A United Kingdom (UK) Non-Governmental Organisation’s quest to support the education of out-of-school children in Nigeria received a boost recently when it raised N30 million at its recent Annual Charity Gala in London.
The IA Foundation thanked guests for their overwhelming generosity and unwavering commitment to the cause, while promising that the funds raised will be put to good use.
IA Foundation raises N30m for out-of-school children
IA Foundation raises N30m for out-of-school children
IA-Foundation's founder - Mrs. Ibironke Adeagbo, a Chartered Accountant highlighted the NGO’s mission to reduce the alarming number of out-of-school children in Nigeria by providing scholarships, school supplies, and essential support services.
Mrs Adeagbo emphasised that the ₦30 million raised will directly support IA-Foundation's key initiatives, including the "Sponsor a Child" programme, bursary scholarships, and the provision of essential school materials and uniforms to children across Nigeria’s six geo-political Zones.
She stated that “these efforts aim to remove financial barriers to education, particularly for marginalized groups such as girls, children with disabilities, and those from low-income families. By addressing both access and equity, IA-Foundation continues to work towards its vision of ensuring that every child has the opportunity to receive quality education.”
She applauded Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for providing the political-will and the new Minister of Education - Dr Tunji Alausa for his commitment to reducing out-of-school children in Nigeria.
Adeagbo thanked the Foundation’s Patron - Mr. Femi Falana SAN, for his advocacy that has helped to reduce out of school children. She also thanked Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) – Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa for her support of the Foundation and its work.
Nigeria’s Acting High Commissioner to the United Kingdom - Ambassador Maina Maidugu who was represented by Ambassador Mercy Haruna-Adeoye, highlighted what government is doing to tackle the out-of-school children menace.
The Chairperson of the Foundation - Mr. Diran Femi-Famakinwa, in his speech highlighted that this is not just a moral crisis, but emphasised that when children are not educated, they are more likely to remain in poverty thus perpetuating a cycle of poverty.
The prestigious event welcomed several high-profile dignitaries including: then Mayor of London Borough of Southwark Borough - Councillor Naima Ali and Deputy Mayor of London Borough of Southwark - Councillor Sunny Lambe. Also present was the Deputy Mayor of Luton - Councillor Babatunde Ajisola, alongside other influential leaders, philanthropists, and supporters from the UK and Nigeria.
The evening featured a lively fundraising auction, moving stories from beneficiaries, food, a raffle draw and a musical performance celebrating the power of education.
Since its establishment in 2019, IA-Foundation has been at the forefront of education advocacy, helping hundreds of disadvantaged children return to school and retaining them in school.