The TOS Educational Initiative has unveiled a bold campaign aimed at tackling educational ignorance in Nigeria by promoting the distribution of pocket English dictionaries to children. The initiative, themed “One Dictionary Per Child”, was officially launched on Thursday at the Dr. Finnih Event Centre, Opebi Link Bridge, Oregun Ikeja.
Guest Speaker, Mr. Abayomi Oyelami, emphasized the proverb “it takes a village to raise a child”, urging parents to play active roles in their children’s education. He described the dictionary as a vital investment that equips children to excel in their studies and prepares them to become tomorrow’s leaders.
Convener of the campaign, Comrade Lolade Savador, pledged to distribute 2,000 copies of dictionaries across each of the 20 Local Government Areas in Lagos State. She called on community leaders, including Local Government Chairmen, Kabiesi, and Iyaloja, to support the initiative, stressing that education is a collective responsibility.
In his goodwill message, Chief Tunde Fabanimokun, represented by Mr. Francis, praised the campaign as motivational, noting its relevance even in today’s digital age. He reminded attendees that “readers are leaders” and encouraged everyone to embrace the habit of owning a dictionary.
Political and community leaders also lent their voices. Comrade Alaba Isreal, APC member from Ikosi Isheri Zone, commended the initiative as a worthy empowerment tool for the next generation. Mr. Olayemi urged parents to contribute by procuring dictionaries for their children, while Dr. Jumoke Owoola highlighted the importance of preserving cultural heritage alongside education, reinforcing the motto that it truly takes a village to raise a child.
The campaign stands as a call to action for parents, leaders, and communities to unite in empowering children with the tools they need to succeed academically and culturally.
