YTOP Youth Empowerment Foundation has donated mattresses and beddings worth N1.4 million to schoolchildren living with disabilities in Osun State.
The group, a non-profit organisation, donated these items to the St. Phillips Special Needs Children School in Osun recently.
“We proudly celebrate eight impactful years of relentless commitment to youth development, leadership, and community development. The vision is from a deep desire to see young people rise beyond limitations to create a global community of great minds who see beyond challenges and collaborate to create effective change,” said Oluwadamilare Ekundayo, founder of YTOP.
He explained that the donation was in commemoration of the group’s eighth anniversary.
“Our vision is fully aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. YTOP Global was created not just as an organisation but as a movement—a safe space and springboard for emerging change-makers.”
Ekundayo noted that the organisation had reached out to over 70,000 young people across Nigeria and beyond through its diverse programmes, initiatives, training, and collaborations.
“Since 2023, through YTOP Global, we have committed to supporting, including, and celebrating PWAs in all we do—inviting them to our programmes, providing scholarships and donating to their schools,” he said.
“So far, we have reached schools of special needs in Ile-Ife, Osogbo, Lagos, and Uyo, offering relief items, scholarships, skill training, and dignity to the students,” he added.
He revealed that after visiting other special needs schools and witnessing their poor living conditions, he was inspired to do more.
“Today, we have provided this school with 100 complete bedding sets, 30 beds, and essential food items—not just to improve their comfort but to show them they are seen, valued, and loved.”
“For us, this is not just about charity—it’s about restoring dignity, creating belonging, and giving every child the chance to thrive, regardless of ability,” he said.
In appreciation, Olunike Egunjobi, headmistress of St. Phillips Special Needs Children School, commended the group for the kind gesture.
“When I was transferred to this school not long ago, I was heartbroken by the terrible condition I met. The students had no proper beds to sleep on, and that deeply saddened me.”
“We are grateful to YTOP Global for their generous donation of 30 mattresses and 100 bedsheets. This kind gesture has brought much-needed comfort to our children, and I believe it marks the beginning of many more blessings to come,” she noted.
“These children have bright futures, and with the right support, they can reach greater heights. I take this opportunity to seek more assistance and support for these precious children,” Egunjobi added.
Bosede Odediran, a teacher in the school, lauded the group for its impact on the lives of the children living with disabilities.
“As a class teacher, my heart breaks each day seeing my pupils struggle in conditions no child should have to endure. I am deeply grateful to YTOP Global for stepping in where help is so desperately needed,” she said with joy.
YTOP Global is a youth-led, purpose-driven organisation founded to inspire and nurture a generation of young, talented, optimistic individuals full of potential.
