Dr Olabisi Onasanya, Chairman, The Address Homes Ltd., has donated a block of six classrooms and a fully equipped library to Ilara Kingdom, Epe, Lagos State to drive inclusive and impactful educational activities and services for Epe residents.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the donated classrooms and fully equipped library was inaugurated by Oba Olufolarin Ogunsanwo (Telade IV), the Alara of llara Kingdom, on Monday in Lagos.
Onasanya, a former Group Managing Director, First Bank of Nigeria Ltd., lauded the traditional ruler for his cooperation and commitment to the development of the community.
He said the donation was driven by his resolve to ensure that no child would be disadvantaged to getting excellent basic education.
Onasanya noted that by United Nations Children’s Funds (UNICEF) reports, only 61 per cent of children between ages six and 12 were in primary school, saying the statistics was sad.
He reiterated his commitment to ensuring that no child would miss quality education or walk long distances to get same.
“As individuals, we should always remember where we are coming from and understand that God and the society has been kind to us.
“As a result, we must in addition to giving glory to God give back to the society.
“This is to thank the community and restate my commitment to more projects that would impact education and the general wellbeing of children,” he said.
In his remarks, Oba Olufolarin Ogunsanwo (Telade IV), described education as the bedrock of any economy, saying when you educate a child, you educate a full nation.
He stated that one of his plans upon becoming king of Ilara Kingdom was to bequeath a standard education system for the community.
Ogunsanwo lauded the Lagos State Government for the timely approval of the project and appreciated the efforts of all stakeholders in providing the facility needed to improve the education system in the state.
“It is more important to educate a child than to say you are leaving assets for your children because if a child is not properly educated, that asset you think you are leaving maybe mismanaged.
“As for this school, everything needed in a modern primary school is available alonsides a school field for sports activities.
“We, however, call for more donations and sponsorships to the location such as solar to power the e-library, so that the standard education the children deserve can be delivered,” he said.
President, Rotary Club, Lagos, Ren. Joseph Akhigbe, described education as a powerful agent of change which improved health and livelihoods, contributed to social stability and delivered long-term economic growth.
Akhigbe said the commissioning was hinged on one of the seven focus areas of Rotary Club which includes peacebuilding and conflict prevention; disease prevention and treatment; water, sanitation, and hygiene; maternal and child health; basic education and literacy; and community economic development.
He stressed that it was every child’s right to have access to quality primary and secondary education.
“Basic education and literacy is one of Rotary’s seven areas of focus and the Rotary Club aims to see that members of every community have access to basic education.
“It is for this reason that the Rotary Club of Lagos decided to embark on this project.
“Convincing Dr Bisi Onasanya to sponsor the construction of this project was as easy as it can get and seeing the building standing solidly with its fine finishing is a proof of the good work that the Address Homes is known for.
“Thank you for writing your name in the heart of the people of Ilara and humanity at large and we thank His Royal Majesty for donating the land for this project and for his support,” he said.
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Lagos, Mr Abayomi Abolaji, said education was a social responsibility which should not be left to government alone.
Abolaji averred that every child was valuable and that every nook and cranny within the state must be availed quality education to drive long term growth and development.
“This is to let you know that the Lagos State Government is ready to support individuals and stakeholders to provide quality education even in the remotest areas of the state.
“Just give us land and we would be there to plant schools in line with the zero project that makes sure every child gets quality education.
“I urge us to take advantage of the adopt-a-school or adopt-a-child initiative to further drive inclusive education.
“It does not have to be a full school but could be just a library, a block or anything to add to the educational standards in the state,” he said.
The Managing Director, Bank of Industry (BoI), Mr Olukayode Pitan, represented by Mr Obaro Osah, Divisional Head, Small and Medium Enterprises (SME), lauded the community for their peace and cooperation in the delivery of the project.
He said the BoI would continue to support initiatives as this as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility to develop man power.
“Man power creation and development is very critical to the institution and this project is for the children and those coming behind to have a good opportunity to learn and become global citizens.
“The library would be a data point of knowledge to enable the children add value and build the Nigeria of our dreams,” he said.
NAN also reports that the Alara of llara Kingdom bestowed chieftaincy title of Bajiro of Ilara Kingdom on Akhigbe and the Akinrogun of Ilara Kingdom on Onasanya.
Source: News Agency of Nigeria