The Chief of Staff to the President, Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila, has donated a newly built secondary school to the Itire-Ikate Local Council Development Area (LCDA) in the Surulere area of Lagos State.
Inaugurating the Femi Gbajabiamila Junior Secondary School on Wednesday, the former Speaker of the House of Representatives described the gesture as a milestone in improving access to quality education in the community.
“This event marks a defining milestone in our collective pursuit of accessible, quality education for every child in this community,” Gbajabiamila said, represented by Mr. Lanre Okunola, who represents Surulere II Federal Constituency.
“It is not just the opening of a new institution, but the birth of opportunity, progress, and renewed hope for generations to come. For the first time in the history of Itire-Ikate, the community now has a public secondary school within its borders.”
He explained that for years, parents and students had endured daily hardship, travelling long distances to attend schools in neighbouring areas.
“Some faced safety concerns, while others abandoned their education altogether. Today, that struggle has ended. This school stands as a beacon of inclusion, ensuring that no child in Itire-Ikate is left behind because of geography or circumstance,” he said.
Gbajabiamila linked the project to President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises educational access and development.
He emphasised that education remains the bedrock of every prosperous society, empowering individuals, transforming communities, and building nations.
> “Education does not begin at the university; it starts in schools like this, where young minds are nurtured and shaped for the future,” he said.
Reflecting on his record in public service, Gbajabiamila noted that his commitment to education extended beyond policy-making.
“In Surulere, we have renovated schools, equipped classrooms, and provided teaching materials. I have personally volunteered to teach in secondary schools because leadership must be shown through action, not just words,” he added.
He expressed gratitude to the Lagos State Government, particularly the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, for their support in integrating the new school into the state’s public education system.
Sanwo-Olu Commends the Initiative
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr. Jamiu Alli-Balogun, commended Gbajabiamila for the project, describing it as “life-transforming.”
He said the establishment of the school was a shining example of public-private collaboration in the education sector.
“The frontier of education governance globally is built on partnerships between government and stakeholders. This project is a testament to how such partnerships can deliver lasting impact,” Sanwo-Olu stated.
He noted that the initiative aligned with the THEMES Plus Agenda of the Lagos State Government, which prioritises education and technology.
Other Dignitaries Laud the Project
Also speaking, Mr. Fuad Laguda, who represents Surulere I Federal Constituency, described Gbajabiamila’s interventions as inspiring and impactful.
Chairman of Coker/Aguda LCDA, Mr. Azeez Ogidan, hailed the donation as a monumental and defining moment for Surulere.
“Over the years, Gbajabiamila has demonstrated visionary leadership and an unwavering passion for service, impacting education, healthcare, infrastructure, and youth empowerment,” Ogidan said.
He added that the new school would serve as both a beacon of knowledge and a lasting legacy of Gbajabiamila’s contributions to education.
Chairman of Itire-Ikate LCDA, Mr. Oluwafemi Odunayo, described the gesture as a testament to Gbajabiamila’s dedication to community development and youth education.
“Our council has also supported education by distributing over 200 free GCE forms, more than 5,000 school uniforms, and promoting skill acquisition and youth development programmes,” he said.
Odunayo pledged that the council would ensure the new school is effectively utilised for the benefit of the community.
Gbajabiamila concluded that the school’s impact would go beyond academics—creating jobs, fostering community pride, and shaping future leaders.
“When a community invests in education, it invests in peace, prosperity, and continuity,” he said.
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