In a landmark stride that underscores his commitment to quality education, the Executive Chairman of Ibadan North Local Government, Honourable Oluwaseun Olufade, has made history as the first-ever local government chairman to provide hundreds of desks and chairs, school bags, sandals, chalks, and markers to all 73 functional primary schools within the council area. The symbolic presentation ceremony took place on Thursday, October 9, 2025, at the Ibadan North Local Government Secretariat, Agodi Ibadan, attracting an impressive gathering of dignitaries, education stakeholders, and community leaders.
Speaking at the event, Hon. Olufade expressed profound gratitude to the guests for their presence and support. He noted that his motivation for initiating the project was rooted in his belief that “the pupils of today are the leaders of tomorrow.” “Providing these educational materials will inspire and empower our young pupils to dream big and achieve greatness in life,” Olufade said. “We are distributing 800 desks and chairs, 300 school bags, 200 pairs of sandals, and several packs of chalks and markers to the 73 primary schools across Ibadan North. This is an investment in their future and the future of our community.” He expressed heartfelt appreciation to Governor Seyi Makinde, whom he described as a mentor and exemplary leader, for giving him the opportunity to serve. He also thanked the Chairman of Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Dr. Nureni Adeniran, for his consistent support for educational advancement in Oyo State. “Dr. Nureni Adeniran has been a father figure and mentor, not only to me but to many young people in government,” he said. “I also acknowledge the dedication of our career officers in Ibadan North; without their support, this vision would not have come to fruition.”
In his goodwill message, Dr. Nureni Adeniran, Oyo SUBEB Chairman, applauded Hon. Olufade for his remarkable initiative, describing it as the largest local government-driven educational intervention he has witnessed. “I have attended several similar programs across the state, but this is by far the most outstanding,” Dr. Adeniran stated. “Distributing such a large volume of learning materials, tables, chairs, school bags, sandals, chalks, and markers will not only ease the burden on parents but also enhance the learning environment for the pupils.” He recalled the timeless words of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo: “If you train only your own children and neglect the children of others, the children you neglected will make yours miserable in the future.” Dr. Adeniran commended the teachers for their relentless efforts and prayed for their success and the future greatness of their pupils. He also charged school management teams to ensure that the distributed materials are properly utilized and equitably shared among all beneficiaries.
The event featured a vibrant cultural display by pupils of Salvation Army Primary School, Yemetu, which thrilled guests and added color to the ceremony. Dr. Adeniran later led the symbolic handover of the materials, joined by notable dignitaries including the Executive Chairman of Lagelu Local Government, Hon. Kamorudeen Mudashiru, and the Special Adviser to Governor Makinde on Education Intervention, Hon. Suraj Abiodun Tiamiyu. Twenty (20) schools were physically represented at the symbolic presentation ceremony. They include: 1. C&S Primary School, Akingbola 2. C.A.C. Primary School, Oniyarin 3. U.N.A. Mission School, Inalende 4. Salvation Army Basic School, Yemetu 5. St. John Primary School, Inalende 6. I.M.G. Basic School, Oje Igogun 7. St. Bridges (Girls) School, Mokola 8. St. Bridges (Boys) School, Mokola 9. Community Basic School (School 2), Mokola 10. St. Mary’s Basic School (School 2), Oke Are 11. St. Peter’s Catholic School (School 1), Oke Are 12. Olive Primary School 1, Bodija 13. Olive Primary School 2, Bodija 14. Islamic School 1, Odoye 15. Islamic School 2, Odoye 16. Islamic School 3, Odoye 17. Islamic School 4, Odoye 18. St. Stephen’s Primary School, Inalende 19. Methodist Basic School, Bodija (Favours) 20. C.A.C. Primary School, Oje Igogun The remaining 53 primary schools across Ibadan North Local Government received their materials at their respective schools immediately after the ceremony.
The event was graced by an array of distinguished personalities including: Hon. (Dr.) Nureni Adeniran, Oyo SUBEB Chairman; Hon. Olufunke Comforter, Member representing Ibadan North Constituency 1 at the Oyo State House of Assembly; Hon. Akeem Ayoade, Vice Chairman, Ibadan North; Hon. Taiwo Adebola, Leader of the House; Hon. Oluwafemi Bantu, Local Government Secretary; Comrade Ademuyiwa Mustapha, PDP Chairman, Ibadan North; Hon. Demola Omotoso, Chairman, Oyo State Housing Corporation; Hon. Babatunde Akoro, Board Chairman, Oyo State College of Health Science and Technology; Hon. Falana Adebowale, Chairman, Oyo State Youth Development Agency; Hon. Kabiru Salami De-Bomba, Executive Assistant to the Governor on Security Coordination; Hamdy Mustapha, Ibadan north chief of staff, Hon. Seun Oyewo, Full-Time Member (North), Oyo SUBEB; Hon. Akeem Oladeji, Full-Time Member (South), Oyo SUBEB; and Hon. Adewumi Adebusola Adejoke, Education Secretary, Ibadan North Local Government. Others include Mrs. Adeyomoye, Director of School Services, Oyo SUBEB; Mrs. Olaide Aderonke Ladipo, Executive Secretary, Oyo SUBEB (North); Dr. Olukemi Adeosun, Executive Secretary, Oyo SUBEB (South); Mr. M.A. Owolabi, Head of Local Government Administration, Ibadan North; Mrs. Olusola Ejiade, Director of Administration and General Services; Alhaja Kudirat Nojimudeen, Director of Education and Social Services as well as other heads of departments, councillors, supervisory councillors, special assistants to the chairman, and PDP leaders. The event ended on a note of gratitude and optimism, as pupils, parents, and education stakeholders hailed Hon. Oluwaseun Olufade’s unprecedented gesture, describing it as a major milestone in the history of grassroots education in Oyo State.
Signed,
Aderibigbe Yisahu Ajibola
Head Of Media To Ibadan North Local Government Chairman
