Ikeja LG Gives 500 Students Free GCE Forms, Commences 2-Month Holiday Job

ADEOLA OGUNLADE 

The Ikeja Local Government has presented free General Certificate of Education (GCE) forms to about 500 indigent students and commenced the second edition of its two-month Temporary Holiday Job Programme for secondary school leavers, students and undergraduates.

The twin initiatives were unveiled on Wednesday at the Marriage Registry Hall, Ikeja Local Government, amid excitement from beneficiaries, parents, guardians, government officials and other stakeholders.

Speaking at the event, the Executive Chairman of Ikeja Local Government, Comrade Akeem Olalekan Dauda (AKOD), said the programmes were part of his administration’s deliberate efforts to ease the burden on residents while creating opportunities for young people to improve their future.

Dauda described the initiatives as an investment in the future of Ikeja, stressing that no young person should be denied educational opportunities because of financial constraints.

He told the beneficiaries: “Your dreams are valid. Your future matters. And Ikeja Local Government believes in you.”

The Chairman urged the students to take full advantage of the free GCE forms by studying diligently and striving for excellent results.

He said the Holiday Job Programme was designed to complement the council’s educational interventions by providing young people with practical work experience, exposure to the workplace and an opportunity to develop valuable life and employability skills.

According to him, the programme would help participants develop discipline, punctuality, teamwork, responsibility, creativity and a strong work ethic, while exposing them to the dignity of labour.

Dauda stressed that the initiative aligned with his administration’s I.K.E.J.A Agenda, particularly the pillars of Knowledge-Based Economic Empowerment and Joyful Social Welfare.

The Chairman also appealed to parents and guardians to continue supporting their children, noting that while government could provide opportunities, the home remained the first institution for building character and values.

“For those receiving the GCE forms, I expect excellent results from you. For those participating in the holiday job programme, I expect discipline, commitment and dedication,” he said.

Dauda added that some of the beneficiaries could eventually become professionals, entrepreneurs, public servants and leaders who would contribute significantly to the development of Ikeja and Nigeria.

Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, Oyinlola Elijah expressed appreciation to the Executive Chairman for providing free GCE forms to indigent students, describing the initiative as a significant opportunity for young people to pursue their educational aspirations.

Similarly, Adewale Adesanya, a beneficiary of the two-month Temporary Holiday Job Programme, commended AKOD for the initiative, saying it would help reduce the financial burden on parents and guardians during the holiday period.

He noted that beyond the temporary financial support, the programme would expose participants to valuable workplace experience and skills that could prepare them for future opportunities.