The students of Ikeja Junior High School were filled with nostalgia at the commissioning of fully constructed Vocational Training Building donated to the school by the Rotary Club of Ikeja.
The commissioning of the structure which cost the club about N40 million naira was carried out by the Immediate Past Chairman of the international Chamber of Commerce and currently the Chairman of Lafarge Cement WAPCO PLC, a member of Rotary club of Ikeja, Chief Olusegun Osunkeye together with the District Governor, Rotary International District 9111, Dr. Oluwole Kukoyi and handed over the building to the Ministry of Basic Education, Lagos State Government.
The President, Rotary Club of Ikeja, Oluwakayode Situ said the project was aimed at empowering the children in the school with skills such as barbing, shoemaking, hairdressing, sewing, among others and equip them with tools.
‘If you give a man fish or bread, you have only fed him for that one time, but if you teach him how to fish or how to bake bread, then you will feed him for life.
“So what we believe we should do is to empower these students, moreso as a lot of them are from backgrounds that are not very rich.
“So we believe that if they learn all these skills, they would not need so much money to start that particular business they are interested in when they leave school and they can easily start anywhere” he said.
The President added that the project was particularly embarked upon, on the knowledge that the Lagos State government wants to introduce vocational training into their school curriculum and that the ministry gave the club a go-ahead when the project was presented.
He also remarked that the club saw the need for the students’ behavioral modification which has led to the commencement of psychotherapy program for them.He assured that the vocational building will be equipped by Rotary members and friends of Rotary.
Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Lagos State, Jamiu Alli Balogun who was represented at the event by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Basic Education, Lagos State, Abisola Kadijat Tokunbo-Adegbite said the project marked another milestone, particularly in advancing the noble goals of the esteemed club. L,g55.
” The club’s outstanding efforts to serve the community, especially through your corporate social responsibility initiative, driven by a blueprint for excellence and a spirit of generosity, are truly appreciated.
“I am honored to be part of this movement, and on behalf of the Lagos State Government, I am extending my heartfelt appreciation to the Rotary Club of Ikeja District 9111, for entrusting us with this initiative, and generously supporting Ikeja Junior High School as the building will undoubtedly enrich lives and enhance the future of our students. Your commitment to providing students with alternative skills and training in other occupations and all trades is truly commendable.
“This initiative will primarily equip students with practical skills, knowledge and competencies required for employment in other specific industry or fields, and will no doubt have ripple effect on our community, as it inspires learning hands-on, training, apprenticeship and internship, that prepares students for enduring careers in areas such as technical fields and skilled trades” he said.
The Commissioner looks forward to future collaborations, especially in the areas of infrastructural development, educational resources, health and wellness programs, community outreach and engagement initiatives and promised proper maintenance and upkeep of the facilities.
The District Governor, District 9111, Dr. Oluwole Kukoyi described the project of the number one club in the District as beyond expectation which he said falls under Basic Education and Literacy, one of the seven areas of focus of Rotary International as well as project for creating a good environment.
Osunkeye committed the project to the students which according to him would improve their skills and be used to fend for themselves in future.
Tutor-General and Permanent Secretary, Education District 6, Mrs. Mojisola Christiana Yusuf at the event said the project will promote self reliance and the spirit of entrepreneurship that by the time the students finish their secondary education, they would have become professionals.
Service Project Director, Samson Agbato said the project was based on carrying out need assessment which is the practice of Rotary and that the initial plan of the club was to build Cafeteria for the school.
He commended the president of the club for his dedication and provision of resources for the project and publicly ceded the office of Service Project Director also to him for his huge interest, concern and sense of commitment.
He gave kudos to their partners, especially Berger Paints that supplied ten gallons of paint and did the painting of the building.
The School Principal, Ayo Zainab Quadri, appreciated the club and promised good use of the project.
The commissioning exercise was attended by many senior officials of Ministry of Basic Education including the Chairman, Nigerian Union of Teachers, Lagos wing, Comrade Akintoye Hassan.
