LASG Backs Innovation in Education, Warns Parents as School Reconstruction Kicks Off in Ikoyi-Obalende
The Lagos State Government has reiterated that its doors remain open to genuine innovations and collaborations aimed at improving the standard of service delivery in the education sector.
It also warned that parents and guardians who deliberately deny their children access to primary and secondary education will face appropriate sanctions.
The Executive Chairman of the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (LASUBEB), Mr. Hakeem Babatunde Shittu, made this known at the groundbreaking ceremony for the reconstruction of Army Children’s School and Dodan Barracks Primary School in the Obalende area of Ikoyi-Obalende LCDA.
The LASUBEB boss, who admitted he was initially skeptical about the project facilitated by the immediate past Chairman of Ikoyi-Obalende LCDA, Hon. Fuad Atanda-Lawal, noted that such initiatives are uncommon among politicians who have left office.
According to him, many people believe politicians often take from government without giving back, adding that the project represents a new dimension in service to humanity and demonstrates genuine concern for societal development.
In his remarks, the Chairman of Ikoyi-Obalende LCDA, Mr. Bola Oladunjoye, assured that the schools would be maximally utilized for the benefit of pupils and adequately protected upon completion.
He also pledged that the council would continue to seek guidance and support from his predecessor.
Also speaking, the Special Adviser on Environment to the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Rotimi Kunle-Akodu, noted that politicians often face enormous challenges after leaving office but commended Atanda-Lawal for sustaining a culture of service to his constituency.
He described him as a worthy ambassador and a gift to humanity for his decision to rebuild the schools from scratch.
Major Sunday Maikasuwa, the Acting Commanding Officer of the Army Battalion, who represented the Garrison Commander, Brigadier General A.I. Getso, said the project reflects a collective commitment to the welfare of children.
He added that the Nigerian Army appreciates the intervention, noting that the project would have lasting impact on its beneficiaries. Brigadier General Getso also expressed admiration and optimism toward the successful completion of the project.
In his goodwill message, the General Manager of the Lagos State Printing Corporation, Mr. Kola Penegrino, expressed delight that the former council boss has demonstrated that Obalende has much to contribute to Ikoyi-Obalende LCDA and Lagos State at large.
He assured continued political support for Atanda-Lawal when necessary, adding that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is today benefiting from goodwill built over time.
In his welcome address, the Founder/Chairman of FAL Foundation, Hon. Fuad Atanda-Lawal, said the project was conceived to ensure that pupils in the area have access to a conducive learning environment.
Reflecting on the past, he revealed that he was once a student of the school 38 years ago, stressing that local governments alone, with competing demands, cannot meet all the needs of the people.
He noted that the project, to be constructed free of charge by Ridgewell Construction, is part of efforts to attract goodwill, empower residents, and improve community well-being.
Atanda-Lawal also called for continued support for the current chairman to enable the successful implementation of policies and programmes for residents.
The school project, which will feature modern facilities, is expected to serve other schools within the area and will be completed within 18 months.
