POSER: Why are councils in Ibadan executing projects and others not? As Ibadan North flags off distribution of education materials, furniture

POSER: Why are councils in Ibadan executing projects and others not? As Ibadan North flags off distribution of education materials, furniture

Khalid ABRAHAM

One question agitating the mind is why are local governments in Ibadan executing developmental projects and programmes and their counterparts elsewhere are not?

A recent news report indicates that Ibadan North LG is set to distribute furniture and education materials to 73 public primary schools in the council area to ease educational burden and as part of the council’s renewed commitment to improving the learning environment and supporting basic education.

Also weeks ago, the same Ibadan North local government announced the construction of 3.1km internal roads in Olive Estate, Agodi.

Hon. Seun Olufade, chairman of the council area, speaking Thursday during the official flag-off of the distribution exercise held at the council secretariat, said the initiative, worth millions of naira, is designed to enhance pupils’ learning conditions and reduce the financial burden on parents.

According to Olufade, the materials include 800 desks and seats, 300 school bags, 200 pairs of sandals, and several packs of chalks and board markers. He emphasized that the intervention is aimed at fostering a conducive atmosphere for learning while motivating pupils to take their education seriously.

“This is part of our efforts to give back the dividends of democracy,” Olufade said. “Education remains the foundation of development, and we want our pupils to know that with dedication and hard work, there is nothing they cannot achieve. As a young leader myself, I believe supporting education is the best way to build the future,” he said.

The local government boss commended Governor ‘Seyi Makinde for his continued support to local councils, noting that his administration’s education-friendly policies have made such interventions possible.

Chairman of the Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Dr. Nureni Adeniran, who attended the event, lauded Hon. Olufade’s initiative, describing it as a major contribution to the state government’s drive for quality education.

He noted that the intervention would go a long way toward addressing the “no-seat” challenge in public primary schools within the local government.

“With this arrangement, no school will get less than ten benches and desks,” Dr. Adeniran said. “This will ensure that pupils no longer sit on the floor during lessons, and it will significantly improve teaching and learning outcomes.”

He also praised the inclusion of bags, sandals, and writing materials, saying these would collectively enhance pupils’ classroom experience. Adeniran urged teachers to distribute the items transparently and ensure they are used for their intended purposes.

This is a challenge to other council bosses across the state, they should let there impact be felt too. Or perhaps the Ibadan North is receiving special, favoured treatment from the Governor Seyi Makinde – led administration?