Under the soft morning sun of October 20, 2025, the quiet communities of Olorioso, Ijawaya, and Elegbo in Oyo came alive with laughter, excitement, and the bright colors of brand-new school bags and stationery as over 200 students directly benefited.

For many of the children who gathered in their greenery school compounds, in Community Basic School Olorioso, it was the first time they would hold a donated bag filled with learning materials of their own: textbooks, exercise books, pencils, rulers, and other essentials that many city children take for granted.

The gesture came through EduReach for Ọ̀yọ́ Rural Learners, a life-changing initiative of The Ayo-Sanda Ladigbolu Foundation (TASLAF), led by Prince (Dr.) Ayo Sanda Ladigbolu, Ph.D. Through this program, the foundation reached over 200 pupils and students across Community Basic School Olorioso, Yaaye Community Basic School Elegbo, and Community Secondary School Ijawaya, ensuring that each learner walked away with both knowledge and tangible hope.

For the children, it was more than just the items; it was the feeling of being seen, valued, and supported. The joy was unmistakable. Small hands clutched new notebooks with pride. The smell of fresh paper filled the air. Their laughter echoed as they swung their colorful bags over their shoulders, a simple but powerful symbol of possibility.

“This is a blessing,” said Mrs. Abang, Principal of Community Secondary School, Ijawaya, whose students in the school’s Junior and Senior classes benefit directly; her voice trembled with gratitude. “Our pupils have never received something like this before. Every child received at least one item or two, and you could see the happiness in their eyes. These materials came at the perfect time, especially as we just started a new academic term. It will go a long way in encouraging them to study harder.”

She added warmly, “The career talk today was also very enlightening. It reinforced what we tell our students daily — that education is their pathway to a better life. We thank TASLAF for reminding them that greatness begins in the classroom.”

However, the highlight of the day came when Prince Ayo Sanda Ladigbolu, Ph.D., the founder of TASLAF, stepped forward to speak to the over 100 secondary school students. In a deeply engaging career talk, he connected with the learners not just as a scholar but as a mentor who understood their struggles.

He urged the students to discover their unique strengths and make career choices based on personal abilities rather than peer influence. “Don’t choose a class because your friend did,” he said, his tone both gentle and firm. “Identify your passion — whether it’s in Science, Arts, or Commerce — and pursue it with focus and discipline.”

He also challenged them to reject the growing notion that “school na scam,” a phrase that has become popular among disillusioned youths. “Education is not a scam,” he emphasized. “It is your greatest investment. Every successful person you admire today started with learning. Be inspired by achievers, not deceived by those who have lost faith in hard work.”

Dr. Ayo’s message was more than a lecture; it was a heartfelt call to self-development, self-awareness, goal focus, and a spirit of philanthropy. He encouraged them to cultivate empathy, give back to their communities, and remember their humble beginnings when they eventually achieve success.

“Quality education should never be a privilege—it should be a right,” he noted. “Our mission at TASLAF is to ensure that no child, no matter how rural or underprivileged, is left behind.”

The EduReach initiative is designed to bridge educational gaps in underserved communities by providing essential learning tools and guidance to inspire young minds. Through this year’s outreach, the foundation not only delivered school supplies but also reignited hope in families that have long struggled to provide basic educational materials for their children.

Dr. Ayo Sanda expressed profound gratitude to the Board of Trustees, volunteers, and donors whose contributions made the outreach possible. He called on other well-meaning Nigerians and philanthropists to join the movement.

“Every donation, every act of kindness, goes directly into a child’s education,” he said. “Together, we can make sure that every learner has the resources and guidance needed to dream big and achieve even bigger.”

The project coordinators, Abdgafar Uthman Opeyemi and Ayaba Adekola Oyololawa Ajoke, echoed this vision, reaffirming TASLAF’s commitment to expanding the EduReach initiative to more communities across Oyo-Alaafin.

The Students of Ijawaya, Elegbo, and Olorioso held their new school bags close, not just as tools for learning, but as tokens of hope. Their laughter filled the air, mingling with the words that had just been spoken:

“Let’s build a future where no learner is left behind, because every child’s dream matters.” -TASLAF