By Abimbola Joseph
CITIZENS COMPASS – Wasiu Ayodeji Adesina, Chairman of Ikorodu Local Government, has reaffirmed his commitment to supporting education as well as rewarding winners of the last inter-school debate competition among public schools.
Adesina made this promise on Thursday during the presentation of cash reward to winners of the annual inter-school debate competition at the council secretariat in Ikorodu, Lagos.
The Citizens compass reports that 16 public secondary schools participated in the event which started on Sept.18 and ended on Oct. 9, 2024 at the hall of Lagos State University of Science and Technology.
Elepe Community High School emerged as the overall winner with N500,000 cash prize and Oriwu Senior Model College, first runner up went home with N300, 000 while Ipakodo Senior Grammar school as second runner up won N200,000 respectively.
Adesina, emphasised that the LG would continue to strive to ensure that education travels as the foundation upon which great Nations are built and the key to unlock doors of opportunities.
“Our support to education is enormous, we have built classrooms at Salvation Army and African Bethel primary schools.
“We have repaired school fences in some of our schools, distributed benches and chairs in Agura primary school in a bid to encourage pupils in primary schools,” he said.
Adesina, commended the wife of Lagos State Governor, Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, for her support and presence during the grand finale of the inter-school debate competition.
He added that his administration has embarked on the annual distribution of free General Certificate of Examination(GCE) and Joint Admission Matriculation Board(Jamb) forms to deserving students to encourage youths.
He promised to sustain sponsorship of the event by making it a foundation after the expiration of his tenure and urged youths to explore the opportunities there in education.
Earlier, Sen. Mukhail Abiru,(Lagos-East) commended the council chairman on his effort and commitment on promoting education in the area and ensuring youths empower at the grassroots and urged other council chairmen to emulate the idea.
Abiru, represented by his media aide, Mr Enitan Olukotun, said the idea was inline with his education agenda, in terms of youth empowerment and support for education especially students in public primary and secondary schools.
“This is a laudable programme which is the reason we have come to identify with the council chairman for putting this great initiative.
“I congratulate the beneficiaries, our antecedents have shown our commitment in the area of innovation and tech and support for education particularly our children in public schools,” he said.
In his remarks , Federal lawmaker, Mr Babajimi Benson represented by Mr Musibaudeen Alejo, commended the council chairmen for the initiative adding that it is a veritable way of encouraging youths on education.
Speaking at the event, Miss Onah Grace, the lead speaker of Ipakodo Senior Grammar school, expressed gratitude to the council chairman for organising the event adding that it allows them to build self confidence especially when facing crowds.
