…As OSSAP-SDGs delivers health, education projects

The Federal Government has strengthened its intervention in basic healthcare, education and child development with the commissioning of a 50-bed Primary Healthcare Centre, a Children’s Recreational Centre and two blocks of 36 classrooms in Lagos State.

The projects, delivered by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (OSSAP-SDGs), were commissioned on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, as part of efforts to translate the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into tangible interventions that directly address the needs of communities.

While the healthcare and recreational facilities are located in Egbeda, the two classroom blocks were constructed at Orisumibare Primary School.

Speaking through the Secretary of Programme, Ms Suzanne Iwongo Sado, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs, Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, said the interventions reflected the Federal Government’s integrated approach to human capital development under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

She said the President’s support and provision of resources had enabled the office to pursue interventions focused on human capital development, social inclusion and access to essential services.

Orelope-Adefulire stressed that healthcare, education and recreation were interconnected components of child and community development.

“A healthy child needs quality healthcare, safe opportunities to play and develop, and a conducive classroom in which to learn.

“By bringing these interventions together, we are investing in the full development of the child and strengthening the foundations of a healthier, safer, better-educated and more inclusive society.”

The 50-bed Primary Healthcare Centre is designed to expand access to affordable and quality healthcare for residents of Egbeda and adjoining communities, with priority attention to women, children, older persons and other vulnerable groups.

The facility is equipped with operating theatres, recovery rooms, private and general wards, a scanning room, consultation rooms, a delivery room, children’s and adult intensive care units and a laboratory.

It also has a vacuum extractor delivery set, ultrasound machine, fully equipped emergency section and ambulance, as well as 12 fully furnished rooms for staff accommodation.

According to the presidential aide, the facility would contribute to the attainment of SDG 3 on Good Health and Well-being by bringing essential healthcare services closer to residents, strengthening maternal and child healthcare and improving the capacity of frontline health workers.

She noted that access to healthcare also had wider implications for poverty reduction, gender equality and social inclusion, arguing that the inability of families to obtain timely treatment could undermine household finances, children’s education and the capacity of adults to earn a living.

“Beyond the beds and physical structure, this centre represents dignity, timely intervention and renewed hope,” she said.

Orelope-Adefulire, however, cautioned that commissioning the facility was only the beginning, stressing the need for adequate staffing, effective utilisation, protection and sustained maintenance.

“Sustainable infrastructure is not measured only by the day it is commissioned, but by the quality of service it continues to deliver over many years.”

The Children’s Recreational Centre, also in Egbeda, was conceived as an intervention to promote the physical, mental, social and emotional development of children.

Orelope-Adefulire said safe recreational spaces were essential to childhood development, enabling children to interact, explore their abilities, build friendships and develop positive social habits outside the formal classroom.

“Play is not a luxury; it is an essential part of childhood and a powerful means through which children develop physically, mentally, socially and emotionally.”

She said the centre was expected to promote creativity, teamwork, healthy lifestyles and positive social interaction, while creating an inclusive environment where children could develop a sense of belonging.

The intervention aligns with SDGs 3, 4, 10 and 11, covering health and well-being, quality education, reduced inequalities, and sustainable cities and communities.

Local authorities, parents, teachers, community leaders and youth organisations were urged to ensure equitable access to the facility, particularly for girls, children with disabilities and those from vulnerable households.

They were also charged with protecting the equipment and maintaining a safe and welcoming environment.

At Orisumibare Primary School, the two blocks of 36 classrooms are expected to ease pressure on existing infrastructure and provide a more conducive learning environment for pupils and teachers.

Orelope-Adefulire said the investment was consistent with the Federal Government’s commitment to expanding access to quality education and creating opportunities for children irrespective of their backgrounds.

“The true value of these classrooms will not be found in their walls alone, but in the dreams nurtured within them, the knowledge shared by committed teachers, and the futures transformed through learning.”

Stakeholders at the handover called for adequate teacher deployment, provision of learning materials, improved sanitation and security, as well as regular maintenance of the facilities.

Parents were also encouraged to ensure regular school attendance and strengthen collaboration with school authorities.

The Executive Chairman of Alimosho Local Government, Hon. Akinpelu Ibrahim Johnson, described the projects as significant investments in the future of the communities.

Johnson commended President Tinubu and Orelope-Adefulire for the interventions, particularly their potential impact on women, children and other vulnerable residents.

“These classroom blocks will provide our pupils with a more conducive environment to learn, grow and fulfil their potential. Indeed, every investment in the education of our children is an investment in the future of our community,” he said.

He formally accepted the projects on behalf of the local government and pledged its support for their proper utilisation and maintenance.

Johnson also appealed to school authorities and residents to protect the facilities for future generations.

He acknowledged the contribution of the Alaye of Orisumibare, His Royal Majesty Oba Akeeb Adebowale Rauf, who provided the land for the school project.

He also commended the Elegbeda of Egbeda, His Royal Majesty Oba Hammed Omogoriola Orelope Laka, for his leadership and support for the development of Egbeda.

Johnson said the traditional rulers’ contributions demonstrated the importance of collaboration among federal institutions, local authorities, traditional leadership and host communities in ensuring that public interventions deliver lasting benefits.