The Executive Chairman of Ikorodu West LCDA, Hon. Sulaimon Kazeem Olanrewaju, FCA, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to quality education and infrastructural development as he convened a stakeholders’ meeting on the proposed construction of an ultra-modern block of classrooms at Itowolo Primary School in Majidun, Lagos State. The meeting, held at the Ikorodu West LCDA Secretariat Hall, brought together education officials, community leaders, political office holders, contractors, and residents to discuss the execution and sustainability of the project.

Speaking during the meeting, Hon. Olanrewaju described education as the foundation of his personal growth and success, noting that he passed through public schools and understands the challenges faced by pupils in underserved communities. He stated that his passion for improving learning conditions informed the decision to embark on the massive school project, assuring residents that the administration remains committed to giving children access to a conducive and modern learning environment. According to him, no child should be subjected to poor classroom conditions when education remains the key to societal development.

The Education Secretary of Ikorodu LGEA, Alhaji Taiwo Odumbo, commended the chairman for responding swiftly to the concerns raised by the school management. He explained that the Head Teacher had earlier informed him about the poor condition of the school, after which he promised to relay the matter to the chairman. Odumbo revealed that he was pleasantly surprised when Hon. Olanrewaju personally called him last week to announce plans for a stakeholders’ meeting on the project. He further disclosed that pupils would temporarily be relocated to C & S Primary School 1 and 2, as well as LG Primary School, Majidun, pending the completion of the project.

Also speaking, Hon. Batife Daisi, Councillor representing Majidun Ward and Deputy Leader of the Council, recalled that residents had lamented the neglect of the community by previous governments during the election campaign period. He noted that the local government previously lacked the financial capacity to execute such a project, but the improved allocation to local governments under the current administration has made it possible. He praised the chairman for bringing what he described as a “giant educational project” to the Itowolo community.

Community leader, popularly known as Mama Benson, congratulated the council on the initiative and urged residents to see the project as a collective responsibility rather than just a government intervention. She appealed to the Baale, parents, and other stakeholders to ensure proper monitoring and protection of the project throughout the construction period.

The Council Manager, Engr. Rotimi Okunowo, assured stakeholders that the project would be delivered to a high standard, emphasizing that engineers would remain consistently on-site to supervise the work. He added that the structure is designed to last for decades and would serve future generations. In the same vein, the Baale of the community appreciated the chairman for the laudable initiative, pledging the community’s support and commitment towards effective monitoring of the construction process.

Project Engineer, Engr. David Soji Idris of IOK Construction, described the chairman’s passion for education as exceptional, noting that the project would include modern facilities and a playground for pupils. He estimated that the construction would take between 18 and 24 months, with rainfall being the only possible cause of delay, while assuring the community of quality delivery.

Hon. Muyideen Yusuf, an alumnus of Itowolo Primary School, expressed gratitude to the chairman on behalf of former students of the school. He suggested that pupils should temporarily manage the remaining Standard Six classrooms while construction progresses, but the chairman responded that the available space would also be required for the larger redevelopment plan.

The Head Teacher of the school emotionally recounted the condition she met upon her transfer to the school and expressed appreciation to the chairman for responding to the plight of the pupils.

She also appealed for the pupils to be relocated to a single school during the construction period in order to maintain unity and effective coordination among the students and teachers.