Lagos State Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat has warned pupils against drug abuse, cultism and truancy, urging them to focus on their education and avoid behaviours that could threaten their future. He gave the warning at the fourth edition of the Renewed Hope Back-to-School Project on Lagos Island.
The event, organised by Lagos Island Constituency I lawmaker Omolara Oyekan-Olumegbon, held at Dr Teslim Elias Primary School. More than 10,000 primary and secondary school pupils received school bags, stationery and other educational materials.
Hamzat, represented by the All Progressives Congress deputy governorship candidate, Damilola James, urged pupils to take their studies seriously, respect their teachers and parents, and remain committed to their academic goals. He also called on parents to take an active interest in their children’s education and encouraged teachers to provide adequate guidance.
The Director-General of the Lagos State APC Campaign Council for the 2027 elections, Musiliu Obanikoro, commended Oyekan-Olumegbon for the initiative. He said the project aligned with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s T.H.E.M.E.S Plus Agenda and efforts to strengthen education and support families.
Oyekan-Olumegbon said the project began with 170 pupils receiving school materials during its first edition but had expanded to cover children across the 10 wards in her constituency. She explained that the initiative followed a commitment she made upon assuming office in 2023 to address residents’ needs and support vulnerable people.
The lawmaker described education as a vital investment in society’s future, adding that the project was designed to help disadvantaged children and reassure them that their education mattered. She said it was one of 16 initiatives she carried out annually and pledged to expand the projects if re-elected in 2027.
The Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Abisola Dokunmu-Adegbite, represented by the Director of Basic Education, Bosede Adumasi, also commended the initiative. She said providing educational materials would ease financial pressure on low-income families, encourage school attendance and support pupils’ academic development, urging stakeholders to sustain similar efforts.
