Abiru pledges support for smart school in Ikorodu

Sen. Adetokunbo Abiru, representing Lagos East Senatorial District, has pledged support for the proposed Alternative High School for Girls in Offin, Igbogbo/Baiyeku Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Lagos State.

Abiru made the pledge on Friday when he inspected the ongoing construction of the Alternative High School, as well as the proposed smart school.

The senator expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu and his wife, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, for the educational intervention.

He said the Alternative High School for Girls would provide a second chance for girls and young women whose education had been interrupted.

According to him, the initiative, facilitated through his office and sponsored by the Office of the Wife of the President, was designed to equip beneficiaries with education and practical skills to build better futures.

He said the project would create lasting opportunities for girls and young women in Igbogbo and neighbouring communities.

Abiru, who observed that the project was currently at the foundation stage, urged members of the host community to take ownership of the facility and protect it from vandalism.

He also urged the contractor handling the project to use quality materials and ensure that the structure was delivered according to specifications.

“This is an important intervention that will give our girls and young women another opportunity to return to education, acquire skills and become productive members of society.

“We appreciate President Tinubu and Sen. Oluremi Tinubu for bringing this intervention to Igbogbo/Baiyeku.

“We must all ensure that the project is completed to the required standard and protected for the benefit of the community,” he said.

The senator also inspected the proposed three-storey, 30-classroom Zumratul Islamiyyah Smart Primary School in Igbogbo.

He commended Mr Hammed Aroyewun, Chairman of Igbogbo/Baiyeku LCDA, for initiating the project, describing it as a significant investment in education and the future of children in the community.

Abiru pledged that his SAIL Innovation Lab would partner with the LCDA on the smart school after its completion, with a view to developing it into a centre of learning and innovation.

“I commend the chairman for this initiative. The vision behind the smart school is commendable, and we will support it.

“Upon completion, SAIL Innovation Lab will work with the council to ensure that the school becomes a world-class centre where children can learn, innovate and develop the skills required for the future,” he said.

In his remarks, Aroyewun expressed appreciation to Abiru for facilitating the Alternative High School for Girls project, describing the intervention as an important addition to the educational development of the area.

He said the LCDA remained committed to supporting the senator and ensuring the successful completion and utilisation of the project.

“We are grateful to Sen. Abiru for facilitating this important project for our people.

“Education remains a priority for us, and we will give the necessary support to ensure that the project is completed and properly utilised,” he said.

Also speaking, the Adeboruwa of Igbogbo Kingdom, Oba Semiudeen Kasali, commended Abiru for facilitating the Alternative High School for Girls.

The traditional ruler said the project would positively impact girls and young women in the community, adding that the traditional institution would support efforts to ensure its sustainability.

“We appreciate Sen. Abiru for bringing this landmark project to Igbogbo.

“It will provide opportunities for our girls and young women whose education had been interrupted,” he said.

Kasali assured the senator of the support of the traditional institution and the community for the successful completion and sustainability of the project.

Dr Saheed Ibikunle, a member of the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), also commended the initiative.

Ibikunle said the establishment of the Alternative High School for Girls would complement ongoing efforts to improve access to quality education for girls and young women in the state.

He said the project would provide an opportunity for girls who had dropped out of school or whose education had been disrupted to return to learning and acquire relevant skills.

“This is a very important intervention because it provides a second chance for girls and young women to continue their education and develop skills that can make them self-reliant.

“We appreciate Sen. Abiru for facilitating this project and the Wife of the President for the intervention.

“We are confident that when completed, the school will have a positive impact on the beneficiaries and the wider community,” he said.