As part of fulfilling his promise to upgrade secondary schools in Lagos and Ogun states, Rotary International District 9110 Governor, Kola Sodipo has renovated a block of three classrooms in Saint Joseph Senior Secondary School, Mushin in Lagos.
The block of classrooms was renovated by the district in collaboration with First Bank of Nigeria and three other clubs in the district namely; Rotary Club of Gbagada which is the District Governor’s club, Rotary Club of Gbagada South, and Rotary Club of Lagos Palm Grove Estate.
Standing before fellow Rotarians, family and friends during his installation as the 38th District Governor at Muson Center in Onikan, Lagos on Saturday, July 7, 2019, the DG Sodipo who called for support from Rotarians, non-Rotarians and corporate bodies, stated that funds raised at his installation ceremony will be committed to upgrading the primary health centres and secondary schools in Lagos and Ogun states.
He however called for collaboration by the various Rotary clubs in Lagos and Ogun states which the district covers, charging them to work towards executing bigger multi-club projects in collaboration with the district.
Eight months after, DG Sodipo has once again fulfilled part of his promise as he commissions another district/multi-club project but this time, in the area of education. The DG had earlier last month commissioned a district/multi-club project in the area of health during which medical equipment were donated to Mother and Child Care Centre in Amuwo Odofin area of the state.
Giving his speech during the commissioning ceremony on Tuesday, February 26, 2019, DG Sodipo said, “I am happy that some of the aspirations, dreams and thoughts which we put together in the build up to my assumption of office as the District Governor is coming to reality.
“For the benefit of our Rotarians, you will recall that when we were planning the year, I did requested clubs to come together to implement bigger and bolder projects. I want to seize this opportunity to thank the three clubs that have come together in conjunction with the district and of course with First bank to deliver this structure. It is a modern structure with durable materials”, the DG said.
“You will notice that we had to use the metal windows to ensure its sustainability. The structure you are seeing here costs a lot of money and we are happy to spend that money but it will be sad for us to come back months or years later and see it vandalized so I appeal to you, especially the students, this structure has been given to you to help make you learn in a more conducive environment.
“It is important for you to leave it in good condition for those coming after you so that the students coming after you years later, when they see the date this facility was commissioned, will also be happy that you were able to maintain it for them, it’s very important for us to cultivate that culture. I appeal to you to ensure you keep it as neat as we are handling it over to you today”, he further said.
Speaking further, he said, “Don’t drag the chairs and desks on the floor to the extent that you will use it to damage the well-laid tiles in these classrooms. We also have fans in the classrooms. Lastly, we noticed that the water in the toilet is not flowing and it has to do with the bore hole and the well which are not connected to the structure.
“We are looking at that. We will ensure that is also done so that you won’t have to go too far when you are pressed. To the girls, Rotary Club of Lagos Palm Grove Estate has also deemed it fit to give over 400 girls in this school sanitary towels. I want to appreciate First bank, they gave us huge sum of money which we have used to deliver this. Other clubs have also contributed, as well as the district”, the DG added.
.JPG)
“There are so many other projects that we are going to commission, all in the areas of health and education. This month of March and early part of April is dedicated to that. When we have done that, we would have fulfilled our promise to you, to our communities, to the schools, and to the hospital. We want to do our part to ensure that you are inspired and motivated to also do well in your studies”, he concluded.
The Principal of the school, Mrs P. O. Oshokoye, in her appreciation speech said, “This project is the first of its kind to be embarked on by a philanthropic organization, we appreciate you Rotary club and First bank. The renovation of the classrooms will provide comfortable, spacious and conducive environment to enhance our learning activities.
She further said, “Your support to this school have greatly impacted the socio-economic development of this country and your influence cannot be undermined. We appreciate you and pray that you continue to grow stronger and the blessings of the lord will continue to be great and mighty in the lives of as many that have contributed to this laudable project.
“As you have put smiles on the faces of these children, God in his infinite mercies will shine continually on your children too wherever they may be on the face of the earth”, she added.
Mr S. A. Owolabi, who represented the Tutor General, Lagos State Education District 6 thanked the club for the huge project while encouraging parents and guardians of the students to compliment the effort made by the club and bank by providing their children and wards with the needed studying materials such as books. He also encouraged the students to make proper use of the facilities so as to ensure sustainability.
Rotary Club of Lagos Palm Grove Estate donated 60 chairs and desks to the school and also included the school as part of the beneficiaries of its project “NORA DREAMS” which involves distributing free sanitary pads to school girls monthly in order to help them not to miss class during their menstrual period because of lack of access to sanitary pads.
.JPG)
The project was flagged off in January at Ilupeju Senior Secondary School where over 400 sanitary pads were distributed to the female students of the school.
Speaking on behalf of the other female students of the school, the head girl, Adebayo Kehinde appreciated the club and the bank. “I thank you the Rotarians and First bank for renovating our classrooms and also for the sanitary pads donated to us. Some girls usually miss school whenever they are on their period, this will really help them”, she said.
Also present at the commissioning ceremony was Mr Ismail Idode Omamegbe, the Head, Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability with First Bank of Nigeria.