Wives of Lagos Political Office Holders Build Classrooms for High Schools

Segun James

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu yesterday inaugurated a three-floor classroom building constructed for the Senior High School in Ogombo, Ajah area of the State.

The school was constructed by the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO) led by the First Lady of the State, Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu in partnership with Lagos State Committee on Rehabilitation of Public Schools (SCRPS).

The project, which was completed in 2022 is equipped with 15 Ultra-modern classrooms, 30 toilets, libraries, laboratories, ICT Centere offices for teaching and management staff as well as a well-equipped sick bay.

Speaking during the inau-guration, Governor Sanwo-Olu expressed joy over the edifice, which was the first secondary school in the area with the governor saying it is in continuation of raising the bar of quality education in the State.

Sanwo-Olu said: “Let me express the appreciation of the government and the people of Lagos State to the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO). Under the able leadership of the chairman and my very dear wife, Dr Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, COWLSO continues to be a dependable partner with us in actualising the vision of this administration in the area of Education & Technology, one of the pillars of our T.H.E.M.E.S + Agenda.

“Indeed, since 2000 when it was resuscitated by the then First Lady of Lagos State, Her Excellency, Mrs Oluremi Tinubu, now First Lady, Federal Republic of Nigeria, COWLSO has played and continues to play a vital and complementary role to the efforts of the Lagos State Government.

“These have been especially evident through its several initiatives that directly impact the lives of children, women, the elderly, youth, physically challenged and the less privileged. These initiatives, which cut across various sectors including education, health and social welfare, have contributed to the growth and development of Lagos State over the past two decades. On behalf of the Government and People of Lagos State, I am grateful to the leadership and members of this noble Association, past and present.

“The inauguration  of this purpose built 15-classroom block is another  success story in the efforts of our administration to provide educational infrastructure for effective learning and teaching in a conducive environment. It is very important to note that this block of classrooms, comprising three floors, was designed with adequate provision for the needs of physically challenged pupils. This is in compliance with global standards and our T.H.E.M.E.S+ policy thrust of not leaving anyone behind.

“On our part, we will complement this Junior Secondary School with a Senior Secondary School soon. This will allow for a seamless progression of pupils from junior to senior secondary school within the same environment, thereby eliminating the inconvenience of pupils of Ogombo Community   undertaking long journeys to school.

“In addition to the improved facilities that we are providing in schools across the State, we are also equipping our teachers with modern methods and skills for better performance and greater job satisfaction. This we are undertaking under the Eko  Excel programme. All these will go a long way in preparing our children for a future driven by knowledge and innovation, and help to actualise our vision of a Greater Lagos.”

The governor urged the people of Ogombo Community to take ownership of the project, saying: “You must stay vigilant and engaged on what goes on here; and how the building is managed and maintained. The future of the children of this Community will largely be moulded here. Let it be that the products of this school will make this Community and Lagos State proud.”

On her part, the First Lady recalled: “This journey commenced in December 2021, when COWLSO realised that Ogombo community was in dire need of a secondary school. Students had to trek for over an hour to neighbouring communities before having access to secondary education. The plight of these students led to the swift intervention of COWLSO in embarking on this building project which is in line with the founding objectives of the committee to impact lives positively and contribute immensely to the political and socio-economic development of Lagos State.”

While expressing gratitude to all the stakeholders for their cooperation and dedication throughout the construction process, she noted: “Lagos State Government runs an all-inclusive Government, and no community is left behind, Ogombo is not left behind. My sincere advice to you is to take ownership of this facility. It is a veritable access to the educational development of the children in this community. So, I urge you to use and protect it jealously.”

“I want to also specially thank all our developmental and engineering partners, Lagos State Committee on Rehabilitation of Public Schools (SCRPS) and Pecksgrey. Your expertise, innovation and dedication throughout this project is truly appreciated. 

“Let me greatly commend my sister, the Chairman COWLSO Project Committee, Mrs. Oluremi Hamzat and her team for the relentless efforts and commitment put into ensuring that this ultra-modern project is completed and commissioned as and when due. We appreciate your commitment to excellence.

“My utmost gratitude goes to my husband, Mr. Governor, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, for his keen interest and unflinching support since the inception of this project. Your administration has greatly uplifted our efforts particularly in the area of promoting child healthcare and education, empowering and generally improving the welfare of Lagosians.”