By Bilesanmi Abayomi
In celebration of this year’s Children’s Day, Ikeja Electric Plc brought joy and learning to pupils across Lagos with its “Storytime Magic” initiative, a literacy and community engagement programme aimed at inspiring reading and fostering educational development among children.
The initiative saw the company’s employee volunteer team, #GiveBackAlways (GBA), visit three primary schools—Role Model School in Oregun, Rivergate Model Academy in Iju-Ishaga, and Kith & Kin Montessori Nursery & Primary School in Ikorodu. During the visits, volunteers read storybooks to students, offered safety tips, and donated books to school libraries.
Ikeja Electric’s Chief Executive Officer, Mrs. Folake Soetan, who also serves as the matron of the GBA team, led the initiative. She emphasized the need for collective investment in child development to supplement family and governmental efforts.
“More than ever before, we must work together to fast-track the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals and mitigate the adverse influence of social media on our children,” Soetan stated.
The story sessions featured titles such as The Broken Pot, The Stolen Yams, The Talking Tree, The Cooking Contest, and Folktales are Forever, all authored by Mrs. Efe Fafinre, founder of Linking Hands Foundation. The books, which promote moral values and cultural heritage, were later donated to the participating schools.
The programme aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 4, which advocates for inclusive, equitable, and quality education and lifelong learning opportunities for all—especially children in vulnerable communities.
School officials welcomed the initiative with enthusiasm and appreciation. Mr. Adebanjo Olusegun, Head of Kith & Kin Montessori, expressed delight, stating, “Ikeja Electric is the first DisCo to visit our school. Your presence lit up our children’s hearts and created lasting memories.”
Mrs. Kemisola Alabi of Rivergate Model Academy described the event as “an investment in the children’s future,” highlighting the company’s compassion and commitment to community service.
At Role Model School, Mr. Adeyinka Adedoyin, Deputy Head of School, commended Ikeja Electric’s leadership both in the energy sector and youth development. “We need more corporate organisations like Ikeja Electric that reinforce values and help prepare children to compete globally,” he noted.
The Storytime Magic initiative is part of Ikeja Electric’s broader corporate social responsibility efforts, reflecting its dedication to sustainable development and positive community impact.