By Fatima Saka
The Olorunda Local Council Development Area (LCDA) in Lagos State has commenced the distribution of school bags, exercise books and other writing materials to pupils across primary schools in the council as part of its 2026 Back to School Programme.
The Executive Chairman of the council, Hon. Ajose Kumayon, flagged off the programme on Tuesday at Araromi-Ale Primary School, Araromi Ola Community, with the distribution of educational materials to pupils.
Kumayon said the initiative was designed to support pupils at the beginning of the new academic session while reducing the financial burden on parents, guardians and sponsors.
He said the first phase covered four primary schools — Ansar U Deen Primary School One, Two and Three in Araromi-Ale, and Morogbo Primary School.
The chairman also extended the intervention to Morogbo Junior Grammar School, a newly established secondary school, during an unscheduled visit, where all students received four notebooks each.
Kumayon said the distribution would continue across more than 24 primary schools in Olorunda LCDA until the targeted schools were reached.
He explained that the intervention formed part of the education and human capital development component of his administration’s RESHAPE Agenda.
According to him, although the cost of individual educational materials may appear small, the cumulative expense of purchasing school bags, exercise books and other basic learning materials could put significant pressure on family finances.
He added that the council had also supported indigent students through the provision of GCE and UTME forms, while officials had continued to visit schools in upland and riverine communities to identify their educational needs.
The chairman further disclosed that the council was implementing its Bursary Award Scheme for eligible Olorunda indigenes at undergraduate, master’s and PhD levels.
He assured residents that his administration would continue to pursue practical initiatives and partnerships aimed at improving educational outcomes and reducing barriers to learning.
Addressing the pupils, Kumayon urged them to take proper care of the materials and remain disciplined and focused on their studies.
“Take good care of your bags, books and writing materials. Be disciplined, focused and avoid distractions,” he said.
He also encouraged the pupils not to allow their present circumstances to determine their future, urging them to remain committed to their education and pursue their aspirations.
“Never allow your present circumstances to determine your future,” Kumayon said.
The chairman commended teachers for their dedication, stressing that educating children remained a collective responsibility involving government, teachers, parents, guardians and the wider community.
The Education Secretary, Mr. Hontonyon Joel Viyon, commended the council for the initiative, describing the provision of educational materials as a welcome intervention for pupils and families.
Viyon, however, called for additional attention to security and infrastructure needs in schools, including the provision of security guards and perimeter fencing, particularly improved support for schools in riverine communities.
He also appealed for measures to motivate teachers, noting that their commitment was essential to achieving better educational outcomes.
The Baale of Araromi Ola, Chief Temitope Agemo, appreciated the council chairman for bringing the programme to the community, describing the intervention as timely and beneficial to pupils and their families.
Similarly, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Comrade Bonu John, commended the administration for recognising education as a critical component of grassroots development.
He urged the council to sustain its support for schools and teachers across Olorunda, noting that interventions directly targeted at pupils could contribute to a better learning environment.
A pupil of School 2, ABS Araromi-Ale, Abdulganiyu Fatimu, expressed appreciation to the council chairman, saying the materials would support pupils in their studies.
The chairman thereafter formally flagged off the distribution with the presentation of school bags, exercise books and writing materials to the pupils.
The distribution exercise is expected to continue on Wednesday and subsequent days across other primary schools in Olorunda LCDA until all schools covered by the programme are reached.
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In attendance were the Vice Chairman, Hon. Bolaji Adele Solomon; Council Treasurer, Mrs. Olayinka Awosinu; Secretary to the Local Government, Hon. Ashame Wahab Ayilere; councillors and members of the Executive Council, including the Supervisor for Education, Hon. Afeez Bankole.
Also present were former Executive Secretary, Akin Ajayi; Headmistress, Mrs. Tafa Afusat; teachers, traditional and community leaders and other education stakeholders. (NAN)
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