-Gets commendations from stakeholders for pioneering the UVOs revival
In an attempt to bring back values, discipline and guide children against social vices, the Ikorodu Local Government Education Authority under the leadership of Alhaji Taiwo Odumbo, has brought back Uniformed Voluntary Organisations (UVO) into the primary school system in Ikorodu.
The initiative was relaunched on Monday at the Methodist Primary School, Ikorodu, which was chaired by the representative of Ikorodu Federal Constituency, Rep. Babajimi Benson with Mr Mobolaji Ogunlende, Honourable Commissioner for Youth & Social Development as Guest Speaker and Dr. Hakeem Babatunde Shittu as Chief Host.
Among organisations that were revived in Ikorodu were Boys & Girls Brigade, Girls Guide, Red Cross, Browns, Boys Scout and Sheriff Guide among others with selected pupils across various primary schools and guests who wore different UVO uniforms.
Alhaji Taiwo Odumbo, Education Secretary, Local Government Education Authority, Ikorodu Local Government and the initiator said that the purpose of the reintroduction is to bring back lost values and discipline for pupils to imbibe from their formative stage.
He also emphasised that the idea is also part of the major cardinal points of his administration which is to promote the affective and psychomotor aspects of learning for balance.
“It is with immense joy and gratitude that I welcome you all to this historic occasion, the resuscitation of the Uniformed Voluntary Organisations (UVO) in our public primary schools.
“For far too long, these noble organisations have been neglected, and the consequences have been evident in our society. The erosion of values, the decline in discipline, and the rise of social vices among our youth can be traced, in part, to the absence of these formative structures that once shaped character from childhood. Today, we gather to correct that neglect and to restore what was lost.
“Education, as we know, is built upon three domains: the cognitive, the affective, and the psychomotor. Sadly, our system has overemphasised the cognitive domain, focusing largely on intellectual activities while neglecting the affective domain that instills morals, values, and ethics. This imbalance has left a gap in the holistic development of our children. It is now clear to us that one of the most effective ways to bridge this gap is to revive the Uniformed Voluntary Organisations.”
The Education Secretary also said that through the UVOs, the LGEA intends to instill discipline and hard work, promote etiquette and team spirit among the students.
“The UVOs are not just extracurricular groups, they are incubators of virtue. Their core values are timeless and indispensable: Discipline — teaching children self-control, respect for rules, and responsibility; Hard work — instilling the ethics of diligence and perseverance in all endeavours; Etiquette — nurturing respect, courtesy, and proper conduct in social interactions and Team spirit and service — encouraging cooperation, empathy, and a sense of duty to community and nation.
“These values, when sown early, blossom into adults who are not only educated but also morally upright, socially responsible, and emotionally balanced.
“The realisation of this initiative is not mine alone. It is the fruit of collective effort, vision, and commitment. I extend my heartfelt appreciation to every individual who has played an active role in making today possible, our dedicated Head of Sections, school administrators, staff, teachers, parents, and community leaders. Your support has been invaluable, and together we are laying a foundation that will benefit generations to come.”
He said that the tradition of excellence and nation – building has been rekindled through the UVOs initiative.
“As we officially relaunch the Uniformed Voluntary Organisations, let us remember that we are not merely reviving a programme; we are rekindling a tradition of excellence, virtue, and nation-building. May this initiative flourish, and may our children grow into disciplined, hardworking, and responsible citizens who will make Ikorodu, Lagos State, and Nigeria proud.”
Mr Ogunlende, the Honourable Commissioner, speaking on the theme, “Resuscitating Values, Rebuilding Virtues: Preparing Pupils for Responsible Citizenship”, described the initiative as a strategic move to address societal challenges.
While commending the Education Secretary for making Ikorodu to be the pathfinder in resuscitation of the UVOs in schools, the Honourable Commissioner also charged other parts of the state to emulate the idea.
“It is an honour because we mark a pivotal moment in the educational and social landscape of Lagos State the inauguration of uniformed voluntary organisations within our public primary schools today is not just a ceremony it is a strategic intervention in our society which is why I made sure I came here today.
“If this can happen in all five divisions in Lagos State then we are taking the right step in the right direction and it is something we must do. I am from Badagry and it pains me that this is not yet happening there I must be honest it pains me because this is the right step in the right direction and we must give honour to whom it is due but I can assure you that we will follow suit.
“On this matter Ikorodu is a pacesetter. We recognise you, we appreciate you and we give you your flowers.
