As Nigeria commemorates this year’s Democracy Day, the Education Secretary of Ikorodu Local Government Education Authority (LGEA), Mr. Amusa Afolabi, has extended warm felicitations to all Nigerians, hailing their perseverance, resilience, and unwavering faith in the country’s democratic journey.
In his commemorative message on June 12th, 2025, Mr. Afolabi described Democracy Day as a symbolic reminder of the collective will of the people, the sacrifices made for freedom, and the importance of unity and civic responsibility in shaping a better future for all citizens.
Mr. Afolabi emphasized that democracy thrives not only through electoral processes but also through consistent citizen participation, institutional accountability, and the tireless efforts of individuals at every level of governance.
He encouraged Nigerians to continue to demonstrate tenacity and hope, especially during challenging times, stressing that the strength of a democracy is reflected in the willpower of its people to keep pushing for progress and inclusivity.
Reflecting on his own stewardship as Education Secretary since May 14, 2020, Mr. Afolabi used the opportunity to reiterate the strides made under his leadership within the Ikorodu LGEA.
According to him, the past five years have been marked by tangible improvements in basic education, expansion of access, and improved welfare for both pupils and staff. He pointed out that the number of inclusive education centres increased from one to five across the division, and the number of computer centres grew from one to five, creating broader access to digital learning.
He also noted that arts and craft centres expanded from one to four, and home economics centres from one to three, fostering practical and skill-based education for young learners.
Mr. Afolabi further mentioned the establishment of new primary schools in various communities within Ikorodu, including Idera Primary School, Asanat Tomori Primary School, and Egbin Kingdom Primary School, all of which have received formal approval from the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB). Additional schools awaiting approval, he noted, would further strengthen the reach of public education in the area.
Under his watch, teachers have benefitted from multiple capacity-building initiatives, including computer training and other impactful educational workshops. The supply of furniture to schools and the LGEA office was also carried out through collaboration with SUBEB, while the renovation of the Education Management Information System (EMIS) Centre and the provision of power generators have enhanced administrative efficiency.
Mr. Afolabi proudly recounted efforts made to ensure the welfare of LGEA staff and school pupils. A mini-clinic was established at the LGEA, while sickbays equipped with first aid kits and, in some cases, qualified nurses, were introduced in all 67 schools. Imota LCDA and Ikorodu Local Government played significant roles in supporting this healthcare initiative. He also highlighted the creation of functional libraries in four major schools and reading rooms in sixty-four others, along with strengthened security measures for public schools across the division.
The Education Secretary acknowledged the cultural and extracurricular enrichment embedded in the annual social calendar of the LGEA, including Ramadan lectures, Independence Day and Children’s Day celebrations, Christmas carols, and sporting competitions.
He cited the successful hosting of the LGEA Sports Festival and a mini-marathon event, which received sponsorship support from notable traditional rulers and community leaders. Agricultural education was also given a boost with the implementation of the Agriculture Education Training Programme (AETP) in 15 schools, focusing on crop cultivation, livestock, and animal husbandry—initiatives jointly backed by UBEC, SUBEB, and the LGEA.
Concluding his Democracy Day address, Mr. Afolabi expressed gratitude to all stakeholders who have supported his mission, including the Chairmen of Ikorodu Local Government and the five Local Council Development Areas, the elders of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and education-focused agencies at the state and federal levels.
While proud of the achievements so far, he affirmed that there remains more to be done and humbly expressed his desire to serve a second term, with a renewed vision to implement more impactful projects and programmes that will continue to transform the educational landscape in Ikorodu.
He called on Nigerians to stay hopeful, united, and committed to democratic ideals, stating that the path to a greater Nigeria lies in the combined efforts of dedicated leadership and active citizenry.
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