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Abuja: Future Guardians Initiative rewards intelligent pupils at Apo primary school

A non-governmental organization (NGO), the Future Guardians Initiative (FGI), has rewarded 24 intelligent pupils and six teachers of LEA Primary School, Zone C, Apo Resettlement, in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), as part of measures to encourage quality education.

The beneficiaries include pupils who took 1st, 2nd and 3rd positions in their classes (from Primary 1 to 6), while overall best pupils from each of the classes were also rewarded.

Addressing journalists at the event, founder of the NGO, Mr Chidiebere Eze, said the organization has the award of scholarships to deserving pupils as part of its long term plans as it is interested in the future of children, whom he described as future leaders.

He said: “We have been doing this since 2016. We try to encourage school children by rewarding the brilliant ones. This is the third edition of our initiatives. In 2016, we rewarded pupils of a school in Nasarawa state. In 2018, we came to this school and rewarded brilliant pupils with education materials.

“We decided to return to this school today to reward brilliant pupils with education materials, including water flasks, books, pen, among others. We’ll also reward outstanding teachers. Of a truth, a lot of things have changed since the last time we came here in 2018.

“It is a pointer to the fact that this present government is doing everything possible to encourage the education of children and should be commended. I was once a teacher, so I understand what it means to put facilities in place for the education of children.”

He added: “In our long time plan, we want to introduce scholarship schemes for school children. The outstanding pupils will be selected from different classes and awarded scholarships. We will also visit other schools to reward outstanding pupils and teachers. That way they will be motivated to continue contributing their quota to national development.

“Also, as the pupils and teachers embark on a long vacation, I’ll advise parents to enrol their wards in productive ventures, especially skill acquisition. It will help to keep them busy and productive by the time they resume in different classes next year. They are future guardians, leaders of tomorrow and should be given needed support to excel.

“It is also our hope to collaborate with other NGOs. No man is an island. If we can join hands to improve the future of Nigerian children, the better for all of us as the betterment of Nigerian children is our priority. School teachers are also encouraged to continue doing their best for the children so that they can train children they will be proud of in the future.”

Also speaking, the Head-teacher of the school, Chief Sir. Goje S. Gupada, said reward of intelligent pupils is a good initiative by the NGO, even as he advised pupils, parents and teachers to make good use of the long vacation.

He said: “We’re going on vacation today and will resume on 8th September, so it’s going to be a long holiday for the pupils. Therefore, I’ll advise parents to enrol their children in skill acquisition. I was elated that the Future Guardians Initiative chose this school for the reward of intelligent pupils.

“It is always good for intelligence to be rewarded. Those who will not be rewarded today should work harder so that they can be rewarded next time. As teachers, we will always do our best for the pupils. Hence, we’ll always appreciate the intervention of organizations.”

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