As the new academic session commenced across Kwara State on Monday, September 15, 2025, an impactful initiative led by Prof. Olufolake AbdulRazaq, the wife of the Kwara State Governor, in collaboration with the Sandal Initiative Project (SIP), brought smiles and relief to countless pupils in public schools. The initiative focused on distributing high-quality footwear to underprivileged pupils across various schools in the state, addressing a fundamental need that often goes unnoticed but significantly impacts the lives of young learners. This intervention, which was symbolically launched in Ilorin, the state capital, underscores the state government’s commitment to supporting education, promoting equity, and fostering an environment where every child can thrive academically and socially.
The distribution event, held in a vibrant and heartfelt ceremony, was more than just a charitable act—it was a deliberate effort to alleviate the financial burdens faced by parents and guardians who struggle to provide essential school items for their children. Prof. AbdulRazaq, a passionate advocate for education and social welfare, emphasized that the initiative was designed to address a critical but often overlooked challenge: the lack of proper footwear for schoolchildren. For many pupils, worn-out or inadequate footwear leads to physical discomfort, including blistered feet, which can cause distractions in the classroom, reduce concentration, and, in some cases, lead to absenteeism. By providing durable and comfortable sandals, the initiative aims to remove this barrier, ensuring that children can attend school with confidence and focus on their studies.
Speaking at the event, Prof. AbdulRazaq articulated the deeper significance of the gesture, stating, “This intervention is not just about providing shoes; it is about ensuring that every child can walk confidently into the classroom. It symbolises the commitment of the Kwara State government and the Ajike People Support Centre to uplifting the lives of our children, particularly those from less privileged backgrounds. We want to ensure that no child is left behind because of a lack of basic necessities like footwear.” Her words resonated with the audience, which included educators, community leaders, parents, and the excited beneficiaries, who eagerly awaited their new pairs of sandals.
The initiative is part of a broader vision by the Kwara State government to enhance access to education and improve the overall well-being of its citizens. By focusing on something as seemingly simple as footwear, the program highlights the importance of addressing small but significant challenges that can have a ripple effect on a child’s educational journey. Prof. AbdulRazaq noted that the lack of proper shoes can lead to embarrassment, low self-esteem, and even health issues, all of which can hinder a child’s ability to engage fully in school activities. By addressing this issue, the initiative not only provides immediate relief but also contributes to long-term educational outcomes by fostering regular attendance and active participation in the classroom.
The Commissioner for Education, Dr. Lawal Olohungbebe, who was also present at the event, commended the initiative for its alignment with the state’s broader educational and economic goals. He revealed that the footwear distributed to the pupils was locally produced in Ilorin, a deliberate choice to promote local content and support the state’s economy. “This initiative is a testament to the government’s commitment to empowering its people, not just through education but also by supporting local industries,” Dr. Olohungbebe said. “By producing these sandals locally, we are creating jobs, encouraging entrepreneurship, and ensuring that the economic benefits of this program remain within Kwara State.”
Dr. Olohungbebe further elaborated on the educational impact of the initiative, noting that the provision of footwear would help sustain school attendance and boost enrolment rates. “We know that something as small as a pair of shoes can make a big difference in a child’s life,” he said. “For some pupils, the lack of proper footwear has been a reason to stay away from school, either due to discomfort or the stigma of appearing unkempt. By addressing this issue, we are giving these children what they need to stay in school, learn, and thrive.” His remarks underscored the initiative’s focus on removing barriers to education, no matter how small they may seem, and ensuring that every child has the opportunity to succeed.
The Sandal Initiative Project, spearheaded by Mr. Ibrahim Kale-Jimoh, is a key partner in this endeavor. Mr. Kale-Jimoh, the convener of the project, explained that the initiative was born out of a desire to address the practical challenges faced by pupils from low-income families. “The Sandal Initiative Project is about more than just providing shoes,” he said. “It’s about promoting punctuality, boosting confidence, and reducing the low self-esteem that some children experience when they don’t have proper footwear. We want every child to feel proud to walk into their classroom, knowing they are on equal footing with their peers.”
The project’s focus on fostering self-esteem and punctuality resonates deeply with the realities faced by many pupils in Kwara State. For children from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, the lack of proper footwear can lead to feelings of inadequacy or exclusion, which can affect their social interactions and academic performance. By providing new, high-quality sandals, the initiative helps to level the playing field, ensuring that all children can participate fully in school life without the burden of worrying about their appearance or physical comfort.
