The Chairman of Igbogbo/Baiyeku Local Council Development Area (IBLCDA), Hammed Aroyewun, on Monday marked his first year in office with the groundbreaking of a 30-classroom Smart Primary School, the launch of scholarship scheme for residents and the presentation of official vehicles to the council officials.
The event, held at the proposed site of the Zumratul Islamiyyah Smart Primary School in Igbogbo, attracted government officials, lawmakers, education administrators, traditional rulers and residents.
Speaking during the groundbreaking ceremony, Aroyewun said the project was conceived to expose children to technology from an early age and equip them with the skills required to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
According to him, the two-year project will deliver a 30-classroom Smart Primary School that integrates technology, creativity and sustainability to provide a modern learning environment for pupils.
He said the facility would feature a Computer-Based Test (CBT) centre equipped with about 200 computer systems, alongside a standard sports pitch designed to support both academic and physical development.
“We believe this is a transformative project for our children and our community. With the support and prayers of residents, we are confident it will be completed and commissioned as planned,” he said.
Aroyewun also unveiled scholarship programs aimed at promoting academic excellence and supporting residents pursuing higher education.
Under the initiative, two students will benefit from the Ashiwaju Olorunfunmi Basorun Master’s Programme in Law, while another two beneficiaries will receive sponsorship under the Senator Adeseye Ogunlewe Engineering Master’s Programme. Two doctoral candidates will also be sponsored under the Hon. Babajimi Benson PhD Scholarship Programme.
He explained that applications would open soon and that beneficiaries would be selected strictly on merit.He added that applicants must either reside in Igbogbo/Baiyeku LCDA or have a verifiable affiliation with the council area.
As part of activities marking his first anniversary in office, Aroyewun also presented official vehicles to the five councillors in the LCDA: Hon. Basirat Banjoko (Ward C1), Hon. Hakeem Solawon (Ward C2), Hon. Saidat Adeoba Odeyemi (Ward C3), Hon. Yusuf Bello (Ward C4) and Hon. Habib Anifowoshe (Ward C5). Other beneficiaries were the Vice Chairman, Barr. Ade Ayeni; the Secretary to the Local Government (SLG), Alhaji Qudus Odutan; and the Chief of Staff, Hon. Wasiu Olowu.
Speaking on behalf of the councillors, Hon. Basirat Banjoko, who represents Ward C1 and serves as the Leader of the Legislative Council, described the gesture as timely, noting that the vehicles would improve the mobility of councillors and enable them to carry out their legislative, oversight and constituency responsibilities more effectively.
She said official vehicles are essential tools for elected representatives, particularly at a period when numerous council activities require frequent engagements with residents and government agencies.
“If this kind of support is sustained, we will continue to have legislators who can effectively serve the people,” she said.
A member of the Lagos State House of Assembly representing Kosofe Constituency I, Hon. Sanni Ganiu Babatunde Okanlawon, described the Smart Primary School as a landmark project, expressing confidence that it would be completed and commissioned for the benefit of future generations.
Former Minister of Works, Senator Adeseye Ogunlewe, also commended the council chairman for prioritising education through the Smart Primary School project, describing it as a worthy investment in the future of children and the community.
However, he urged governments at all levels to sustain free education and avoid introducing policies that could place additional financial burdens on parents.
According to Ogunlewe, even what may appear to be a modest education levy could prevent children from low-income families from accessing education.
He said the government should continue to ensure that education remains affordable and accessible, warning that any additional financial burden could worsen the challenge of out-of-school children.
The Tutor-General/Permanent Secretary, Education District II, Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Mr. Omotayo Sanni, said increasing enrolment in public schools across Lagos State had made the expansion of educational infrastructure imperative.
Speaking during the groundbreaking ceremony of the Zumratul Islamiyyah Smart Primary School, Sanni said the Lagos State Government remained committed to improving access to quality education through the construction of additional schools and classroom projects.
He commended the Igbogbo/Baiyeku LCDA for complementing the state’s efforts through the Smart Primary School initiative, describing it as a strategic investment in the future of children.
“What you are about to do is a giant step. You are capturing the minds of our children and positioning them with 21st-century skills that will enable them to compete with their counterparts across the world. You are sowing the seed of greatness,” he said.
Similarly, the Education Secretary of the Ikorodu Local Government Education Authority (LGEA), Alhaji Taiwo Odumbo, praised the council chairman for responding to the educational needs of the Igbogbo community through the proposed school project.
Also speaking, former Lagos State Commissioner for Agriculture and Cooperatives, Chief Asipa Olusanya, urged governments to sustain free education, warning that introducing an education levy could increase the number of out-of-school children.
“Let’s make education free. You may think that the ₦20,000 education levy is small, but some families cannot raise ₦20,000. They even find it very hard to eat. And if you don’t remove that tax, it will increase the number of out-of-school children,” he said.
Sanni clarified that Lagos State had not introduced an education tax.
He explained that the requirement for parents to present tax clearance certificates during school registration should not be misconstrued as payment for education, stressing that the state government remained committed to free and accessible basic education.
“There is no education tax in Lagos State. Paying tax is a civic responsibility expected of every citizen, and tax revenue is one of the sources through which the government provides essential public services, including education.
“Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu remains committed to free education and ensuring that no child is left behind. Parents are only required to present their tax clearance certificates during registration. Once that is done, no payment is demanded for admission.Caption: Chairman of Igbogbo/Baiyeku LCDA, Hammed Aroyewun; Tutor-General/Permanent Secretary, Education District II, Mr. Omotayo Sanni; and other dignitaries during the groundbreaking ceremony for the proposed Zumratul Islamiyyah Smart Primary School in Igbogbo, Lagos, on Monday.
“For everyone to enjoy government social services, including education, citizens must also fulfil their civic responsibility by paying taxes,” Sanni said.
Among the dignitaries present were the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Defence and member representing Ikorodu Federal Constituency, Hon. Babajimi Benson; member representing Kosofe Constituency I in the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Sanni Ganiu Babatunde Okanlawon; the Tutor-General/Permanent Secretary, Education District II, Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Mr. Omotayo Sanni; the Education Secretary of Ikorodu LGEA, Alhaji Taiwo Odumbo; Hon. Aro Moshood (AMA); the Oba of Igbogbo Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Oba AbdulSemiu Orimadegun Kasali (Emugoriade I); former Minister of Works, Senator Adeseye Ogunlewe; former Lagos State Commissioner for Agriculture and Cooperatives, Chief Asipa Olusanya; alongside other government officials, traditional rulers, co
mmunity leaders and residents.
