LAGOS/Nigeria: More than 24 primary schools in Olorunda Local Council Development Area (LCDA) are to benefit from an education support programme launched by the council as pupils return for the new academic session.
The initiative, flagged off on Tuesday by the Executive Chairman of the LCDA, Hon. Ajose Peter Kumayon, involves the distribution of school bags, exercise books and other writing materials to pupils.
The first phase began at Araromi-Ale Primary School in Araromi Ola Community, with four primary schools covered on the opening day.
They were Ansar-U-Deen Primary School I, II and III in Araromi-Ale, and Morogbo Primary School.
The chairman also made an unscheduled visit to Morogbo Junior Grammar School, a newly established secondary school, where each student received four notebooks.
The council said the exercise was designed to reduce some of the financial pressure associated with the beginning of a new school year, particularly for families purchasing basic learning materials for their children.
Kumayon said the intervention was part of the education and human capital development component of his administration’s RESHAPE Agenda.
He said the council had also provided GCE and UTME forms for indigent students and had been engaging schools in both upland and riverine communities to identify areas requiring government attention.
The chairman further disclosed that the council’s bursary scheme covers eligible Olorunda indigenes at undergraduate, master’s and PhD levels.
Addressing the pupils during the exercise, Kumayon urged them to take proper care of the materials and remain focused on their education.
He also encouraged them not to allow their present circumstances to limit their aspirations.
“Never allow your present circumstances to determine your future,” he told the pupils.
The chairman commended teachers for their contribution to educating children and said responsibility for a child’s education involved government, teachers, parents, guardians and the wider community.
However, the Education Secretary, Mr Hontonyon Joel Viyon, used the occasion to draw attention to infrastructure and welfare issues still confronting schools in the LCDA.
Viyon called for improved security arrangements and perimeter fencing for schools, particularly those in riverine communities. He also advocated measures to motivate teachers and strengthen their capacity to deliver effectively.
The Baale of Araromi Ola, Chief Temitope Agemo, thanked the council for taking the programme to the community and called for continued cooperation among government authorities, traditional institutions, communities and schools.
Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Comrade Bonu John, also welcomed the intervention and urged the council to sustain support for schools and teachers across the LCDA.
One of the beneficiaries, Abdulganiyu Fatimu of ABS Araromi-Ale School 2, said the materials would assist pupils in their studies.
The council said the distribution would continue over subsequent days until the schools covered by the programme are reached. A report published on September 25 indicated that the exercise had entered a later phase, with additional schools in Ibereko and Ilado included in the distribution.
The latest programme builds on earlier education-related interventions associated with the Olorunda administration, including support for indigent students and engagement with schools to identify educational needs. The council’s official website also lists education infrastructure projects among its development activities.
Those present at the flag-off included the council’s Vice Chairman, Hon. Bolaji Adele Solomon; Council Treasurer, Mrs Olayinka Awosinu; Secretary to the Local Government, Hon. Ashame Wahab Ayilere; Supervisor for Education, Hon. Afeez Bankole; councillors and other members of the council’s executive, alongside teachers, traditional leaders and community representatives.
