The Ibeshe Kingdom Development Association has handed over a completed block of six classrooms and 10 toilets at Owode-Ibelefun Junior School in Ibeshe to the Lagos State Government, a project initiated and executed by the association at a total cost of N125 million, yesterday 18th of June.

Chairman of the association, Asiwaju Kaoli Olusanya, stated that the project, which commenced a year ago, was necessitated by the need to provide adequate learning space for students in the area. He noted that the existing facilities were overcrowded and inadequate, prompting the association to mobilize resources from the community to fund the project.

Asiwaju Olusanya emphasized the importance of education in liberating people from ignorance, disease, and poverty, and contributing to national development.

He expressed gratitude to all who supported the project and handed over the facility to the government, represented by officials from the Ministry of Education and other relevant agencies.

The handover ceremony was attended by Builder Olusesan Daini Executive Chairman Igbogbo-Baiyeku LCDA, Hon. Hammed Aroyewun APC Chairmanship candidate Igbogbo-Baiyeku LCDA, Comr. Lekan Biliamin SSA to the Governor on Social Development, Traditional Leaders, Government officials, community leaders, CDC and CDAs and other stakeholders, who were encouraged by the association’s initiative and commitment to improving education in the area. The association’s chairman expressed optimism that the Government would build on the project’s success to further enhance the school’s environment and facilities.

The Tutor General and Permanent Secretary, Education District 2, Mr. Oshinaike representing the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, he praised IKIDASS and its leadership, particularly the Chairman Asiwaju Kaoli Olusanya, for spearheading the construction of a state-of-the-art school block.

He noted that the project was a testament to the synergy between the community and government.

The Permanent Secretary assured that the Ministry of Education would ensure the project is judiciously utilized and maintained, providing a conducive environment for teaching and learning. He expressed gratitude to IKIDASS, the community, and all stakeholders involved in the project, describing the partnership as a rare and commendable initiative.

The Member representing Ikorodu Constituency 2 in the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Aro Moshood Abiodun described the project as “visionary, selfless, and deeply developmental” and expressed gratitude to IKIDASS on behalf of the community. He noted that building a school is not just about constructing a physical structure, but about building futures, shaping destinies, and investing in generations yet to come.

The lawmaker urged students to make the most of the facility, study hard, and honor the legacy of the project with diligence and discipline. He also called on parents to partner with the school, support their children, and instill in them values of integrity, respect, and hard work.

Hon. Aro Abiodun further charged teachers to teach with passion, lead with patience, and build with vision, as they have been entrusted with shaping the future of the students. He described the project as a model for community development, where people come together to give back to their community not for profit, but for progress.

The Lagos State Commissioner for Agriculture, Ms Ruth Olusanya, has praised the Ibeshe Kingdom Development Association (IKIDASS) for its exemplary community development initiative, highlighting the importance of education and community collaboration.

She commended IKIDASS for bringing the community together for the progress of its people, particularly the children. She expressed gratitude to IKIDASS, donors, and the Lagos State Government for their support and collaboration.

The Commissioner noted that education is key to the development of any community. She also appreciated the presence of officials from the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, and Chairman SCRIPT urging them there is still space for more buildings in the school.

The Special Adviser to the Governor of Lagos State on Rural Development, Dr. Nurudeen Yekinni Agbaje praised IKIDASS for exemplifying the qualities of a good development association. He emphasized that community development requires love, unity, and collective effort, and that IKDASS’s achievements are a testament to the power of collaboration.

He urged the association to protect its good name and continue to work with the community to achieve more.

The SA Rural to the Governor encouraged others to emulate IKDASS’s model, emphasizing that achievers should prioritize community development and work towards the betterment of their societies.

The Chairman of the Special Committee on Rehabilitation of Public Schools (SCRPS), Mr. Hakeem Smith expressed gratitude to IKIDASS for their initiative and thanked the community for taking good care of their facilities. He emphasized the importance of maintenance and urged the students and teachers to take care of the new facilities to ensure their longevity.

Mr. Smith noted that the project was a testament to the community’s commitment to education and praised IKDASS for their diligence and integrity. He also commended the students for their neat appearance and encouraged them to continue to take pride in themselves and their school.

The SCRPS Chairman assured that his committee would report the community’s efforts to the governor and expressed optimism that it would encourage further development in the area. He urged the students to make the most of the new facilities and to avoid damaging them, promising that if they took good care of the facilities, IKDASS would be happy to do more in the future.

According to Barr. Ade Ayeni, Secretary to the Local Government Igbogbo-Baiyeku LCDA and APC Vice Chairmanship candidate, the project was born out of a dire need to address the community’s educational challenges. With over 24 communities and a growing population, Ibeshe Kingdom previously had only one secondary school and two primary schools, leading to high dropout rates and social vices.

IKIDASS, led by Asiwaju Kaoli Olusanya, brought together community members, residents, and settlers to pool resources and give back to the society. The association reached out to the Lagos State Government, which responded by building several classroom blocks.

However, the community didn’t stop there, mobilizing additional resources to complete the project. Barr. Ayeni emphasized the importance of community participation in development, urging residents not to rely solely on government initiatives.

The new classroom project is seen as a beacon of hope for the community’s future, providing a better learning environment for children and reducing the risk of social problems. The community leaders are celebrating this achievement as a testament to what can be accomplished through collective effort.

Mrs. Blessing Wang, wife of Chief Wang, a Chinese national explained that the community previously lacked a suitable place for children to attend school, but thanks to a shared vision, the new school project was initiated to provide a safe and conducive learning environment.

Mrs. Wang thanked God for the successful completion of the project, noting that it has brought happiness to the children and will positively impact the future of the community and Nigeria as a whole. She emphasized the importance of education in shaping the next generation and expressed appreciation to all involved in making the project a reality.