The CNM Foundation has hosted a Back-to-School programme for children under its care, combining academic recognition, educational support and health awareness as beneficiaries prepare for the new academic session.
The event, held on Monday, August 31, at The Dome, Lekki, Lagos, brought together family members, friends, associates, partners and other stakeholders to celebrate the children and encourage them to pursue academic excellence.
The programme featured motivational sessions, eye-care education, presentation of school supplies and cash awards to children who distinguished themselves academically.
Desmond Omorugbe delivered a motivational address to the beneficiaries, encouraging them to remain focused and committed to their education.
Dr. Okafor Chioma Confidence also educated the children on proper eye care and the importance of maintaining good vision, particularly as they return to the classroom.
Three beneficiaries with outstanding academic performances were rewarded with cash prizes.
Mbuk Tudor Idoncesit received N300,000, Ekwulonu Jidenna was presented with N200,000, while Onyegbula Diamond Chimananda received N100,000.
Speaking at the event, Founder of the CNM Foundation, Nkiruka Cynthia Ajah, said the programme provided an opportunity to formally bring together children she had supported over the past eight years.
Ajah explained that although her support for the beneficiaries began eight years ago, she established the CNM Foundation this year after restructuring her business and creating a more organised platform through which she could expand her social impact.
She disclosed that the initiative began with just one child, Feranmi Faronbi, but has now grown to support 10 children.
According to her, the foundation was created to support people within her immediate circle who, despite being able to meet some of their basic needs, often struggle to cope with competing financial responsibilities and educational expenses.
Ajah said the foundation was driven by her belief that “every child deserves an opportunity to learn,” urging individuals who have the capacity to support children’s education to do so wholeheartedly.
“It doesn’t just start with me, it starts with you. If you ever find yourself in the position to support someone who is trying to make sure that their children go to school, please do it with all your heart,” she said.
She explained that before the foundation was formally established, she had supported the children’s education largely by paying their school fees directly to their schools.
Ajah said the Back-to-School initiative became necessary following the formal launch of the foundation, with the aim of bringing beneficiaries together, celebrating their achievements, equipping them with school supplies and encouraging them as they resumed a new academic session.
She added that the foundation partnered with Eagle Visions to conduct eye tests for the children, stressing that good eyesight was essential for effective learning.
According to her, students need to be able to clearly see the board and participate fully in classroom activities, making eye health an important part of educational support.
Reflecting on the financial pressures associated with the beginning of a new academic session, Ajah noted that while some families may have school fees fully covered, others are forced to make difficult choices and prioritise competing needs.
She said the foundation represented her personal effort to give back to society by starting with people within her immediate environment who are eager to pursue education but require additional support.
Ajah maintained that the true measure of social impact was not necessarily the amount of money given but the number of lives touched and opportunities created.
She said the programme was also intended to remind the children that people believe in their abilities and are willing to support their dreams.
Also speaking, Managing Director of Yebash Event, Mrs Yejide Owootomo, described Ajah as a blessing to those around her, saying the foundation had positively impacted the lives of several children.
Owootomo noted that one of the distinctive features of the initiative was its focus on people within Ajah’s immediate environment, including individuals who work with her, such as her driver and sales representatives.
She said the foundation had helped beneficiaries meet their school-fee obligations with reduced financial pressure and expressed confidence that Ajah would sustain the initiative.
Owootomo further expressed optimism that the number of children supported by the foundation would increase from 10 to about 20 by the time the Back-to-School programme is held next year.
