Gidi Real Estate Investment Ltd. has awarded scholarship to the three-year-old victim of child abuse, Abayomi Michael, a pupil at Christ-Mitots School, Isawo, Ikorodu, Lagos State.
This follows an incident of physical abuse inflicted on the child by his teacher, Mrs. Stella Nwadigbo.
The abuse occurred after Abayomi was unable to learn certain numbers quickly.
A ceremony organized by the Ministry to formalize the scholarship agreement between Abayomi’s family and Gidi Real Estate Investment Ltd, held on Thursday at Alausa, Ikeja.
The distressing incident, which went viral on social media last week Wednesday, attracted widespread attention and prompted a swift response from the Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development.
The Ministry issued a press release to condemn the abuse in the strongest terms.
The Commissioner, Mr. Mobolaji Abubakre Ogunlende, also reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to the safety and well-being of children in educational institutions across the state.
Speaking at the event, the Commissioner, Ogunlende emphasized the Ministry’s openness in collaborating with public-spirited individuals and organizations that support vulnerable citizens.
He said : “The state government cannot do it alone.
“We are always ready to partner with any individual or group that can assist us in alleviating the burden on our citizens.
“We appreciate Gidi Real Estate Investment Ltd for this noble gesture and encourage others to follow suit.”
Similarly, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Toyin Oke-Osanyintolu, expressed deep concern over the abuse.
She stated : “We were deeply disturbed by the physical abuse of Michael Abayomi.
“To ensure it was not ignored, we immediately took appropriate action to secure justice and provide the necessary medical care for the child.
“We are pleased today that the situation has turned into a positive outcome.”
Mr. Ayorinde Ejioye, Co-founder of Gidi Real Estate Investment Ltd, explained that the company was made aware of the incident through media reports.
Recognizing that such abuse could happen to any child, he said the company decided to intervene by sponsoring Abayomi’s education from primary through university level.
Additionally, Gidi Real Estate Investment Ltd has provided a 2-bedroom flat for Mrs. Nike Okunlaya, Abayomi’s mother who is a widow.
Meanwhile, the 45-year Mrs Stella Nwadigbo was apprehended by the Family Support Unit (FSU) of Ikorodu Police Division and the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA).
She was subsequently arraigned at the Ogba Chief Magistrate Court on Thursday last week and has been remanded at the Kirikiri Correctional facility until February 18 when the case would continue. (vitalnewsngr.com)
