Since Hon. Jimi Benson appeared on the political horizon five years ago, he has dominated the political landscape of Ikorodu division. Almost on a monthly basis, he has been doing a lot in terms of empowerment and giving elderly people food for their sustenance.
Last March 30, 2017, Jimi Benson decided to facilitate the building of schools with complete furniture, some of which are located at Maya and Imota to mark his birthday. It was the day pupils, teachers, parents and school administrators from SUBEB would not forget for a long time.
The commissioning of the classrooms took place at African Bethel Primary School, Maya, where prayers were offered for Hon. Benson. When addressing his constituents about the projects, he disclosed that it was embarked upon after his attention was drawn to the dilapidated state of block of class rooms in the school. He told them that a block of three classrooms would be handed over to commemorate his birthday. He assured them of more dividends of democracy while enjoining them to remain prayerful and supportive.
In his short remarks at the event, the Chairman of SUBEB, Dr. Ganiyu Sopeyin, represented by Barrister Shodeyi, lauded the efforts of Honourable Benson towards the development of education in the division. He praised him for providing the multi-million naira project for African Bethel Primary School.
According to him, SUBEB had noticed his good contributions and his name had been penciled down for this year’s SUBEB merit award. Mr. Taiwo Oduloye, Education Secretary, Ikorodu Local Government Education Authority, commended Jimi Benson for his rare achievements, describing him as a man of his words. He told him that he admired his humility, wisdom, caring attitude and integrity, while wishing him long life and prosperity.
The Sole administrator of Ikorodu North LCDA and the representative of the Ayangbure of Ikorodu at the event, Hon. Shakirat Okeowo and Otunba Ayodele Elesho respectively, congratulated the honourable and his I Care team for their laudable initiatives, which they described as developmental.
After Hon. Benson cut the tape, he led dignitaries into the classrooms and Otunba Elesho offered prayers for the successful use of the building and for the progress of the benefactor. A photo session brought the ceremony at Maya to a close while the event train shifted to Imota for the next commissioning and handover.
Teachers at the Community Primary School, Oriokuta welcomed Hon. Benson with goodwill and congratulatory messages on his birthday. They danced with him and displayed placards bearing birthday wishes.
Hon. Benson moved into the classrooms, where the pupils of the school had been awaiting his arrival. They showered birthday songs on him and prayed for his success at the National Assembly. After meeting the pupils and a team of football loving youths, who welcomed him, the honourable joined other people for the commissioning of a block of three classrooms.
The Director-General, I Care Foundation, explained that the project was in fulfilment of J.B’s campaign promises. While speaking, Hon. Benson said he got to know about the dilapidated nature of the school through the report carried by IMPACT newspaper. A borehole project had also been provided for the Oriokuta residents of Imota to ensure clean and portable water for the community. He promised to commission the borehole project in a few days’ time. He told them that he was ready to do more in terms of developmental projects.
Rev. (Col.) Titi Onafowokan (Rtd) and Sole Administrator, Imota LCDA, Hon Femi Okedeji, showered encomiums on Hon. Benson while also extolling his achievements within two years in office. They also commended him for his good character and care for Ikorodu people. They wished that he would become the Governor of Lagos State in the nearest future.
After the commissioning of the project, photo session brought the memorable event to a close. The honourale and his entourage immediately moved to his constituency office, where other dignitaries joined the birthday celebration party. There were enough food and drinks, where everyone ate to his or her satisfaction; entertainment was also not in short supply.
Meanwhile, the Headmistress of African Bethel Primary School, Mrs. O. O. Akinsanmi and the Headmaster of Community Primary School, Oriokuta, Imota, Mr. Kareem, passionately thanked Jimi Benson for his kind gesture and wished him long life and prosperity. They also requested for the fencing of the school to ensure conducive and secured environment.