The Federal Government and the Nigerian Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) have commended the UK-based IA-Foundation for its contribution to the country’s education sector. The praise comes ahead of the fourth annual Black-Tie charity event on March 18 in the UK, with the theme, ‘Securing the Future.’
The commendation was contained in a goodwill message signed by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and Chairman of NiDCOM, Abike Dabiri-Erewa. The Vice President praised the foundation for its efforts to reduce the percentage of girls, who cannot access education due to poverty, insecurity or poor orientation.
He said, “Given the number of girls who are out of school in our country, and may not have the opportunity for formal education, the education of girls is the most important task. I wholeheartedly commend the commitment and dedication you have shown to the task until now.
Dabiri-Erewa, on her part, commended the foundation for its consistency over the past four years to ensure children, who are out of school, can access quality education regardless of their background.
“For an organization that has more than 95 per cent of its leadership based in the UK, has implemented projects in nine states in Nigeria and helped about 100 children go back to school, it is highly commendable,” he said.
The government needs the support and partnership of the Diaspora community, and I am happy that the IA-Foundation complements the government’s efforts in the education sector to address the problem of out-of-school children,” he said.
NiDCOM leaders appealed to Nigerians at home and abroad to emulate the foundation and be part of the transformation of the country. The IA-Foundation Charity Ball is an annual event to honor individuals and corporate organizations that have made a positive impact on the education deficit and mobilize resources to provide quality education to out-of-school children in Nigeria.
The funds generated are channeled to support students and their families, especially girls, disabled people and orphans. Officials who have confirmed their participation include Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the UK, Amb. Sarafa Ishola; former CBN Governor and 14th Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi and Chairman of Nigeria-UK Business Forum, Prince Afolabi Andu.