A Non Governmental Organization (NGO) in Ogun State, Barods Empowerment Foundation has committed itself to the development of the nation by investing positively in youth empowerment and education.
The foundation, at a press conference held in Abeokuta, the state capital on Thursday, launched “E Go Better” 1.0 Academic Support Project, aimed at empowering aspiring students and easing their pathway to higher institution.
Mr Babatunde Denton, the Founder, Barods Empowerment Foundation explained that the foundation has sponsored over one hundred Ogun State student’s WAEC and UTME examination to assist them in their academic pursuit through “E Go Better ” Project.
Our correspondent recalled that, in 2024 the foundation succeeded with about five major projects which included, Police Officers Welfare Outreach, supporting security personnel with resources to boost their morale and foster goodwill within the community, Delivering food and essential items to widows, where over 100 Widows benefitted from Ramadan and Easter Welfare Package.
Other projects were “Twins Empowerment Project, where the Barods Empowerment Foundation transform the lives of twin siblings after the tragic loss of their mother, provided intensive training and equipments to help them achieve their dreams, and Health Insurance for 100 Widows for a period of (1 Year).
While speaking on the “E GO BETTER Academic Support Project”, Mr Denton reiterated the foundation commitment to sponsor over 100 students for WAEC and UTME
exams, along with awarding higher education scholarships in the state.
He hinted that the beneficiaries were selected from Asero High School, Egba Comprehensive High School, Ebenezer High School, Omega international college, Ikire, Osun state, African Church Grammar School, Ifo High School, Unity High School,Baptist Girls College, St Peter’s College Olomore, Goodnews College, Abeokuta Grammer School, Premier Grammar School and Government Science and Technical College, Idi Aba, stressing that education remains the best legacy anyone can give.
Mr Denton said that the NGO was committed to the development of Ogun State by investing in youths empowerment, education and assisting the less privileged to actualise their dreams.
The foundation founder expressed his heartfelt appreciation to the co-founder, Mr. Ali Banjo, a UK-based Nigerian, and Principal Partner Danielle Chambers, for their unwavering commitment and invaluable contributions to the project.
He equally commended and appreciated the project Chairperson, Miss Yetunde Junaid, and the entire team for their selfless efforts and dedication to the project’s success.
His words “Youths are key elements to developing a community. When you develop them, you build a community.”
“So, with this “E Go Better” project, I am determined that at least for this year, we are targeting 100 students. And in this 2024-25 batch, I’m hoping that maybe half—or let’s say 30% of them—will do well in their grades.”
“If they perform well in their WAEC, our plan is to ensure further support. Personally, I’ll reach out to some of my friends, and I’ll also take responsibility for selecting some students to sponsor through higher education. They can write JAMB, pass, and we’ll find out: how much is your tuition fee for the year? Gladly, I’ll pay.”
“But beyond that, they need to develop soft skills. I don’t believe in just handing out support. If you keep getting handouts, it becomes a dependency and irresponsible”.
“For “E Go Better,” we’ve also put structures in place to ensure accountability. For example, when we pay WAEC fees, the money goes directly into the school’s account. Schools have accounts for fees, and the money is deposited there”.
“This project gives us fulfillment because we know we’re making a difference in society. That’s why we plan to organize an official launch for “E Go Better”
In the end, the goal is to empower these students to do better for themselves—not just academically but in life. That’s when we truly feel like we’ve achieved something meaningful, Mr Denton concluded.
