In a continued effort to promote quality education throughout Nigeria, the humanitarian group Jeje Riders recently contributed a substantial donation of educational resources to Government Secondary School, Gan-Gora, located in Zango Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The handover ceremony was held on the school grounds and witnessed by notable figures including Hon. Jedidiah Yahaya, Special Assistant on Community Relations to Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, and Hon. Samuel Kambai Kozah, the legislative representative for Zango Kataf State Constituency in the Kaduna State House of Assembly.
Joel Bwankwot, a representative of Jeje Riders, presented the donated items which included more than 4,000 workbooks, as well as desks and chairs. He emphasized the organization’s commitment to enhancing educational opportunities, stating that education remains the most reliable path toward national progress.
“Consistent with our initiatives across various Nigerian states, we felt compelled to extend support to the younger generation here,” Bwankwot explained.
“While we recognize that we cannot solve every challenge, we strive to make meaningful contributions. Our aspiration is that these students will utilize the materials effectively to benefit their communities,” he added.
Expressing his appreciation, the school principal, Mr. Soldier Rafael, highlighted the significance of the donation, noting it as the largest he has witnessed since assuming his role.
“This is the first time since I took over as principal that the school has received such a generous contribution. I am genuinely grateful,” Rafael remarked.
“Thanks to this support, our students will have enhanced opportunities to broaden their knowledge, especially through the provision of new books and improved seating arrangements,” he continued.
However, Rafael also appealed to the Kaduna State Government to address the urgent need for better learning facilities, pointing out that the current classrooms are overcrowded and in poor condition.
During the event, Tijjani St. James, a founding member of Jeje Riders, explained that the group’s donations align with their core mission and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
He elaborated on the organization’s focus on youth empowerment through both preventive measures and supportive initiatives.
“Our goal is to steer young people away from harmful behaviors that could hinder their future potential,” St. James said.
“One of our key programs is the Jeje Riders Nationwide Secondary School Students Anti-Drug and Substance Abuse Campaign, conducted in partnership with the NDLEA. This initiative has reached eight schools across Northern Nigeria and Imo State,” he added.
In terms of educational support, the group prioritizes supplying essential learning tools and infrastructure.
“To date, we have donated over 122 computers, digital displays, solar power equipment, and classroom furniture to schools in Adamawa, Jigawa, Gombe, Plateau, and Kaduna States,” St. James revealed.
Regarding funding, he noted that the projects are financed through membership contributions, as well as donations and grants from various organizations and individuals.
He also acknowledged Flourmills of Nigeria as a key partner in supporting these educational endeavors.
Tijjani, who serves as Chief Commercial Officer at Notore Chemical Industries Plc., described the group as comprising professionals and senior military personnel.
He cited Professor Mohammed Garba Mainasara, an ENT surgeon renowned for pioneering cochlear implant surgeries for children with severe hearing loss in Kaduna, as an example of the caliber of experts involved with Jeje Riders Nigeria.
