The Rotary Club of Ikeja has generously donated a fully equipped vocational training centre to Ikeja Junior High School, Lagos State. This initiative, located within Education District VI, aims to empower students with practical skills, fostering self-reliance and entrepreneurship. The centre’s inauguration, graced by prominent figures like Chief Olusegun Osunkeye, Chairman of Lafarge Cement WAPCO Plc, and Dr. Oluwole Kukoyi, District Governor of Rotary International District 9111, marks a significant step towards enhancing educational opportunities for students in the region. The handover of the facility to the Lagos State Ministry of Basic Education underscores the collaborative effort between the Rotary Club and the government in advancing educational development. Beyond the physical structure, the Rotary Club’s commitment extends to providing equipment and implementing a psychotherapy program to support students’ behavioral development, emphasizing a holistic approach to education.
The vocational training centre, designed to offer instruction in various trades, including barbing, shoemaking, hairdressing, and tailoring, directly addresses the need for practical skills among students, particularly those from less privileged backgrounds. President Oluwakayode Situ of the Rotary Club of Ikeja highlighted the transformative potential of these skills, emphasizing that they offer a pathway to self-sufficiency and long-term economic stability. This initiative aligns perfectly with Rotary International’s focus on basic education and literacy, demonstrating the organization’s commitment to empowering individuals through education and equipping them with the tools for a brighter future. The alignment with the Lagos State Government’s plan to integrate vocational training into the school curriculum strengthens the initiative’s impact and ensures its sustainability within the broader educational landscape.
The project’s realization underscores the value of community partnerships in driving educational development. Commissioner Jamiu Balogun of the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, represented by Permanent Secretary Abisola Adegbite, lauded the Rotary Club’s contribution as a milestone achievement. The recognition of the project as a significant Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative highlights its positive impact on the community and its potential to transform the lives of students. The facility’s enriching influence on students’ futures was emphasized, underscoring the long-term benefits of this investment in vocational education.
Dr. Oluwole Kukoyi, District Governor, praised the Rotary Club of Ikeja for exceeding expectations with this transformative project. He emphasized the alignment of the initiative with Rotary’s mission to create positive learning environments and empower young people through practical education. This sentiment reinforces the broader impact of the project, showcasing how local initiatives can contribute to the global mission of organizations like Rotary International. The opening of the vocational training centre represents a tangible example of Rotary’s commitment to making a difference in communities worldwide.
Chief Olusegun Osunkeye, Chairman of Lafarge Cement WAPCO Plc, who officially commissioned the building, encouraged students to seize the opportunity presented by the new facility. His remarks emphasized the vital role the centre will play in shaping their future and enhancing their economic prospects. This direct address to the students underscores the importance of their active participation in utilizing the resources and opportunities provided by the centre. The commissioning ceremony marked not just the opening of a building but the launch of a pathway to a brighter future for the students of Ikeja Junior High School.
Mrs. Mojisola Yusuf, Tutor-General and Permanent Secretary of Education District VI, highlighted the centre’s potential to foster entrepreneurship and self-reliance among students upon graduation. This forward-looking perspective underscores the long-term impact of the initiative, extending beyond immediate skill acquisition to the development of entrepreneurial mindsets and the potential for future economic success. Principal Ayo Quadri of Ikeja Junior High School expressed gratitude to the Rotary Club and assured attendees that the centre would be optimally utilized to benefit both current and future students. This commitment reflects the school’s dedication to maximizing the impact of the donation and ensuring its long-term sustainability within the school community. The collaborative effort between the Rotary Club, the government, and the school demonstrates a shared vision for empowering students and creating a brighter future for the community as a whole.
