As a proud Lagosian when I see Individuals, Corporate and Non-Governmental Organisations respond to Government clarion calls on partnership and collaboration in moving Education forward. That is why today I feel highly honoured and delighted to be part of this important event which is the Official Commissioning of A Block of Classrooms. Offices and Toilets constructed by a known Humanitarian and Publisher of Oriwu Sun, Alhaji Monzor Olowoshago.
I also gladdens my heart that our amiable Governor. His Excellency. Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode who is ably represented here at this auspicious occasion encourages all-inclusive participatory efforts geared towards improving Basic Education. It is really a thing of joy to note that this school once in a state of disrepair and dereliction and Individuals attention. Permit me to state unequivocally that the Lagos State Government through the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) has not abandon Estate Primary School or any other school in the State which need rehabilitation or intervention.
The Board has committed huge amount of State Funds to the construction and renovation of various blocks of classrooms in Primary Schools across the State. It has equally accessed its funds for Year 2016 UBEC/SUBEB Intervention and various contracts on rehabilitation, construction of Blocks of Classrooms, provision of Furniture and other connected projects geared towards providing sound Education for our teeming children across the State have been awarded. It is evident with what we are seeing here today that the State has not abandoned any’ School in the State. I can assure you that as a Board we would continue to work in-line with the State Government policy to improve Education in the State.
There is no gainsaying in the fact that there are lots of challenges confronting the Education Sector. The major one being the entry of children of other Nigerians living in other States of the Federation who are in search of greener pastures in Lagos State. Their explosive influx into the State School system have stretched the facilities provided with Tax Payers’ money in our Public Schools beyond imaginable limits.
Despite these challenges, the State Government still forging ahead to ensure that Education for all its citizenry is not compromised. Alhaji Monzor Olowosago’s gesture for our children finds solace in the saying that “Safety and Security don’t just happen they are result of collective consensus and public investment we owe our Children who are the most vulnerable citizens in our Society.”
At this juncture, I want to thank immensely the Donor of this facility, Alhaji Monsor Olowoshago for the love he has shown to Educational Development. Let me also congratulate the Teachers and the Pupils of Estate Primary School, Ikorodu on this Occasion. I want to enjoin you to make judicious use of the beautiful facility. “To whom much is given, much is expected”. I thank you for listening and God bless you all.