About 10,000 primary and secondary school pupils in Lagos Island Constituency I have benefited from an educational support initiative providing school bags, stationery and other learning materials.
The initiative, Renewed Hope Back-to-School Project, organised by Princess Omolara Oyekan-Olumegbon, the constituency’s representative, held its fourth edition on Friday at Dr Teslim Elias Primary School, Oja Oba, Isale Eko, Lagos Island.
In a statement on Monday, the organisers said the initiative aimed to ease the financial burden on parents, encourage school attendance and support the academic development of children, particularly those from low-income households.
Speaking at the event, Oyekan-Olumegbon reaffirmed her commitment to the welfare of children, youths and women, adding that education was a vital investment in society’s future.
“Education remains one of the most important investments in the future of any society,” she said.
The lawmaker said the initiative fulfilled a promise she made upon assuming office in 2023 to pursue practical interventions addressing residents’ needs and creating opportunities for vulnerable members of the community.
Oyekan-Olumegbon said that the project had expanded from its inaugural edition, which reached 170 pupils, to beneficiaries across the 10 wards of the constituency.
She added that the back-to-school project was one of 16 initiatives she undertook annually to support constituents, expressing plans to expand the number if re-elected in the 2027 general elections.
Oyekan-Olumegbon thanked community leaders, traditional rulers, political leaders, the Local Government Education Authority, partners and other supporters for sustaining the initiative.
She urged parents and teachers to ensure beneficiaries retained and properly used the materials provided.
The Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, commended the lawmaker for sustaining the initiative.
Hamzat, who was represented by Princess Damilola Sonayon-James, the APC deputy governorship candidate, urged pupils to take their studies seriously, respect their teachers and parents, and avoid truancy, cultism and drug abuse.
Hamzat also appealed to parents and guardians to remain actively involved in their children’s education, while urging teachers to provide the guidance and support needed to nurture disciplined and academically successful pupils.
Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, Director-General of the Lagos State APC Campaign Council for the 2027 general elections, said the initiative aligned with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s T.H.E.M.E.S Plus Agenda, particularly its commitment to strengthening education and building a Greater Lagos.
“The gesture by the lawmaker shows her determination to continue supporting programmes that improve educational access, empower young people and strengthen the welfare of families across Lagos Island Constituency I and beyond,” he said.
Also, the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Mrs Abisola Adegbite, commended the project for providing essential learning materials and easing parents’ financial burden.
Adegbite, who was represented by the Director of Basic Education, Mrs Bosede Adumasi, emphasised collective responsibility in supporting children’s education.
She urged stakeholders to sustain their contributions to expanding learning opportunities for the next generation.
