Community Watch: Philanthropist Commits To Promote Reading Culture Among Youths
By Adenike Ashogbon-Fagbemi
It is no longer news that reading is one of the fundamental building blocks of learning. For any individual to become skilled, the act of adapting to reading is a must have.
In Oshodi, a community in Lagos, Mr Oluwole Ben Eweoya, a philanthropist and safety management trainer has expressed optimism at the prospect of bettering the lives of young people. He recently launched The Forwarders group, a non-governmental foundation committed to developing the community by stirring the interest of youths in education and personal development.
The young man who holds an LLB in Law and MBA in international business from the University of Westminster, England, explained that the act of reading is not just for school, it is for life and it should be encouraged in all levels irrespective of the society one finds his or herself.
Aside reading, Oluwole also reiterated the relevance of Health and Security tips within institutions. He explained that children as well as youths are vulnerable in the society, thus, the need to be more vigilant as guardians and tutors.
Oluwole said that one of the basics of the group is to change and launder the image of Oshodi beyond the community level.
“Overtime, Oshodi has been known for hooligalism and touts, but there are better things the community has to offer All of it starts from encouraging education within the sector’, he added.
The Forwarders Group intends to implement several other projects aside the one focused on reading culture.
“Based on the reading project, we are working towards involving different international organisation, we also intend to involve other people who had their childhood in Oshodi, but, for now, it is solely sponsored by me’, Oluwole noted.
As a Philanthropist and a grass root politician who is fondly called Imole by his admirers, he noted that he is passionate about reaching out to youths in public primary and secondary schools with various activities.
During his interview with pressmen, he explained that the group has provided laboratory equipment to schools and organised seminars on safety and the environment not leaving out interhouse sports activities and book readings to encourage reading culture among primary schools pupils. Schools, which have benefited from these activities are Mafoluku Grammar School, Ikeja grammar school and St. Paul Anglican primary school, Mafoluku.
Mr. Oluwole, who lost his dad at the age of 4 and was trained by a single mother, is drawn towards reaching out to those at the bottom of the pyramid due to his experience of hardship at an early age.
