Lagos: Bariga Local Council Development Area (LCDA) in Lagos State has reaffirmed its commitment to addressing the challenge of out-of-school children by distributing educational materials to more than 3,000 pupils across 22 schools in the council. The initiative is part of the council’s Back-to-School Support Programme.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the Chairman of the LCDA, Mrs. Amope Adedeji, announced the completion of the third and fourth editions of the programme in Lagos. The initiative aims to alleviate the financial burden on low-income parents by providing school uniforms, bags, socks, mathematical sets, exercise books, pencils, biros, and other educational materials to pupils.
Bariga LCDA, which encompasses 30 public primary schools, initially covered eight schools in the first two editions of the programme. The recent editions expanded the coverage to include the remaining 22 schools such as Temidire Primary School, Aiyetoro Primary School, Akoka, Bariga Primary School, and several others.
Adedeji emphasized that the initiative aligns with the broader education agenda of the Lagos State Government, led by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. The council is actively tracking and collecting data on out-of-school children, particularly those who have dropped out between Primary One and Primary Five, with the goal of re-enrolling them in nearby public schools.
The distribution of back-to-school materials is intended to enhance the learning environment in Bariga’s public primary schools. The council has also provided chairs and desks to improve classroom facilities and seating arrangements. Adedeji congratulated the beneficiaries and highlighted the council’s commitment to ensuring quality education for all children.
Mr. Moruf Ali-Balogun, the APC candidate for Shomolu II Constituency in the Lagos State House of Assembly, praised the initiative for its potential to impact children’s educational development positively. Mr. Kolade Alabi, the immediate past Chairman of Bariga LCDA, described the programme as a comprehensive effort that supports pupils, parents, schools, and local artisans.
The event saw attendance from government officials, party leaders, community members, and education stakeholders, including the Vice Chairman, Mr. Babatunde Adesida, and the Council Leader, Mr. Wasiu Balogun, among others.