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All is now set for the construction of a new vocational centre at Igbogbo in Ikorodu, Lagos State, following the foundation-laying ceremony performed by the District Governor, Rotary International, District 9110, Nigeria, Rotarian Dr. Wale Ogunbadejo.
The new vocational centre is being built by Rotary District 9110, Nigeria, as part of its effort towards providing economic empowerment and entrepreneurship for the community, and the foundation-laying was flagged off by the District Governor on Wednesday, October 11, 2017.
At the ceremony, which was held at the building site, DG Ogunbadejo thanked Asiwaju Olorunfunmi Bashorun, a community leader who made the land available to the club. He also thanked Senator Gbenga Bareehu Ashafa, representing Lagos East for establishing the link between the District and Baba Bashorun.
The DG in his opening address, explained that after being told about Igbogbo, “we met with Baba Asiwaju, who then took us to his royal majesty. His royal majesty invited the local government authorities and we got a resounding yes from all quarters.
“We then went further to ask the youths what kind of skills they will like to acquire and they gave us a list which is in our possession”, he said, adding that Mrs. Kalesanwo Oluwakemi Yetunde, the Director, Lagos State Agency for Mass Literacy, who also happens to be an indigene of Igbogbo, also agreed to partner with the District on the project.
“On our part, we have Rotary International District 9110 as the main financier; we also have District 9110 Educational and Welfare Endowment Fund (DEWEF), Rotary Club of Ikorodu Metro, as well as Rotary Club of Ikorodu Golden”, DG Ogunbadejo further explained.
With this very strong coalition of both public and private partners, DG Ogunbadejo said he is reassured that of the sustainability into the future. “I hope it will become a model for public-private partnership ventures in the vocational area in the future.”
According to the District Governor, “the main building is designed such that it has seven labs/classrooms, admin offices, storage and restrooms. A small hall that can accommodate at least 100 people is also attached to the main building. The hall can help where the class is bigger than the space in the lab or can also be used as a commercial venture towards sustenance of the project in the future.”
He also explained that, “we also hope to have a micro credit scheme attached to the projects so that graduates of the school can be helped with a little token to kick-start their trade.”
According to DG Ogunbadejo, “all these will however be possible in future, if this project is well handled by the community. That it will be the test this community must pass. Rotary exists to make impacts in communities, thus; making a difference in the lives of its inhabitants.”
The DG expressed his excitement and that of the entire district leaders present at the ceremony, to witness the enthusiasm and joy with which the youths have partnered with the district on this project saying, “We pray that this collaboration will get stronger with time”, he concluded.
In his keynote address, Comrade Olusesan Daini, the Chairman of Igbogbo/Bayeku Local Council Development Area who was represented by Titilola Adegboyega, the Vice Chairman expressed appreciation to Rotary for the community development programme saying that “this project is really welcome. It keys into our own programme for the youth.”
According to the LCDA Chair, “we have some youths that are not really educated but they need something to keep them going. We have been thinking of that but Rotary club has made it fast and easy for us. We assure you that this project is not going to die. It has come to stay.”
Oduntan Taiwo, the Secretary, Igbogbo Youth Coalition, expressed his excitement, on behalf of Igbogbo youths. “We know that in Nigeria today, our certificate does not matter anymore. What matters are our skills and we are happy that you are providing us with the needed skills.”
According to him, “I am happy that we have all the stakeholders concerned. It is an assurance that this project is going to stand the test of time. We, the youths, assure you that we are going to take care of this project. It is our vision that in the near future, Igbogbo will be a hub of a particular produce, owing to this project.”
Other dignitaries present at the foundation-laying ceremony include Asiwaju Olorunfunmi Bashorun, Mrs. Titilola Adegboyega, who represented Mrs. Kalesanwo Oluwakemi Yetunde, the Director, Lagos State Agency for Mass Literacy, a representative of HRH Oba Semiudeen Orimadegun Kasali Emugoriade 1, the Adeboruwa of Igbogbo, leaders and members of Igbogbo youths Coalition, District Governor Elect, Past District Governors, District Secretary, Club Presidents and several other district leaders.