EPE, Lagos – It was a landmark day in Epe Federal Constituency on Thursday, August 21, 2025, as three newly built schools were commissioned across the division.
The projects, located in Oko-Abe (Epe LGA), Ilege (Lekki LCDA), and Owu-Ikosi (Ikosi-Ejinrin LCDA), each consist of 12 fully furnished classrooms, modern toilets, and essential amenities.
The initiative, facilitated by Rep. Wale Raji was celebrated as a bold investment in the future of children in the region. Residents and leaders hailed it as one of the most far-reaching educational interventions in recent years.
Representing the Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Hon. Jamiu Alli-Balogun described the projects as “monuments of hope.”
“These are not merely bricks and mortar,” Alli-Balogun said. “They are sanctuaries of learning, built to provide a safe and conducive environment where children can thrive. These classrooms are a promise—that the future of our young people truly matters.”
He urged teachers to use the facilities responsibly and called on students to embrace discipline and excellence.
“A building alone does not make a school. It is the spirit and knowledge within that counts,” he added.
Rep. Wale Raji, visibly elated, told the gathering that the projects were a demonstration of his philosophy of impact-driven representation.
“For too long, communities like Oko-Abe, Ilege, and Owu-Ikosi have been overlooked except during campaign seasons,” he said.
“But today, the story has changed. These schools are proof that we are committed to keeping our promises and ensuring that even the remotest communities are not left behind.”
He highlighted past interventions including solar-powered street lights, rural electrification projects, bridges to mitigate flooding, modern jetties, and roads.
In addition, he noted the establishment of vocational centres to empower youths with employable skills.
“When schools are opened, prison gates are closed,” Raji stressed, emphasizing the direct link between education and social stability.
At Ilege, he reminded residents of their long-standing demands for transformers, a solar-powered borehole, and road infrastructure, noting that his administration had delivered on all three.
At Owu-Ikosi, he reiterated that children’s education was a safeguard against future poverty and insecurity.
Parents, teachers, and students who spoke at the event expressed joy and relief. Mrs. Funke Adeyemi, a mother of four from Oko-Abe, said the new school would save children from travelling long distances to access quality education.
“Before now, our children had to trek miles daily, and many dropped out along the way. This is a blessing,” she said.
A teacher at Owu-Ikosi described the project as “a morale booster,” adding that the new facilities would encourage teachers to give their best.
Students also expressed optimism. “We now have good classrooms, clean toilets, and a safe place to learn,” said 13-year-old Abiodun Olalekan, a JSS2 student.
The event also enjoyed a strong turnout of royal fathers, including HRM Oba Taiwo Gbadamosi (Onito-Omu of Ito-Omu), HRM Oba Babatunde Asumo (Alayandelu of Odo-Ayandelu), HRM Oba Nelson Ogunlari (Olowu of Owu-Ikosi), HRM Oba Elias Omoloro (Olota of Ota-Ikosi), HRM Oba Nureni Alugbin (Oniladaba of Ladaba), and HRM Oba Adeleke Akibu (Onilepia of Lepia), alongside the Baales of Oko-Abe and Ilege.
They described the project as a turning point in the fight against illiteracy in the division and lauded Raji for his foresight.
“Education is the root of every development,” said Oba Ogunlari. “With this investment, our children have a brighter future.”
Among the dignitaries present were Lagos APC GAC Member, Alhaji Akanni Seriki Bamu (represented by Hon. Ahmed Seriki), Rep. Bayo Balogun, Hon. Adebola Shabi, Alhaja Azeezat Raji, Princess Surah Animashaun (represented by Hon. Sikiru Owolomoshe), Otunba Wale Anomo, Engr. Rasaki Bamidele Kasali, Hon. Ismail Akinloye, and Dr. Idowu Oyetola.
In his closing remarks, Deputy Governor Hamzat commended Rep. Raji’s commitment to education.
“This is representation at its finest. Indeed, you have done excellently well, my brother. I am optimistic that with projects like these, the future is bright for our students and for Lagos State,” he declared.
As the schools open their doors, stakeholders agree that the project has set a new standard for grassroots development in Lagos, giving hope that other communities across the state will soon enjoy similar transformations.
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