Kunle Adelabu
-Council boss acted promptly
The authorities of Ikorodu North Local Council Development Area (LCDA) has revealed that the collapsed structure at Odokekere Community Junior Secondary School, Odokekere was marked for demolition due to its deteriorating and unsafe state.
In a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Chairman, Ikorodu North LCDA, Mr Femi Adinlewa, it was also clarified that the visit by the Council Chairman, Hon. Ameen Apanisile was born out of his concern for the welfare of students and teachers and not reactive to public pressure or politically motivated.
There was no casualty recorded after the building collapsed on students and teachers during lecture period. Apanisile had visited the school for an on -the -spot assessment.
“The attention of the Executive Chairman of Ikorodu North Local Council Development Area, Mayor Ameen Ibrahim Apanisile, has been drawn to misleading reports and unfounded narratives in circulation regarding his recent visit and prompt intervention at Odokekere Community Junior Secondary School.
“For the avoidance of doubt, Mayor Apanisile’s visit to the school was borne out of genuine concern for the welfare, safety and academic well-being of the students. Upon receiving credible information about the condition of the school facilities, the Chairman acted swiftly and responsibly, in line with his unwavering commitment to prioritising education and child welfare within Ikorodu North LCDA.”
Emphasising that the collapsed structure was marked for demolition, Adinlewa said that the visit of his boss to the school was not to score a cheap political point, but rather, it was a proactive measure.
“It is important to state clearly that the affected school building had earlier been officially marked for demolition due to its deteriorated and unsafe state, posing potential risks to students and staff. The Chairman’s intervention was therefore a proactive measure aimed at ensuring the safety of all occupants. It involved assessing the situation firsthand and engaging relevant education and working authorities for immediate and appropriate action.
“Contrary to the misinformation being peddled, the intervention was neither reactive to public pressure nor politically motivated. Rather, it was a responsible leadership decision taken in the best interest of public safety and the future of the students.”
He also stated that the administration of Ameen Apanisile is committed to developing the educational sector in the council.
“Mayor Apanisile remains resolute in his belief that education is the bedrock of sustainable development. He will continue to respond promptly to issues affecting schools, teachers and learners across the LCDA, while ensuring that all actions taken align with due process and safety regulations.
“Members of the public are urged to disregard false and misleading narratives and to seek information only from verified and credible sources. The administration reaffirms its commitment to transparency, accountability and people-centred governance, assuring residents that the welfare of Ikorodu North remains its top priority at all times,” Adinlewa said.
Meanwhile, the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has also ordered immediate relocation of students of the affected school to nearby schools, so as not to disrupt their academic activities.
It was also gathered that the Special Committee on Rehabilitation of Public Schools (SCRPS) has been directed to begin immediate construction of an ultra-modern classroom block, that will accommodate the huge population of students in the school.
