Wale Jagun
-As stakeholders call for more support for education
Exceptional students during the week – long celebration of annual Children Education Fund (C.H.E.F) Week of the Igbogbo Students’ Union, (ISU) have been honoured as One – Day student officials.
The symbolic handover of the leadership of the union to the students who emerged as champions in the weeklong academic competitions, was the major highlight of the grand finale of the CHEF Week 2025, organized to drum support for the development of education at the grassroots.
Following their exceptional performances, Eze Praise God of the Elepe Senior High School, was installed as One-Day President of the union, while Miracle Onwuchukwa of Gold Line Private School, became One-Day Vice President and Alimi Khayrah of Reri Junior Secondary School, took the role of One-Day Speaker. Each of the students addressed the audience with remarkable poise, embodying the values of leadership and civic responsibility.
The event, held in celebration of Engr. Gbenga Ogunlewe’s birthday, brought together education stakeholders, community leaders, and brilliant young minds in a spirited campaign for inclusive education. It took place at the Multipurpose Hall of Igbogbo/Bayeku LCDA Secretariat, Igbogbo, during the week with the theme, ‘Rescuing Dreams: Combating Learning Gaps and Street Begging Through Inclusive Education’, and featured a keynote address, panel discussions and awards presentations.
In his keynote address, Mr. Waheed Adeniran Kasali, Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Tertiary Education, emphasized the urgent need to tackle learning gaps and street begging through inclusive and equitable education policies.
Mr. Mustapha Ibrahim, a Director in the Lagos Civil Service, represented the Permanent Secretary.
“Inclusive education ensures access to quality learning for all, regardless of background or ability.
“By addressing disparities in education and fostering community engagement, we can break the cycle of poverty and give every child a chance to dream”, he said.
His speech underscored key strategies in achieving the aim such as teachers’ training, community sensitization, targeted resource allocation, and multi-stakeholder collaboration among others.
In her own address, Director, Lagos State Agency for Mass Education, Mrs. Oluwakemi Kalesanwo, represented by Mrs. Adeshina Olayemi, echoed the call for policy-driven solutions to educational exclusion, advocating for a system that not only welcomes every learner but supports their unique needs.
She charged students and youths on the need to take advantage of the skill acquisition centre in Igbogbo, to learn skills.
In his goodwill address, Hammed Olalekan Aroyewun (HOA), APC Chairmanship Candidate and sponsor of the educational program, applauded the Union for its vision and reaffirmed his commitment to youth development.
“Programs like this are what keep hope alive in communities like ours”, he said.
While congratulating the participating students and schools, Aroyewun also assured them of his administration’s support for education when elected into the office.
The Union also recognized schools that excelled in spelling bee and debate competitions, awarding trophies to first, second, and third-place institutions across three categories.
All participants were presented with school bags in appreciation of their efforts and promotion of continued learning.
Also at the event were Dr. Adeleke Dankuwo, President, Igbogbo Youth Forum (IYF), Lion Kazeem Ogunmuyiwa, State Trustee, NULGE, Lagos State, Mr. ADEYEMI Benson, an educationist, Mrs. Yetunde Badejo, a community leader, Hon. Ogunlaja Olayinka, Supervisor for Primary Health, Igbogbo/Bayeku LCDA, Mr Sanni Toheeb, former PResident, ISU and Prince SEGUN FATOLA.
