Michael Tonlagha marks birthday with children in Benikrukru, donates learning materials, clothing items, others
Gbaramatu kingdom-born humanitarian, Engr. Michael Tonlagha, on Friday as part of programmes lined up to mark his birthday, hosted children of Benikrukru community in Gbaramatu Kingdom, Delta state, to an elaborate pre-birthday party at Oboro Ultra Modern Playground.
Aside from making available adequate varieties of food and drinks for the children to eat and drink which brought lots of excitement to the kids, the renowned philanthropist used the opportunity provided by the celebration to distribute learning materials such as books, pens, water bottles and clothes to these children drawn from two nursery and primary schools within the community.
Speaking at the event, Mr Tonlagha stated that Sunday March 5 is the date for the birthday proper, but because of the premium he placed on education coupled with the fact that if he visits on Sunday, may not meet the students, hence, the choice of Friday March 3, 2023.
In his words; “I made up my mind that today as I celebrate my birthday I will endeavor that each child has a water bottle so that anytime you are going to school you will put your water inside and I want you all to read your books and marry your books so you will be successful in life.”
“I value and understand the importance of education and that is why for the past years, I have made it a tradition and custom to always celebrate these birthdays with children despite all odds and challenges . This year is not an exception, I must put smiles on the faces of the children and their parents’’
On their parts, Mrs Otoriatan Ebi , Teacher at Oboro Primary School and Mr Elohor Ighomuaye, Head Teacher at Milk Educational Foundation respectively, praised Mr. Tonlagha for his kind-heartedness.
While they prayed for God’s blessings upon the donor who doubles as the celebrant, his family and endeavours. The teachers however, encouraged him and other good spirited indigenes of the kingdom to assist the school and pupils in ways that will make learning easy and conducive.
Another major highlight at the event was the Spelling Bee Competition which saw four (4) of the kids that participated in competition go home with gifts of various sizes and value.
See photos below:
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