IWD: Former governorship candidate, Akpoti donates uniforms to school children

Kogi State former Governorship Candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Barr. Natasha Hadiza Akpoti, marked this year’s ‘International Women’s Day’, with donation of school uniforms to 600 children across primary schools in Ihima, Okehi Local Government Area of Kogi State.

In a statement which was available to CAPITAL POST on Wednesday, by her Personal Assistant, Hamza Lamisi, said the donation was made through the Natasha Akpoti Foundation.

Represented by her Personal Assistant at the ocassion, Hamza Lamisi stated that the gesture was inspired by the sad situation of the pupils she had seen during some of her outreach programs in one the cluster schools.

“Aside caring for and being passionate about these children for the past five years, today’s gesture was inspired by what I had witnessed during some of our outreach programmes where I encoutered some of the kids in mufti and others with tattered uniform.

According Lamisi, Akpoti made it a priority to change that narrative and today, in celebration of 2021 International Women’s Day, she donated school uniforms to the children. They are happy and excited for their new look.

He said, “Worthy of note, is that the project was achieved with a team of 12 Tailors who were on ground to measure and sew for the children right on the spot.” Hamza said.

One of the headmasters of the cluster schools, Mr. Baiye Ohino noted that what Natasha has done to the children is not just a relief to the parents but to the teachers as well.

He pointed out that the challenges they have been facing with children going to school on mufti or raggy uniform. “It is very discouraging for us the teachers when we see these children on mufti. Until the intervention of Barr. Natasha, only a few parents can afford the stipend they pay as tuition fees. Then how do we harrass them for school uniform?

“Even when we tried to use force, some parents just withdrew their children. We had to go beg again so they can return them to classes. We are really thankful for everything she has been doing and we pray that we have more of her type in our society.

Some of the Parents who were present at the ceremony expressed their overwhelming joy for the kind gesture Natasha Akpoti has extended to their children once again. They prayed that the children grow up to become great men and women to whom Natasha will be a role model.