The Executive Chairman of Kosofe Local Government in Lagos State, Mr Moyo Ogunlewe, says no serious nation will ignore investment in education because it remains a key to widen gates of opportunities.
Ogunlewe, who is a son of former Minister of Works, Seye Ogunlewe, disclosed this while distributing 150 General Certificate Examination (GCE) Forms to indigent students in the council area.
According to him, his administration is keying into the educational policy in Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s THEME agenda for the state to improve standard of living.
Ogunlewe said: “When people are more educated, they can solve problems better. This means that society can progress at a faster rate.
“People with education can better understand the history of their society and its current economic conditions. As such, they may be more inclined to participate in politics and improve their country.
“Knowledge and talent are not for the rich and privileged alone, free education widens the gates of opportunities to every child, especially those whose talents are arrested because of poverty,” he said.
According to him, with political will and responsible leadership, government can help create a society of opportunities and empowerment for every citizen.
“I know that there is no better way to do so but through access to education. Any country that aims to transform itself into a modern productive player in the global marketplace must get its educational policies right.
“Leadership is about choices- I have chosen to invest in the future of our youth. We have decided to use the proceeds from our resources to help educate the young population to drive our economic transformation.
“Instead of the revenues ending up in the hands of a few people, the most equitable and progressive way of using these revenues is to educate and empower our population to strengthen our nation,” he added.
Ogunlewe, who pledged to be giving back to the society, said that the council would organise coaching and seek scholarship for the brilliant ones among the beneficiaries.
Miss Akinola Favour, a 16-year old beneficiary commended the chairman for the gesture, assuring the she would work hard to come out in flying colours.
Also, Master Babatunde Olumodeji, another beneficiary from Ilupeju Senior Secondary School, said the gesture had assisted indigent students.
According to Master Julius Adekoya, another beneficiary from Ogudu Senior Grammar School, the gesture will help a lot of people like him without money to write the external examinations.
Mrs Bolanle Alowonle, a parent of one of the beneficiaries, commended the council chairman for remembering the poor students few weeks after assumption of office as the chairman.
Alowonle, who described Ogunlewe as a public-spirited man, said that he also helped the elderly people in area.
“We are all delighted about him. The economy is not friendly. Most of us do not have money to buy the GCE forms that is why we have our children public schools. We want him to continue and also pay attention to roads,” she said.
