Back-to-School 1.0: AKOD Strengthens Grassroots Learning, Delivers School Materials to Ikeja Public Schools ~ INN

The Executive Chairman of Ikeja Local Government, Comrade Akeem Olalekan Dauda (popularly known as AKOD), on Monday rolled out Back-to-School Program 1.0, a comprehensive initiative designed to equip public-school pupils with learning materials and renewed motivation as the new academic session begins, in a move hailed as a watershed for grassroots education.

Held at the council secretariat on 22 September 2025, the event reaffirmed AKOD’s “people-first” governance, highlighting a renewed drive to strengthen education.

In a wide-ranging educational support effort, the council handed out an impressive array of learning materials: 30,000 exercise notebooks, 1,000 mathematics kits, 3,000 school backpacks, and 1,000 reusable water bottles.

All supplies were designated for public schools across Ikeja Local Government Area.

The handover ceremony drew notable government figures, among them Hon. Rasheed Ogunseye, Leader of the House; Hon. Ganiyu Lawal, Majority Leader; Hon. Folami Ibrahim Babatunde, Deputy Majority Leader; and Hon. Idris Salami, Chief Whip.

The initiative was hailed as “a bold and practical investment in the future of Ikeja’s children.”

Parents, teachers, and community leaders filled the hall as stacks of schoolbags, uniforms, exercise books, and writing kits were displayed—symbolising what officials called “the largest single education-support effort in the council’s history.”

Comrade Akeem Olamilekan Dauda, Executive Chairman of Ikeja Local Government, stated that the initiative aligns with the council’s education-focused vision, designed to nurture youth development and empowerment.

“Our Ikeja blueprint revolves around knowledge and economic growth,” he explained. “We are determined to support our young people—especially those from less-privileged backgrounds—so they can return to school without obstacles. That is why, today, we are distributing school bags, exercise books, mathematical sets, and water bottles to our pupils.”

Dauda highlighted the crucial role of parents, noting that they had been engaged through community meetings and invited to witness the distribution. He called on them to encourage their children to use the items responsibly.

“My counsel to parents is to ensure their children arrive at school on time and participate fully in classroom activities. When the pupils return home, parents should help them keep the materials safe and put them to proper use,” he added.

Reflecting on past efforts, the chairman reminded the audience that the council had earlier provided over 210 General Certificate of Education (GCE) forms to students and assured that similar programs would continue. He reaffirmed that education and youth empowerment remain key pillars of his administration.

Dauda further appealed to residents to be diligent with tax payments, stressing that such compliance enables the council to implement more developmental projects.

“With a people-focused administration in place, I encourage all residents to demonstrate their commitment by paying local taxes,” he urged.

To guarantee fair distribution, he announced the creation of independent school-level committees, each chaired by the councillor of the ward and comprising representatives of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), the League of Imams, youth leaders, and Community Development Associations (CDAs).

“This program is not charity—it is a strategic investment in our collective future,” Dauda declared to applause.

Representing Lagos State Education District VI, Mrs. Ayo-Vaughan Adeola praised the council boss for “exceptional foresight and kindness,” noting that the initiative would ease financial pressure on parents while inspiring pupils to excel academically.

“This is a template other councils should emulate,” she said.

Mrs. Odube Okotaiwo, the Council Manager, has praised Executive Chairman Comrade Akeem Olamilekan Dauda for moving quickly to improve education barely a month after taking office.

She hailed the effort as a significant move toward delivering on his electoral pledges.
“Step into the hall and you’ll find school bags, math sets, water bottles, and notebooks prepared for every primary school in Ikeja Local Government. It’s impressive. I truly applaud the Executive Chairman—he’s newly inaugurated, yet he has already accomplished so much in the education sector,” she remarked.

Mrs. Okotaiwo noted that just last month the chairman sponsored 210 GCE application forms for local students and launched a two-month paid holiday work scheme that engaged youths in different roles, each receiving ₦20,000.

“This leader is standing by his word. These initiatives were part of his campaign agenda, and he has begun fulfilling them. With God’s help and our continued backing, he will accomplish even greater things,” she added.

In a touching moment, a group of pupils stepped forward to offer prayers for the chairman’s health and continued wisdom.

Legislative backing was reinforced by the presence of all six councillors, led by Hon. Rasheed Adisa Ogunseye, Leader of the Legislative Arm, who pledged to pass policies and budgets that sustain people-centred projects.

Vice Chairman Hon. Abisola Omisore delivered the vote of thanks, saluting committee members, religious leaders, parents, and volunteers for ensuring a smooth take-off of the program.

With its blend of inclusive planning, transparent oversight, and broad community participation, the Back-to-School Program 1.0 marks a new era in Ikeja Local Government’s educational priorities—one that the vice chairman noted could serve as a model for local councils across Lagos State.