Lawmaker Omolara Oyekan-Olumegbon says programme has expanded from 170 beneficiaries to pupils across 10 wards
By Heapnews
About 10,000 primary and secondary school pupils in Lagos Island Constituency I have benefited from an educational support programme providing school bags, stationery and other learning materials, organisers said.
The fourth edition of the Renewed Hope Back-to-School Project, organised by the constituency’s representative, Princess Omolara Oyekan-Olumegbon, was held on Friday at Dr Teslim Elias Primary School, Oja Oba, Isale Eko, Lagos Island.
In a statement on Monday, the organisers said the initiative was designed to ease the financial burden on parents, encourage school attendance and improve children’s educational prospects, particularly those from low-income households.
Speaking at the event, Oyekan-Olumegbon reaffirmed her commitment to supporting children, youths and women, describing education as a critical investment in society’s future.
“Education remains one of the most important investments in the future of any society,” she said.
The lawmaker said the project fulfilled a pledge she made after assuming office in 2023 to introduce practical interventions addressing residents’ needs and creating opportunities for vulnerable people.
She said the initiative had grown from its first edition, which reached 170 pupils, to cover beneficiaries across all 10 wards in the constituency.
Oyekan-Olumegbon added that the back-to-school programme was one of 16 initiatives she undertook annually to support constituents. She said she planned to expand the number of programmes if re-elected in the 2027 general elections.
She thanked community leaders, traditional rulers, political leaders, the Local Government Education Authority, partners and other supporters for helping to sustain the project.
She also urged parents and teachers to ensure that the beneficiaries retained and made proper use of the materials provided.
Lagos State Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat commended the lawmaker for sustaining the initiative.
Hamzat, represented by Princess Damilola Sonayon-James, the All Progressives Congress deputy governorship candidate, urged pupils to take their studies seriously, respect their parents and teachers, and shun truancy, cultism and drug abuse.
He also called on parents and guardians to remain actively involved in their children’s education, while urging teachers to provide the guidance needed to develop disciplined and academically successful pupils.
Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, Director-General of the Lagos State APC Campaign Council for the 2027 general elections, said the initiative aligned with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s T.H.E.M.E.S Plus Agenda, particularly its focus on education and the development of Lagos.
He said the programme demonstrated Oyekan-Olumegbon’s commitment to improving access to education, empowering young people and supporting families in Lagos Island Constituency I and beyond.
The Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Abisola Adegbite, also commended the initiative for providing essential learning materials and helping to reduce the financial pressure on parents.
Adegbite, represented by the Director of Basic Education, Bosede Adumasi, stressed the shared responsibility of government, families and other stakeholders in supporting children’s education.
She urged stakeholders to sustain their contributions towards expanding learning opportunities for the next generation.