SANWO-OLU UNVEILS BLOCK OF SIX CLASSROOMS, OFFICES AT OKEGUN-ODOFIN
… Commends Nigerian Breweries Plc for Collaboration
The Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu has commissioned and officially handed over the first Okegun-Odofin Community Junior Secondary School, constructed and donated by Nigerian Breweries Plc to the Lagos State Government under the “One Community At a Time” (OCAAT) initiative.
The event took place on Tuesday at Okegun-Odofin Ajeniya Village, Ibeju-Lekki, with Governor Sanwo-Olu represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Barr. ‘Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin.
The Governor commended Nigerian Breweries Plc for supporting the Lagos State Government’s “Education and Technology” pillar of the THEMES Plus Developmental Agenda. He emphasised that the donation of the school is a lifetime legacy, as educating a child is tantamount to educating a nation.
His words, “Education is central to our administration’s developmental agenda because we recognise that the future of Lagos State is closely linked to the quality of education we provide for our children. It is therefore encouraging to see Nigerian Breweries Plc actively embracing their role as stakeholders in advancing education in our society through the Nigerian Breweries-Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund”.
The Governor highlighted that this partnership showcases the power of Public-Private Partnerships, which have been crucial in driving progress and development across various sectors in Lagos State. He noted that the establishment of the school would enable parents to send their children to a nearby secondary school, eliminating the need for long commutes and ensuring access to quality education in a conducive environment.
Sanwo-Olu also praised the immediate past Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mrs. Folashade Sherifat Jaji for initiating and securing approval from the State Executive Council for the implementation of the OCAAT programme during her tenure.
The OCAAT initiative, the Governor explained, is an integrated, inter-sectoral, community-based programme focusing on sanitation, health, education, and recreation, aiming to sustainably improve the lives of people in underserved communities across the state.
He added that, beyond the Okegun-Odofin intervention, the initiative has positively impacted other communities as well. He urged community leaders and residents to ensure the school is protected, emphasising that the security of the school and its infrastructure is a collective responsibility.
Speaking earlier, the Corporate Affairs Director of Nigerian Breweries, Mrs. Shola Morgan stated that the project is part of the company’s ongoing Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts to enhance quality education in Nigeria.
She expressed pride in partnering with the Lagos State Government’s OCAAT initiative to create better learning environments for the country’s future leaders, highlighting the company’s educational CSR initiatives across various parts of the Federation.
In her remarks, former SSG and OCAAT initiator, Mrs. Folashade Jaji expressed her happiness at the completion of the Okegun-Odofin Junior High School. She extended her gratitude to Governor Sanwo-Olu, Nigerian Breweries Plc, and the local community, particularly Baale Okegun-Odofin, Chief Ismaila Ogunkoya, who donated the land for the project.
The Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr. Tolani Alli-Balogun assured that preparations to get the school operational are well underway, with recruitment for teaching staff from within the community set to begin immediately.
The Baale of Okegun-Odofin, Chief Ismaila Ogunkoya, and other community leaders also expressed their appreciation to the Governor, Mrs. Jaji, and Nigerian Breweries, pledging to take ownership of and protect the school.
The new school facility includes six classrooms, a principal’s office, staff rooms, and separate toilet facilities for boys and girls.
In attendance at the event were Permanent Secretary, Cabinet Office, Mr. Kehinde Farouk Gbajumo; Permanent Secretary, Basic and Secondary Education, Mr. Abayomi Abolaji; Chairman of Ibeju-Lekki Local Government, Engr. Sesan Olowa; traditional rulers, chiefs, and the Education Secretary for the district.