It was with heavy hearts that the distribution of the exercise books to the children at the different schools had to be postponed from our original scheduled date in September. While preparing for the delivery of the 2018 books, we received the sad news that we lost one of our very own, Chief Simeon Opoola Olagunju, Ruth Ebunlomo Olagunju’s eldest son. It was a very tough and sad time for the Olagunju family. Not only did his loss impact his family greatly, it impacted the Ebunlomo Olagunju Foundation as well. He had a regular seat at the high table at our events as well as celebrating the joy of giving. His smile, excitement and support will be missed.

With permission from our honoree, Ruth Ebunlomo Olagunju, and Chief Simeon Opoola Olagunju’s widow and children, we proceeded with the 2018 Exercise Book distribution on October 29th, 2018. We give glory and honor to God for the success of our 2018 Education Project. The Founder and President of Ebunlomo Olagunju Foundation, Isaac Olagunju, was in attendance at the book distribution. In his speech titled “United for Success” he encouraged students to come together as one to work towards their academic success individually and collectively.

He, paying tribute to his late brother, Chief Simeon Opoola Olagunju, used three characteristics from his life: humility, generosity and peace to challenge the students. He encouraged students to be humble enough to ask for help when it’s needed to be successful, generous with their time and skills to help one another succeed and to foster an atmosphere of unity where a peaceful environment exists to work together as a team towards common goals.

In Loving Memory of Chief Simeon Opoola Olagunju, bookmarks were handed out to the students and teachers to pay tribute and honor for his life of humility. In addition to the bookmarks, over 5,000 Higher Education and Exercise Books were delivered to students and teachers at 6 schools in Igosun. Watching these children receive their books never gets old. They are continuously in awe of the support and gift. If you look closely at some of the pictures, you can see some of the students are hanging on to the books that were given out last year as that is all they had to take notes as school began again.

It tugs at your heart to realize how many things many of us can take for granted. It is an honor to participate and serve in such a capacity. Someone once said, “You cannot change the world, but you can change someone’s world.” A very special thank you to the Implementation Committee, Board of Trustees and our donors. None of this would be possible without each of you! We are blessed to be a blessing!