In a heartening turn of events, Gidi Real Estate Investment Ltd. has announced the award of a full scholarship to three-year-old Abayomi Michael, a student from Christ-Mitots School in the Isawo area of Ikorodu, following a disturbing abuse incident that has shaken the Lagos community. The abuse, which occurred when young Abayomi struggled to grasp certain numbers in his lessons, has raised critical concerns about child protection in educational institutions.
The incident came to light on January 14, 2025, when a video surfaced on social media showing Mrs. Stella Nwadigbo, a teacher at the school, physically assaulting Abayomi for his academic difficulties. The video quickly went viral, prompting widespread outrage and calls for swift action. By the following day, the Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development had stepped in, promising immediate intervention.
In response to the distressing news, the Ministry’s Commissioner, Mobolaji Abubakre Ogunlende, condemned the abuse, emphasizing the state’s unwavering commitment to protecting children in schools across the state. “Such acts of violence have no place in our society. We will do everything within our power to ensure that children in Lagos are safe from harm, and that those responsible for such actions face justice,” he declared during a press conference held at the Ministry’s headquarters in Alausa.
The abuse sparked a flurry of actions from both government and private sectors. Among the most notable was the generous gesture from Gidi Real Estate, a renowned property investment company with a strong track record of corporate social responsibility. During a ceremony on January 15, 2025, held in collaboration with the Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development, Gidi Real Estate’s co-founder, Mr. Ayorinde Ejioye, formally announced the company’s commitment to covering Abayomi’s educational expenses from primary school all the way through university.
Speaking at the event, Ejioye said, “When we learned about the abuse from media reports, we were deeply moved by Abayomi’s ordeal. We believe no child should suffer such a traumatic experience, and we are honored to extend this scholarship to him. His story is one of resilience, and we hope this scholarship will not only provide him with the education he deserves but also encourage others to stand up for the welfare of our children.”
In addition to the scholarship, Gidi Real Estate has also provided Abayomi’s mother, Mrs. Nike Okunlaya, with a fully furnished two-bedroom flat. Okunlaya, a widow, expressed her gratitude, saying, “I can’t find the right words to describe how I feel. This act of kindness from Gidi Real Estate and the government gives me hope that there are still good people out there. Abayomi will now have a chance at a brighter future.”
The abuse incident has shed light on the challenges faced by vulnerable children in educational institutions. Mrs. Toyin Oke-Osanyintolu, Permanent Secretary of the Lagos Ministry of Youth and Social Development, underscored the importance of timely intervention in such cases. “We were horrified by what happened to Michael Abayomi. The Ministry acted swiftly to ensure that he received the necessary medical attention and that the perpetrators were brought to justice. We are pleased to see that this tragic incident has been turned into something positive,” she said.
Meanwhile, the teacher at the center of the scandal, Mrs. Stella Nwadigbo, 45, has been arrested by officers from the Family Support Unit (FSU) of the Ikorodu Police Division. She has been charged with child abuse and remains in custody at the Kirikiri Correctional Facility after being remanded by the Ogba Chief Magistrate Court.
The case has sparked debates about the role of educators in fostering a safe learning environment. Experts are calling for stricter regulations and oversight of teachers to prevent such incidents from happening in the future.
A press statement issued by the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) confirmed that Nwadigbo’s actions were being investigated thoroughly. “We take these matters seriously. The law will take its course, and justice will prevail,” stated the agency’s spokesperson.
The legal proceedings surrounding the case are set to resume on February 18, 2025, when Mrs. Nwadigbo will face further hearings in court. For now, the focus remains on Abayomi and his family as they navigate the aftermath of this traumatic experience.
The scholarship from Gidi Real Estate represents not only a life-changing opportunity for Abayomi but also a broader message of hope for children who may face abuse in silence. It is a testament to the power of corporate and community action in the face of injustice.
While the abuse scandal continues to reverberate through the public, the partnership between the Lagos State Government and Gidi Real Estate stands as a shining example of how public and private sectors can come together to bring about positive change. Commissioner Ogunlende reiterated this sentiment, saying, “Our collective efforts in this matter prove that when we unite, we can overcome even the most harrowing challenges.”
For Abayomi, the scholarship marks the beginning of a brighter future. His mother, Mrs. Okunlaya, expressed hope for her son’s educational journey, which has now been secured thanks to the intervention of concerned individuals and organizations. “We may have gone through dark days, but now there’s light at the end of the tunnel for Abayomi,” she said, her voice filled with relief.
