The  Executive Chairman of Odi-Olowo Ojuwoye Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Hon. Seyi Jakande, has restated his administration’s commitment to improving access to education by distributing free back-to-school packages to all pupils in public primary schools across the council.

The event, held on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, at the LCDA Secretariat, attracted parents, pupils, school officials, and community leaders. Excited pupils received school bags, exercise books, pencils, and biros to ease the financial burden on parents and ensure children resume school fully prepared.

Hon. Jakande explained that the initiative is aimed at making primary education practically free within the council by providing pupils with all their basic needs for the entire academic session. He assured residents that the programme would be sustained annually and further expanded to support pupils and parents.

Speaking with Mushines News, the chairman highlighted his achievements in education and youth capacity building since assuming office.

“This will increase the morale of our pupils to go to school and receive free basic education,” he said.

A total of 5,000 school bags and writing materials were provided, making it the largest back-to-school package distribution in Lagos State, as Mushin and Odi-Olowo Ojuwoye have the highest number of public primary schools in Nigeria.

Some pupils from the 27 public primary schools in Odi-Olowo Ojuwoye received their packages at the event, while the remaining pupils will collect theirs as schools resume on Monday.

Parents were required to present their voter’s card or VCR slip for their children to benefit.

Reacting to concerns about the requirement, Hon. Jakande urged residents to see voter registration as a necessity.

“Our people should take their PVC seriously. It is a valid ID document that every citizen from the age of 18 must have. The main reason is to encourage our people to register and obtain their voter’s card, and the council will make it mandatory to possess a voter’s card before benefiting from government programmes,” he added.

A Permanent Member of the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board, Mr. Jamiu Falana, praised the chairman’s efforts and urged parents to pay close attention to their children’s schoolwork, especially homework and assignments. He advised pupils to be diligent and make good use of the opportunity.

Khadija Olaniya of Oshodi High School, the best student in the mock examination for the free GCE forms, was specially honoured at the event with a back-to-school package to support her studies.

The Education Secretary of Mushin Local Government Education Authority, Princess Akinlude, described the gesture as impactful, urging parents to enroll their children in public schools where registration and other expenses are free. She commended the chairman for supporting families and helping to reduce the number of out-of-school children.

Also speaking, the APC Chairman in Odi-Olowo Ojuwoye LCDA, Hon. Babatunde Kareem, lauded Hon. Jakande for living up to expectations and continuing the legacy of his predecessor, Hon. Rasaq Ajala.

The Council Manager, Mrs. Afolake Otenaike, added that the programme goes beyond distributing school materials, describing it as a gesture of hope that reduces the burden on parents and motivates children to learn. She encouraged pupils to take proper care of the items so they last throughout the school year.

Parents and guardians present commended the initiative, describing it as timely and impactful, especially for low-income households struggling with back-to-school expenses.