primary School, Omupo in Ifelodun Local Government Area of the state.
He mentioned that the two Secondary Schools in Omupo had their libraries equipped with modern textbooks and the students in the schools were also given free note books recently.
He suggested that the Nigerian government could improve the effectiveness of primary and secondary education by increasing its collaboration with Non- Governmental Organizations.
Apart from those supports and assistance he was able to render to the poor and the needy through his NGO,he has assisted many people personally from the blessing he received from God.
Adekeye mentioned that there is a need for Governments to partner NGOs in order to extend education to underprivileged children in the society and develop innovations that improve the quality of education across the country.
He described Nigeria as Africa’s wealthiest, most populous continent with fastest growing economy. “Despite this, more than half of the countries live below the poverty line including Nigeria”.
Adekeye who recently through his Foundation, BAF donated school uniforms to some students from the two public Primary Schools in Omupo, the St Michael Primary school and the Omupo Community Primary school.
He explained that the donation of school uniforms to the pupils from the two primary schools was to assist the parents and guardians of the beneficiaries.
The staff of the four schools also received food items as a sign of love and commitment for the welfare of workers in schools.
He added that the plan was also to complement the effort of the Kwara State Government under the leadership of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq particularly in the area of education.
The CEO also explained that, Babatunde Adekeye Foundation is a Non-Governmental Organization principally established to care for the less privileged and the vulnerable people in the society with the aim of ensuring their better living.
NGOs and the government could collaborate in developing appropriate and flexible learning assessment tools, in line with innovative teaching and learning methods.
NGOs can be credible partners with the government in shaping policies for primary education. This entails collaboration rather than parallel initiatives by NGOs.
“When it comes to charitable giving, peer pressure sometimes does help! When you are generous with your time and money, those around you will mirror your behaviour,” he said.
In most religions around the world, charity is a basic tenet. Since ancient times, society has always felt the need to help its most vulnerable members. For Christians, charity is emphasized in bible verses.
The Founder of BAF while thanking God for his mercy in his life since he was born and in the lives of his family, the contribution he was able to make to the lives of the people, pledged that he would continue to serve his God and assist humanity.
“God has been so kind to me and my family. I will continue to praise His name and appreciate Him in my live for the wonderful things He has done for me,” he stated.
“You see, charity is not just about giving away old stuff and volunteering when you have the time. It’s a continuous effort to make life better for others, especially those who have less than you. No matter your financial situation right now, there’s always something you can do to ease other people’s suffering. That’s how charity should be. It’s not about what you can give but what you are willing to give”. He added
Tunde mentioned that, he has been able to contribute meaningfully into lives of children living in Omupo, Kwarans and non-Kwarans with the little resources available to him.
The government could support the efforts of NGOs to bring out-of-school children into schools through timely supply of teachers, classroom space, and other resources.
He then commended Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for prioritizing education in the State.
He informed that since Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq assumed office in 2019, he has given face-lift to schools across the three senatorial district of the state.
Teachers were also promoted and regular training and retraining were also organized to make teachers relevant in the current education status.
He, however, urged well-meaning people in the society to cultivate the habit of charity by assisting the poor and the less privileged people in the society.
He said basically he derives joy and happiness when he caters for the poor, the needy and vulnerable in the society.
Babatunde Adekeye is an accomplished Information Security Specialist who drives significant results in the management of information security and enterprise risk in a dynamic environment.
Head Mistress of the St Michael Primary School, Omupo,Mrs Adeoye Abosede Opeyemi commended Babatunde Adekeye Foundation and charged all other well-meaning Nigerians and other organizations in the country to emulate the foundation.
Also speaking, the Head Mistress,Omupo Community Primary school, Mrs Ojulari Salmat Omowunmi thanked the Organisation,saying that the gesture would go a long way in promoting education in the area.
