ODUNMBAKU PRESENTS GCE FORMS, BURSARY TO STUDENTS, EMPOWERS TEACHERS - OJODU LCDA

In a notable demonstration of dedication to education and empowerment, Hon. David Olusegun Odunmbaku, the Executive Chairman of Ojodu Local Council Development Area (LCDA), delivered an impactful speech today during an event held at the Secretariat Hall, Oke-ira. The event witnessed the distribution of 200 free GCE forms and the awarding of bursaries to deserving students. Esteemed members of the community were in attendance.

During his address, Hon. Odunmbaku emphasized the pivotal role education plays in propelling progress and development. He stressed that empowering the youth is a fundamental duty of any nation, underscoring that failing to do so would imperil its future. The Chairman expressed gratitude for the opportunity to speak at the gathering, emphasizing that the occasion strongly resonates with their commitment to education and empowerment.

The Executive Chairman announced the distribution of free GCE forms and the awarding of bursaries as part of their ongoing efforts to prioritize education and promote sustainable development. He underscored that quality education is the bedrock of progress and a catalyst for individual and community advancement.

Hon. Odunmbaku highlighted several educational initiatives undertaken by the Ojodu LCDA administration, including yearly distribution of 200 JAMB forms to the youth, provision of exercise books to students, welfare packages and prizes for outstanding teachers, collaboration with Kimberly Clarke and PEPSICO to enhance Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) facilities in schools, ICT Center upgrades, provision of free shuttle buses with special provisions for students and pupils, coaching sessions at the ICT Hub for GCE and JAMB candidates, and vocational training for out-of-school children.

Furthermore, the Chairman outlined their plans, including the reconstruction of Oke-ira Secondary School in collaboration with SUBEB/Scripts, partnership with CDC/CDA to adopt and upgrade schools, and the installation of Solar PVs at schools by GSEL Solutions.

These initiatives align with the HEYS (Health, Education, Youth Empowerment, Security) Mission of Ojodu LCDA and complement the broader THEMES (Traffic Management and Transportation, Health and Environment, Education and Technology, Making Lagos a 21st Century Economy, Entertainment and Tourism, and Security and Governance) agenda set by the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu.

Hon. Odunmbaku encouraged the beneficiaries of these initiatives to seize the opportunities presented to them and become exemplary ambassadors of Ojodu LCDA. He advised them to steer clear of social vices such as gambling, cybercrime, cultism, and hooliganism, emphasizing that education is their most potent tool.

The beneficiaries expressed their appreciation for the Chairman’s benevolence. Ikuponisi Comfort, the winner of the Teachers Empowerment Programme, received a sum of Two Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira (#250,000), while the second and third place recipients received One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira (#150,000) and One Hundred Thousand Naira (#100,000) respectively. Additionally, ten other individuals received Fifty Thousand Naira (#50,000) each as consolation.

Distinguished guests at the event included Alhaja Stella Kokumo, the APC Chairman of Ojodu LCDA, Chief Matthew Adesanya (MAOS), Pa and Madam Omolabi, Vice Chairman Hon. Bunmi Oluyadi, SLG Olaide Bello, legislative members, executive committee members, Council Manager Engr, Mrs. Bunmi Akitoye, Ikeja NUT Chairman, and other management staff.