OLALEKAN ONI
In a bold demonstration of his commitment to youth empowerment and educational advancement, the Executive Chairman of Ikeja Local Government, Comrade Akeem Olalekan Dauda (AKOD), today presented free General Certificate of Education (GCE) forms to indigent students across Ikeja.
The initiative, under the Akeem Olalekan Dauda Educational Support Programme, is aimed at easing the financial burden on brilliant but less privileged students and ensuring that no child in Ikeja is denied access to educational opportunities due to financial constraints.
While presenting the forms, the Council Chairman emphasized that education remains the most powerful tool to break the cycle of poverty, describing the gesture as one of many deliberate interventions his administration has lined up to give Ikeja youths a strong foundation to compete globally.
It will be recalled that Comrade Dauda has consistently prioritized youth development since assuming office. His administration has rolled out several initiatives, including:
Holiday Job Programme which engaged over 250 Ikeja youths during the ongoing long vacation, providing them with work experience and stipends.
International Youth Day Engagement, where Ikeja youths were mobilized and inspired on leadership, innovation, and civic responsibility.
The upcoming Skill-Up Ikeja Project, designed to equip young people with digital and vocational skills for a competitive global economy.
The Executive Chairman further reassured Ikeja residents of his unwavering dedication to the Ikeja Youth Master Plan, a comprehensive roadmap to prepare youths for opportunities both locally and internationally.
He also announced that beneficiaries of the free GCE forms will enjoy free tutorial classes, while the best performing candidates will be rewarded with scholarships.
Present at the event were the Vice Chairman of Ikeja Local Government, Hon. Abisola Omisore (OMITUNTUN), all the six councillors led by the leader of the House, Hon. Rasheed Adisa Ogunseye and the management staffs of the council led by the Council Manager, Mrs. Juliana Taiwo Odubeko.