The Executive Chairman of Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye LCDA, Hon. Dr Seyi Jakande, has declared that no child in the council area will be left behind in education, as his administration commenced the distribution of free back-to-school kits to pupils across 27 public primary schools.

The Council boss made the declaration on Thursday, September 10, 2026, during the official launch of the second edition of the council’s Back-to-School Initiative, held at the Council Secretariat, ahead of the new academic session.

It was disclosed that, upon resumption, every pupil will be given the materials, as 10 pupils were invited from each of the 27 public primary schools within the LCDA during the launch in order to alert parents not to worry about their children's school needs. 

The initiative, which targets approximately 5,000 pupils, is designed to ease the financial pressure on parents and ensure that children return to school adequately prepared for learning.

Speaking at the event, attended by dignitaries, teachers, parents, education stakeholders, and pupils, Jakande said his administration is determined to make education accessible and inclusive.

“Our vision is an Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye where no child is left behind, parents are supported, teachers are valued, and every child has the opportunity to gain the knowledge, skills, and character necessary to succeed,” he said.

The school kits include school bags, exercise books, pen and pencil sets, and food flasks. The Chairman assured beneficiaries that the materials would reach pupils across the LCDA, including those enrolled at the special needs school.

Dr Jakande said the initiative was introduced as part of efforts to reduce the burden of school preparation on families, particularly parents struggling with the rising cost of educational materials.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to education and human capital development under the HEWA Agenda, stressing that investing in children is investing in the community's future.

The Chairman urged the pupils to take their studies seriously, respect their teachers, remain disciplined and work hard towards achieving their dreams.

He further listed other education interventions by his administration, including free GCE forms for indigent students, mock examinations, ICT and skills training for over 400 youths, and the Jako Jollof feeding programme for public primary school pupils every Friday.

Dr Jakande also called for stronger cooperation among government, parents and schools, saying collective responsibility was essential to ensuring that every child had a fair chance to succeed.

Education stakeholders and dignitaries at the event praised the initiative, describing the free school kits as both a practical intervention and a morale booster for pupils returning to school.

The Education Secretary of Mushin LGEA, Hon. Aremo Yusuf Ademola Olokodana, said the gesture would help address one of the major challenges confronting school attendance during resumption.

According to him, some pupils are often forced to remain at home because their parents cannot afford to provide basic school materials.

“During resumption, some children usually stay back at home because their parents do not have the resources to purchase their school needs. With this initiative, we are hopeful that all pupils will be present in school from the first day,” Olokodana said.

Also speaking, former Education Secretary, Princess Olufemi Akinlude, commended the council’s continued commitment to educational development.

She said education in Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye had continued to improve, noting that the council had consistently demonstrated passion for the sector.

Princess Akinlude said she was not surprised by the initiative, praising Jakande for sustaining and improving upon the programmes he inherited.

Parents described the materials as a major relief, saying the intervention would significantly reduce the financial burden of preparing their children for the new school session.

They pledged to ensure that the materials were used judiciously and promised to continue monitoring their children’s academic progress and conduct.

The pupils also expressed gratitude to the council chairman, promising to remain obedient, hardworking and responsible both in school and at home.