“On a serious note there is a lot happening in our society and our society needs to be revived. There are several ways to do this and one important way is the revival of these clubs in our schools,” the Commissioner said.
He furthered, “What we are doing is very important. We say the youth are the leaders of tomorrow starting today if we do not guide them now, we risk losing them. I will not speak too much English because I need them to understand.”
The guest speaker stated that through UVOs, society is building strength and character consciously, which will be of a great benefit to the society.
“What we are doing today is bringing back the importance of this uniform in the past: your fathers, your grandfathers and your uncles wore these uniforms proudly and we are doing the same.
“By investing in these voluntary organisations today, we are choosing to build strength of character that will sustain our state for generations to come. Let us remember that a society is only as strong as the values of its youngest citizens.
“Let this inauguration be the spark that ignites a renewed commitment to service across all primary schools in Lagos State. Together we will build a Lagos where every youth is empowered, every child is grounded in values and every citizen is responsible.”
Representative of Ikorodu Constituency I, Hon. Gbolahan Ogunleye, also lauded the initiative which he said would afford teachers the opportunity to know more about their pupils.
“This initiative is a very laudable one. We all grew up with most of these organisations, which are character-building organisations. It’s not just about the academics; our children need to be well-rounded, and this is an opportunity for teachers to participate in the molding of our children. There is little that teachers can do when the only time allocated for them for interaction is when they are with them in the classrooms, strictly for learning purposes.
“But with this; with the reinvigoration and the re-innovation of these voluntary organisations in our schools, our teachers will now be able to interact with our children; know their skills, and get their preferences in terms of what they will want to be in the future.“
Dr Hakeem Shittu, the Executive Chairman, Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (LSUBEB) who was represented by Mr Hakeem Lamidi, the Board Secretary, in his own remarks also lauded the initiative which he said would assist the government and the society in developing responsive, disciplined and value – driving future leaders.
“Having listened to the insightful welcome of the education secretary and the thought-provoking lecture, it is clear that we are all united by a common purpose.
“And what purpose is that? The desire to raise responsible, disciplined, and value-driven young people. So, on behalf of the chairman, I commend Ikorodu LGEA for this bold and timely initiative. It reminds us that the strength of any society is built not only on knowledge, but on character.”
He charged pupils and parents in Ikorodu on the need to embrace the UVOs initiative.
“To our pupils, this is your moment. Embrace it and let it shape your future. We are not here because of your today. We are here because of your tomorrow and because we know that you cannot do it all alone, you also need the support of our teachers.
“So, to our teachers, and other stakeholders, particularly the Ikorodu council chairmen in Ikorodu Division, we appreciate your continued dedication and guidance.”
He assured the Education Secretary of the board’s support:
“I also need to say this. As a board, we remain fully committed to supporting programmes that promote holistic education. This is not just about academics.
“It talks about character building and so many other things like that. Let me conclude with these thoughts. If we get it right with these children today, we secure Lagos tomorrow.
“And if we secure Lagos tomorrow, then together we have secured the future. Thank you. God bless Lagos State.”
Also speaking, Dr Saheed Ibikunle emphasised the need to promote affective and psychomotor aspects of learning.
He also urged teachers to not focus on the pupil’s academic results alone, but also their overall performance and also guide their parents on this which he called feedback.
He charged teachers on the need to move close and have a good knowledge about their pupils.
Otunba Ganiyu Abiru, the Executive Secretary, Ikorodu Division Peace Initiative Limited (IDPIL) and former Clerk, Lagos State House of Assembly, also remarking on the initiative called for sustainability of the UVOs.
He said that the lack of these organisations is the root of societal challenges.
Also at the event were Mr Segun Dada, Special Adviser to the President, Mayor Mudeen Sanwoola, Executive Assistant to the Governor of Lagos State who represented Rep. Babajimi Benson, Omoba Hammed Aroyewun, Executive Chairman, Igbogbo/Baiyeku LCDA, Hon. Motunrayo Gbadeno – Alogba, Executive Chairman, Ijede LCDA, Hon. Ameen Apanisile, Executive Chairman, Ikorodu North LCDA, Comrade Biliaminu Olalekan Ọba, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Social Development, Hon. Adedayo Ladega, Executive Chairman, Ikorodu LG, Hon. Benson Sunday Ayodele, Executive Chairman, Imota LCDA, Hon. Sulaimon Kazem Olanrewaju, Executive Chairman, Ikorodu West LCDA, and Alhaji Kolawole Fatai, IKODASS Chairman.
