Press Releases

Free Books For Lagos State Public Schools From September

May 27, 2008 - Come September this year which signals the beginning of a new academic session in the country, the Lagos State Government will commence the provision of free books to pupils in all its public schools.

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola (SAN), who announced this Tuesday, said the programme was in line with his administration’s commitment to provide the opportunity for every child in the State to fully realize his or her potentials.

Fashola who spoke during a courtesy visit by and interactive session with members of the State’s Chapter of Children’s Parliament, said government’s action was also informed by the realization that Education remained the greatest weapon to fight poverty.

“The greatest weapon against poverty is Education. It is through education that you acquire skill. It is with your skill that you can get employed”, the Governor said adding that his administration was also planning to provide such other learning aids like computers.

Fashola, who said the commitment to looking after children of the state was total and unflinching, declared, “We see in you our future. You remind us of our past and you represent for us our future. We are doing it for ourselves because when we must have become old and infirm, you will look after us”.

The Governor noted that the only hope of having uninterrupted power, water supply, well serviced roads, adequate security, efficient and effective police and armed forces was through grooming a well educated and responsible new generation of leaders to take over from the old.

“We want the best for our State and country. We want the best that the country and state can produce to take charge of our resources”, the Governor said, adding that any other option would be disastrous for both the country and the State.

On the various programmes his administration has embarked upon for the benefit of Lagos State children since its inception, Fashola, who noted that children were variously challenged at birth and while growing up, said Government has put many programmes on ground to protect them.

“In the last 363 days this administration has risen up to those challenges. In the area of Security, we have endeavoured to put in place the best security apparatus through our police to protect life and property. Those who challenge the security of our society and our children are being made to face the law, not only through strengthening the police but also through the courts. Our fire services have been upgraded to respond effectively to emergencies while in the area of poverty alleviation, we have embarked on many projects to create jobs for and empower your parents to be able to take care of you”, the Governor said. He added that the introduction of the toll-free 767 emergency dial system was also meant to enhance security through effective information to the security agencies in times of emergency.

Other areas which his administration has addressed for the benefit of children of the state in the last one year, Fashola said, include Health where it has introduced a number of free programmes such as free Malaria treatment for children, HIV/AIDS awareness programmes and advocacy and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) among others.

The Governor commended the parliamentarians for a successful election through which the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker emerged without rancour.

“I am happy that the decision was accepted by all without going to the tribunal. That is the only way to sustain our democracy because when a decision is taken by the majority, the others must abide”.

Also commending this year’s winner of the Spelling Bee Competition, Master Osunbor Daniel, the Governor promised to sustain the competition and told the children, “Only your dream can limit you. Your dreams can come true; we will help you make them come true”.

The Governor later presented a copy of the Child’s Right Law of Lagos State and laptops to the members of the Parliament.

In her remarks earlier, the Speaker, Miss Deborah Adeboyejo commended the State Government for all the programmes put in place for the development of young people in the State noting that children could not be expected to be suddenly patriotic and responsible without being exposed to an environment conducive for development of such virtues.

Earlier in her introductory remarks, the Commissioner for Women Development and Poverty Alleviation Mrs. Orelope Ajoke Adefulire noted that the Children’s Parliament was inaugurated in 2003 by the Federal Government to ensure their participation in policy making adding that the inauguration has enabled the Parliament to lobby the National Assembly for the passage of the Law on the Right of the Child.