LAGOS — The Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye Local Council Development Area (LCDA) has distributed free educational packages to pupils across all 28 public primary schools in the council, including a special needs school, as part of its efforts to support families ahead of the new academic session.
The initiative, tagged “Back to School, Back to Pocket,” was held on Thursday, September 10, 2026, at the Council Hall and marked the second edition of the programme.
The intervention is aimed at easing the financial pressure on parents while ensuring that pupils return to school with essential educational materials needed for a productive academic year.
The event attracted key stakeholders, including the Vice Chairman, Hon. Niyi Awodogan; Leader of the House, Hon. Olamilekan Adeyi; Council Manager, Ms. Mojisola Ogabi; Chief of Staff, Hon. Taiwo Ogungbe; APC Chairman, Hon. Babatunde Kazeem; former Education Secretary for Mushin, Princess Akinlude; Chairman, SBMC, Hon. Kayode Olaniyan Mutapha; Education Secretary, Mr. Olokodan; councillors, supervisors, special assistants, management staff, education stakeholders, parent forum representatives, and members of the community.
In her welcome address, the Head of Department of Education, Mrs. Yemisi Osoba, explained that the initiative was conceived to support pupils and reduce the burden associated with preparing children for the new school session.
She commended the Executive Chairman for his continued commitment to education and appreciated teachers for their dedication in coordinating the pupils. She also acknowledged parents for their efforts in nurturing and supporting their children.
Speaking at the event, the Executive Chairman of the LCDA, Hon. Dr. Seyi Jakande, described education as “one of the most crucial investments any society can make.”
He explained that the second edition of the “Back to School, Back to Pocket” programme reflects his administration’s commitment to improving access to quality education while providing practical support to families.
According to him, the initiative forms part of the administration’s broader HEEWA Agenda, which has recorded interventions in education, skills development and youth empowerment.
The Chairman highlighted some of the administration’s achievements, including the graduation of more than 400 beneficiaries from ICT and skills acquisition programmes, the provision of free GCE forms for indigent students, and the Jako Jollof initiative, which provides nutritious meals to pupils in public primary schools every Friday.
Jakande urged the beneficiaries to take full advantage of the educational opportunities available to them and remain committed to their studies.
«“Your future is in your hands, and the choices you make today will shape the person you become tomorrow,” he told the pupils.»
He expressed appreciation to political, traditional and religious leaders, council management, teachers, parents, education stakeholders and members of the media for their support towards the success of the programme.
The distribution of the educational packages across all 28 public primary schools underscores the council’s commitment to inclusive education and its determination to ensure that no child is left behind because of financial constraints.
