By ADEKUNLE WILLIAMS

First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, on Saturday inaugurated a 720-capacity secondary school in Abaranje, Ikotun, Lagos, to boost education access.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports the project, named after the First Lady, was initiated by Lagos lawmaker, Mr Kehinde Joseph, for the Alimosho community.

Mrs Tinubu, represented by her aide, Mr Wahab Alawiye-King, commended the lawmaker for prioritising education and dedicating the project to public benefit.

She said: “The school will accommodate over 720 students, reducing travel distance for residents and expanding access to quality education in Abaranje.

“The ultra-modern school is the first public secondary institution in Abaranje, aimed at boosting education and taking children off the streets.”

According to her, true representation is measured by lasting legacies, particularly in education, which she said would shape the future of many children.

“We have not just built classrooms, but a school that will open doors for children to achieve their dreams,” she said.

She highlighted education as a tool for reducing poverty, improving health outcomes, and fostering peace across communities.

Tinubu said the project aligned with global efforts, including the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal-4 on quality education.

She urged administrators to maintain the facilities and encouraged parents and residents to take collective ownership of the school.

Addressing students, she charged them to remain focused, disciplined, and hardworking, noting the school would nurture future leaders.

Speaker of the Lagos Assembly, Mr Mudashiru Obasa, urged residents to support the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 elections.

“There is only one choice, which is APC. President Bola Tinubu has done well,” Obasa said, congratulating residents on the new school.

Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by Jamiu Alli-Balogun, Commissioner for Basic Education, assured residents of qualified teachers and quality education at the school.

He described the project as a beacon of hope, reiterating that education remains the key to a brighter future.

Project convener, Mr Kehinde Joseph, said the initiative was inspired by long travel distances previously faced by children seeking education.

He noted the new school would bring learning closer to the community and improve access for young residents.

A former lawmaker, Mr Bisi Yusuff, said investment in education helped steer youths away from crime and opened opportunities.

Other dignitaries included APC Chairman Cornelius Ojelabi, represented by Muyideen Jokomba, and a member of the Governance Advisory Council member, Rabiu Oluwa. (NAN)

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