As part of efforts aimed at contributing to the growth of the nation’s education, members of Rotary Club of Agbara, District 9111, recently reconstructed six classrooms and built a new head teacher’s office at Salvation Army Primary School, Idoye, Igbesa, Ogun State.

Speaking at the commissioning, President, Rotary Club of Agbara, Rotrarian Fati Odunayo Boluwaji recalled: “We came here in October to donate desks and benches but discovered that the school was in a very bad shape and needed urgent reconstruction. As a matter of fact, one of the classroom blocks had no roof. Weeds and trees had grown inside it and it had become a dumping ground. The only usable block contained three classrooms serving pupils from Primary One to Primary Six. It was a very challenging environment.”

Boluwaji added that the club conducted needs assessment and got support from partners to execute the project.

Saying over N40 million was spent on the project, he disclosed that the existing classrooms were not only rehabilitated, a head teacher’s office was constructed along with an expanded block.

He was optimistic that with the new look of the classrooms; enrolment in the school will improve. “We have created a conducive learning environment, supported education growth and contributed to reducing potential insecurity in the community in the future.”

On his part, District Governor of Rotary International District 9111, Henry Akinyele, noted that “some people may see this as just a structure, a block of six classrooms, but Rotary looks beyond the building. We look at the impact of projects.

“It is not about today’s celebration; it is about the children whose dreams have been brightened. We are confident that with these facilities, some of these children may one day become leaders and governors. When I came here in October, I saw that two classes were being taught in one classroom. During rainfall, pupils had to return home because the classrooms leaked badly. It was a very difficult situation.

“I asked the Rotary Club of Agbara to see what could be done, and today they have exceeded expectations. They have transformed what was once an abandoned, roofless structure into modern classrooms where pupils can learn comfortably.

“Rotary believes strongly in sustainability. We want to return in the future and still find these facilities in good condition. Please maintain them because sustainability is key,” he said.

Project Director, Rotary Club of Agbara, Paul Onabanjo, said: “When we first came here, we could not believe children were learning in such conditions. It was heartbreaking.

“The president promised that the school would be transformed before the end of the year, and today we can all see the result.”

Baale of Idoye Community observed the project would have a lasting impact on the community.

“It is with immense joy and deep gratitude that we witness the commissioning of two fully renovated blocks of six classrooms and a new head teacher’s office,” he said.

“These renovated blocks are more than walls and roofs. They are a statement that our children deserve the best and that Idoye is ready for tomorrow.”

Expressing appreciation, Head Teacher of Salvation Army Primary School, Kukoyi Fadilat Mojirade stated: “After donating 50-seater benches and tables in October 2025, the Rotary Club has now gone further to provide this huge assistance. God Almighty will reward every member of the organisation. As beneficiaries, we pledge to take ownership of these facilities and ensure they are properly maintained for the benefit of present and future generations.”