The beneficiaries of the initiative expressed overwhelming gratitude for the support they received. Among them was Tunmise Oyeniyi, a young pupil who could barely contain her excitement as she received her new pair of sandals. “It feels so good to know that I have a new pair of sandals to start the new academic session,” she said with a beaming smile. “I am very grateful to the governor’s wife and the Sandal Initiative Project for this gift. It means a lot to me and my family.” Similarly, Ayuba Amos, another beneficiary, expressed his appreciation, noting that the new sandals would make it easier for him to walk to school without discomfort. “I used to feel pain in my feet because my old sandals were torn,” he said. “Now, I can walk to school happily. Thank you to everyone who made this possible.”
The distribution event in Ilorin was a symbolic launch, but the initiative is set to reach pupils in public schools across Kwara State, ensuring that the benefits of the program are felt far and wide. The Ajike People Support Centre, which partnered with the Sandal Initiative Project for this effort, has been instrumental in coordinating the distribution and identifying schools and pupils in need. The Centre, established to provide support to vulnerable populations in Kwara State, has been a driving force behind numerous social welfare programs, including initiatives focused on education, healthcare, and economic empowerment.
The footwear distribution initiative also aligns with the broader goals of the Kwara State government under the leadership of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq. Since taking office, the governor has prioritized education as a cornerstone of his administration’s agenda, implementing policies and programs aimed at improving infrastructure, teacher training, and access to learning materials. The footwear distribution program complements these efforts by addressing a critical but often overlooked aspect of school attendance: the need for basic supplies that enable children to participate fully in the educational process.
Beyond its immediate impact on pupils, the initiative has broader implications for the state’s social and economic development. By producing the sandals locally, the program supports small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Ilorin, creating opportunities for artisans, manufacturers, and other stakeholders in the local economy. This focus on local production not only boosts economic activity but also fosters a sense of pride and ownership among Kwara State residents, who see their communities directly benefiting from government initiatives.
The initiative also highlights the importance of public-private partnerships in addressing social challenges. The collaboration between the Kwara State government, the Ajike People Support Centre, and the Sandal Initiative Project demonstrates how different stakeholders can come together to achieve a common goal. By pooling resources, expertise, and networks, these partners have been able to maximize the impact of the footwear distribution program, ensuring that it reaches as many children as possible.
As the program expands to other parts of the state, there is hope that it will inspire similar initiatives in other regions of Nigeria. The challenges faced by pupils in Kwara State—such as the lack of basic school supplies—are not unique to the state but are common across many parts of the country. By demonstrating the impact of targeted interventions like the footwear distribution program, Kwara State is setting an example for how governments and organizations can work together to address these challenges and improve educational outcomes.
The initiative also has the potential to contribute to Nigeria’s broader educational goals, including the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4, which aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education for all. By removing barriers to school attendance and promoting a positive learning environment, the footwear distribution program is helping to ensure that every child in Kwara State has the opportunity to access quality education, regardless of their socio-economic background.
Looking ahead, Prof. AbdulRazaq and her partners in the Sandal Initiative Project have expressed their commitment to sustaining and expanding the program. Plans are already in place to reach more schools and pupils in the coming months, with a focus on ensuring that the initiative remains inclusive and responsive to the needs of the most vulnerable children. The program will also continue to prioritize local production, further strengthening the state’s economy and creating opportunities for growth.
The footwear distribution initiative is a shining example of how small, thoughtful interventions can have a profound impact on the lives of children and their families. By addressing a basic need like footwear, the program is helping to build a brighter future for the pupils of Kwara State, one step at a time. As schools across the state settle into the new academic session, the gift of new sandals is a reminder that every child deserves the chance to walk confidently toward their dreams.
In conclusion, the footwear distribution program led by Prof. Olufolake AbdulRazaq and the Sandal Initiative Project is a powerful testament to the transformative power of compassion, collaboration, and commitment to education. By providing needy pupils with new sandals, the initiative is not only addressing immediate practical needs but also fostering confidence, promoting punctuality, and supporting the broader goals of educational equity and economic development in Kwara State. As the program continues to grow, it will undoubtedly leave a lasting legacy, ensuring that more children can take confident steps toward a brighter future.
