In a demonstration of uncommon goodwill and welfarism, ex-international, Paul Okoku, has splashed out school uniforms and writing materials to pupils of St Paul’s Primary School, Costain, Lagos.
The donations, which were made through the Greater Tomorrow Children Foundation, run by Okoku, held on Tuesday inside the school’s premises and was witnessed by the Executive Secretary of the Lagos Mainland Education Authority Board, Tijani Tajudeen, who also handed out the items to the pupils in the presence of some parents who beamed with excitement over this generosity shown by Okoku.
Speaking to reporters, the Lagos Mainland Education secretary said he was honoured to be witnessing the donation of the brand new school uniforms to the pupils, commending Okoku for always rendering support to children of the Mainland local government.
According to Tajudeen, “it gladdens my heart to be here to witness and present these uniforms to our children and it is a thing of immense joy to me that it is a former pupil of this school, Paul Okoku who provided these items. Okoku has always been in the forefront of supporting St Paul’s Primary School and what he has done today is an extension of his humanitarian heart”.
Also on hand to present the school uniforms to the pupils were ex-internationals, Taiwo Oloyede, Edema Benson and Wasiu Ipaye, who also saluted Paul Okoku for gifting the children with spanking new school uniforms at a time that Nigerians are experiencing excruciating economic hardship
In the words of Ipaye, “Paul Okoku has demonstrated leadership and selflessness by this show of love to these kids who are beneficiaries of his welfarism. My prayer is that God continues to lift him up in all his endeavours”.
Resonating similar message, Edema Benson said, “Paul Okoku is a gift to this generation as he has consistently been supporting every cause that will promote the good of our kids. He is a gift to our world and we are blessed to have such a person who generously gives for the betterment of the society “
In their reaction, the pupils who received the uniforms thanked Paul Okoku for using his Greater Tomorrow Children Foundation to shower them with items which they said will go a long way in making resumption next term smooth and easier.
Speaking from his base in Atlanta, USA, Paul Lucky Okoku emphasized the critical need for a united humanitarian effort to support primary schools.
“Primary schools are the bedrock of education, yet they are often overshadowed by secondary schools and universities. Let’s take a moment to ask ourselves: how many of us have gone back to support the primary schools that laid the foundation for our success? Many of these schools are in disrepair, with inadequate resources and crumbling infrastructure.
“Rather than waiting for change, let’s become the change. We should rally our networks, friends, and communities to contribute to primary education. These children aren’t concerned with who delivers the help—they simply need a safe and supportive environment to learn, just as we had. Let’s move past conversations about failed leadership and focus on the immediate impact we can create as a collective. Even before the challenges facing our nation worsened, primary schools were struggling. Although we can’t change the past, we can influence the future.
“Supporting primary schools doesn’t always have to involve financial donations. Small acts like providing school supplies, sharing a song, telling a joke, or simply visiting can inspire and uplift these students. For public figures and celebrities, even a brief visit can leave a lasting, transformative impact.”
He added, “Primary schools form the foundation of every success we’ve achieved. Without a strong beginning, future growth becomes nearly impossible. While we continue supporting secondary schools and universities, we can also refocus our efforts on where it all begins: primary education. By investing in these schools, we’re not only improving facilities—we’re building the future.”
Paul concluded with two key principles that underscore his dedication to education:
“The greatness of a nation starts in its primary schools. Without investing in the foundation, we cannot expect the structure to stand.”
“Education is not a guarantee for success, but without it, you don’t stand a chance.”
We should come together and provide the tools, resources, and encouragement these children need to succeed.
Paul Lucky Okoku, Founder and CEO of Greater Tomorrow Children’s Fund, is a former YSFON player, Gothia Cup and Dallas Cup champion-member player, vice-captain of the Nigerian Flying Eagles at the U21 World Cup in Mexico (1983), an AFCON silver medalist with the Super Eagles (1984), a member of Nigeria’s 1984 Olympic Qualification Team, and a CAF & FIFA-retired soccer player.
