CNM Foundation Host Back-to-School Session For Children

The CNM Foundation has hosted a Back-to-School session for children under its care, bringing together family, friends, associates, partners and other stakeholders to celebrate the beneficiaries and prepare them for the new academic session.

The event, held on Monday, August 31, at The Dome, Lekki, Lagos, featured motivational talks, eye-care education, gift presentations and recognition of outstanding academic performance among the children.

Desmond Omorugbe delivered words of motivation to the children, while Dr. Okafor Chioma Confidence educated them on the importance of proper eye care and maintaining good vision, particularly for effective learning in school.

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As part of the programme, three children who recorded outstanding academic results were presented with cash awards. Mbuk Tudor Idoncesit received N300,000, Ekwulonu Jidenna was rewarded with N200,000, while Onyegbula Diamond Chimananda received N100,000.

Speaking at the event, founder of the CNM Foundation, Nkiruka Cynthia Ajah, said the initiative provided an opportunity for her to spend time with children she had supported over the past eight years and formally bring them together under the foundation.

Ajah explained that although her support for the children began eight years ago, she decided to establish the CNM Foundation this year after restructuring her business and creating a more structured platform through which she could extend her impact.

She disclosed that the initiative started with just one child, Feranmi Faronbi, but has since grown to support 10 children.

According to her, the foundation was established out of the need to support people within her immediate circle who may not necessarily be unable to afford basic needs but often struggle because of competing financial demands and the need to prioritise expenses.

Ajah, who described herself as a strong believer in the principle that  “every child deserves an opportunity to learn,” urged individuals who have the means to support children’s education to do so wholeheartedly.

She said investing in the education of one child could have a multiplier effect, as beneficiaries would eventually have the opportunity to impact other members of society.

“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.

Ajah explained that before the establishment of the foundation, she had largely supported the children’s education by paying their school fees directly to the schools.

She said the decision to organise the Back-to-School session followed the formal establishment of the foundation and was aimed at bringing all the beneficiaries together, wishing them well as they resumed a new academic session and providing them with necessary school supplies.

She also disclosed that the foundation partnered with Eagle Visions to provide eye tests for the children, stressing the importance of ensuring that students can clearly see the board and effectively participate in classroom activities.

Reflecting on her own experiences and those of others, Ajah noted that while some children have their school fees fully covered, others may face financial constraints that require difficult decisions and prioritisation when a new academic session begins.

She said the initiative represented her way of giving back to society, beginning with people within her immediate circle who have the desire to pursue education but require additional support to achieve it.

Ajah added that the true measure of impact was not determined by the amount given but by the lives touched and opportunities created.

She said the event was also designed to remind the children that people believe in their potential and are committed to supporting their dreams.

Also speaking, the Managing Director of Yebash Event, Mrs Yejide Owootomo, described Ajah as a blessing to the people around her, noting that the foundation had positively impacted the lives of several children.

Owootomo said one of the remarkable aspects of the foundation was its focus on people within Ajah’s immediate environment, including individuals who work with her, such as her driver and sales representatives.

She noted that the foundation had enabled beneficiaries to pay their school fees with less financial pressure and expressed confidence that Ajah would continue the initiative.

Owootomo further expressed optimism that by the time the Back-to-School programme is held next year, the number of children supported by the foundation would have increased from 10 to about 20.