In a bold and heartwarming move to improve school attendance and learning motivation among public primary school pupils, the Executive Chairman of Odi-Olowo Ojuwoye LCDA, Hon. Seyi Jakande, has launched a new initiative tagged “Jako Jollof”, a free lunch program offering Jollof rice and eggs every Friday to pupils across all 28 public primary schools in the LCDA.

The initiative was officially unveiled at St. Martin’s Primary School, Damegoro, on Friday, October 17, 2025, where excited pupils, teachers, and community leaders gathered to witness what many described as a creative blend of education and motivation.

Speaking with Mushines, Hon. Jakande explained that the program aims to encourage regular school attendance and improve pupils’ learning behavior, especially after reports showed a decline in school attendance in public primary schools. 

“If a child knows that every Friday comes with a delicious plate of Jollof rice and egg, he or she will be more eager to attend school,” the Chairman remarked.

“We want to make learning exciting while easing the burden on parents who struggle to provide lunch,” he said. 

Under the initiative, school food vendors will receive weekly financial support to prepare high-quality Jollof rice and eggs for pupils in their respective schools.

A highlight of the event was the presentation of cash support to each school food vendor to enable them to purchase standard cooking utensils, coolers, and containers to ensure hygiene and quality. 

Supervisors were inaugurated and assigned to monitor the food served to ensure good taste and standards. He promised to visit schools unannounced to see that consistency was maintained in quantity and quality. 

The program’s slogan, “Jako Jollof — Thank God It’s Friday,” perfectly captured the joyful spirit of the event, as pupils from all 28 schools who attended the unveiling became the first to enjoy the meal.

Hon. Jamiu Falana, a proud Mushine and Permanent Member of the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (LASUBEB), praised the initiative, describing it as “innovative and people-oriented.”

“Chairman Jakande has shown uncommon creativity. Research has revealed a drop in public school enrollment, but initiatives like this can change that narrative,” Falana noted.

Also speaking, Princess Olu Akinlude, the Education Secretary of the Mushin Local Government Education Authority, disclosed that community stakeholders within the school management system will be fully engaged to ensure the success of the program through proper oversight of school food vendors and other support structures.

The event also marked the completion of the LCDA’s “Back-to-School Kit” distribution — an earlier program that provided essential learning materials to pupils.

As the “Jako Jollof” program officially kicks off next week, parents and community members have expressed optimism that it will not only fill stomachs but also reignite the love for learning among young pupils across Odi-Olowo Ojuwoye.