May 28, 2021

… Says Parents of Culprits to Face Punitive Measures

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has reaffirmed his commitment towards providing quality education and a safe learning environment for children, just as he declared that education remains a veritable means towards attaining greatness.

Sanwo-Olu, who stated this while addressing pupils and students today at the Children’s Day parade organised by the State Government and held at the Police College ground in lkeja, added that his administration has completed over 1,097 school infrastructure projects with the integration of technology to enhance education in Lagos.

The Governor, represented by his Deputy, Dr. Obafemi Kadri Hamzat at the event, said the theme of this year’s celebration “Unite to Reverse the Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Children”, is quite apt as it underscores the importance of ensuring that the effect of the pandemic does not affect the children, stressing that all kids, irrespective of their status and prevailing global situation, should enjoy their rights to survival and development.

He highlighted some of the major interventions by the State Government towards ensuring that learning continues despite the global pandemic, saying, “the various steps we have taken since the outbreak of the pandemic have yielded commendation and positive feedback from parents, students and stakeholders in the society”.

“We introduced electronic teaching on television, radio and the internet as well as provision of mobile devices and mp3 players preloaded with the school curriculum for students through a partnership with various organisations and individuals, who are passionate about the welfare and development of our children”, the Governor said.

Sanwo-Olu, therefore, encouraged the students to strive towards excellence in learning and character, emphasising the need to acquaint themselves with the use of modern technology provided by the State Government to enhance learning outcomes in public schools.

While also commending the efforts of the teachers and advising parents/guardians to be vigilant and effectively monitor the activities of their children, the Governor revealed that a new law against cultism has been introduced by the State government to punish parents of young people convicted of cultism.

“We owe them a duty to ensure that their dreams and aspirations are realised through continuous training, guidance and mentoring. Therefore, I urge you, as parents, to inculcate the right values in them, which will enable them to shun all social vices”.

Earlier in her welcome address, the Honourable Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Folasade Adefisayo, submitted that Lagos State students have continued to distinguish themselves in national and international competitions, winning several laurels and trophies for the State in the process.

Mrs. Adefisayo applauded the State’s free education policy from primary to secondary school level, observing that despite the various contending needs struggling for resource allocation against the large number of schools and huge population of learners, Governor Sanwo-Olu has continued to commit huge resources to the upbringing and wellbeing of the children.

“It is not by accident that the education sector of the State got the highest budget in 2020 and 2021. It was because of the needs assessment, commitment and passion of our dear Governor towards providing a conducive environment for teaching and learning by our students across the State”, she said

The Commissioner disclosed further that the celebration of children’s day started last week with a lineup of activities to mark the annual event, noting that the events included special prayer session during jumat service for Muslim students, thanksgiving service for Christian pupils, career talk/youth forum and cultural display, among others, to commemorate the Y2021 Children’s Day.