Ramson Acheme & Wale Jagun
A United Kingdom based Ikorodu – born medical practitioner, Dr Junaid Oluseyi Solebo, has revealed how the Ayangbure of Ikorodu Kingdom, His Majesty, Alaiyeluwa (Oba) Kabir Adewale Shotobi, directed him to visit the Salvation Army Primary School to see how he could assist in rehabilitating any of the dilapidated buildings there..
The visit to the school, according to Dr Solebo who said he was not prepared for any capital project at the time, convinced him to intervene after seeing the condition under which pupils and teachers engaged in academic exercises.
THE IMPACT had reported about a year ago that only a block of three classrooms facilitated by Rep. Babajimi Benson was fit to accommodate students and staff of the Salvation Army Primary School, whereas, the other four were either in threatening state or not conducive for learning.
The rehabilitated block of three classrooms, which received overhauling in various ways; including flooring, new maker boards, ceiling fans, plastic chairs with tables, new doors, windows and painting of the walls in bright colours, was commissioned by Oba Shotobi ,on Monday, September 5, 2022.
Dr Solebo was presented with an Award of Excellence by the management of the school in appreciation of his humanitarian gesture.
Speaking at the commissioning, Dr Solebo said that he was referred to the school by Oba Shotobi when he visited the royal father to present him gift when he came to the country earlier in the year for his 70th birthday.
He narrated how he found himself in a dilemma after seeing the poor state of the public primary school and condition of the pupils.
“I visited the palace and planned presenting a gift to his majesty on my 70th birthday commemoration. However, the Kabiyesi, instead, advised that I visit the Salvation Army Primary School and see what I could do for them. When I first came here, it was like l was trapped. I become overwhelmed by emotion when I saw the condition of the school and the faces of the pupils”, Dr Solebo recalled.
“When I told the head teacher that I am not sure I can afford this project, she encouraged me with affirmative statement. That was when I became resolved and fully committed”, Dr. Solebo explained.
He also added that the school needs more hands, as the government alone cannot do the massive project, adding that Ikorodu has well-meaning and successful indigenes that should visit schools like this to help improve the facilities for the sake of the pupils.
The President, Oriwu Club, lkorodu, Engineer Kunle Oduborisha, in his remarks, commended Dr Solebo for his gesture and said that his decision to carry out the project represents what Oriwu Club stands for.
He disclosed that the club has identified a school project and dialysis centre for the General Hospital, Ikorodu, as projects members want to carry out.
Engr. Oduborisha also thanked Oba Shotobi who is the Life Patron of Oriwu Club and Sir Kayode Shoderu, Chairman Board of Trustees, Oriwu Club, for their efforts in ensuring that schools in lkorodu receive support from the Club and other well-meaning indigenes of Ikorodu.
Hon. Wahab Alawiye King, Executive Chairman, Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (LSUBEB) who was represented by Engr. Banks, also thanked the donor and the Ayangbure for their interest in public schools and for supporting the government in the provision of facilities for students.
He charged the staff and students of Salvation Army Primary School to make good use of the rehabilitated structures and facilities provided.
In his royal speech, Alaiyeluwa Oba Shotobi, said that the occasion is another joyful moment for him while calling on other privilege individuals to intervene in uplifting public schools across the division.
“It is another joyful moment for me to witness another special day.”
“The donor visited me in the palace and offered to present gift to me in honour of his 70th birthday ceremony, but I told him to visit the Salvation Army Primary School and see what he can do for them. There are many projects in town needing urgent attention and well-meaning sons and daughters of Ikorodu are giving support in many ways they could. The Oriwu Club will soon complete the Dialysis Centre at the Ikorodu General Hospital, and by the grace of God, it shall become a reality in my lifetime”, Oba Shotobi said.
The commissioning was attended by many dignitaries, family members and friends of the donor.
