In a historic gathering that celebrated progress and inspired fresh commitments, kakalistiq.com reports that Rep. Wale Raji, Member of the House of Representatives representing Epe Federal Constituency, assured the people of the Temu Community in Ikosi-Ejinrin LCDA that once they provide an unencumbered piece of land, a primary school would be established in the area.
The lawmaker made this declaration yesterday during the valedictory service of Temu Community Junior Secondary School students, where he was also honoured with an Outstanding Leadership Award for his significant role in transforming the community through education.
At the event were School Principal, Mrs Akinrinmade; Nazareth College Principal, Mr. Olusanya; Mrs. Mosunmola Adefuye, Chief of Staff to Ikosi-Ejinrin LCDA Chairman; Hon. Ibrahim Jaiyesimi (Gberefu), Market Leaders and Community Leaders.
Others are: Otunba Wale Olusesi, Mr. Hassan Bashir, Hon. Seriki Olabowale, and Mr. Kaka Babatunde – Senior Legislative Aides to Rep. Wale Raji on Works, General Administration, Political Affairs and Media and Youth Affairs.
Recounting the journey that led to the birth of the school in his address, Rep. Raji took the audience back to 2021, when during the compilation of education-based constituency projects, the Temu Youth Leader, Mr. Gberefu, lamented the absence of a public school in the community. Shocked by the revelation, Hon. Raji promptly asked the community to provide land. Once made available, the groundwork for the school began.
He gave special recognition to Mrs. Folasade Adefisayo, the former Lagos State Commissioner for Education, for her swift and unwavering support in securing approval for the school project. According to him, her responsiveness and dedication played a crucial role in the successful takeoff of the school in 2022.
Rep. Raji also recalled the dark days when Temu students and their parents endured extreme difficulties to access education: long treks, high transport costs, and daily struggles.
“Today, those days are behind us. The seed we planted has grown and is now bearing fruit,” he remarked.
He expressed excitement over the progress made and announced that a 12-classroom block project, complete with furniture, is already under construction and would be completed before the end of the next academic session in September. He extended heartfelt appreciation to the school’s principal and teachers for nurturing the students into academic achievers.
Reacting to the lingering need for a primary school in the area in an interview, Rep. Raji explained that efforts had been made to establish one, but a dispute over land ownership stalled the project.
“We were to establish a primary school here but the challenge has been the availability of land and I have already assured the community that once they can provide an unencumbered land, I will give them a primary school. We actually started the foundation of the primary school but due to a dispute over the ownership of the land, we had to relocate the school to another community in need,” he said.
The event was further enlivened by the heartwarming presence of Daniela and Ngam Onyx, two eloquent students who had gone viral for their debate performance. Their brilliance caught the attention of Hon. Dolapo Badru, Lagos State Caucus Leader in the House of Representatives, who gifted ₦50,000 each to the duo.
The occasion ended on a high note with the presentation of a commemorative frame containing the portraits of all graduating students to Rep. Raji, alongside his leadership award: a gesture of gratitude from the school community for his tireless efforts and visible impact.
See more photos from the event as shot by @Super_Dee:
