Speeches

Commissioning Of Science Laboratories And Award Ceremony Donated And Organised By Fountain Of Life Church For Ilupeju Senior Grammar School And Estate Senior Grammar School

Feb 6, 2009 - I was indeed impressed when I received the invitation informing me about this commendable initiative of the Fountain of Life Church that is meant to touch the lives of students of some public secondary schools located in Ilupeju through the provision of multi-disciplinary science laboratories among others. I congratulate the students of both Ilupeju Senior Grammar School and Estate Senior Grammar School, the two beneficiaries of the complementary efforts of the Church.

This to my mind is a practical way of “preaching” the gospel of love and good neighbourliness as expected and enjoined in the christian Holy Book - the Bible. For me, it is also a way of demonstrating your sense of corporate social responsibility. From the information I got, these projects about to be commissioned was started in the lifetime of that amiable, charismatic and articulate Minister of God, Pastor (Mrs.) Bimbo Odukoya of blessed memory way back in 2004.

Let me seize this opportunity to once again acknowledge and appreciate the understanding of all the leaders of the major religions in the State, Christianity and Islam who have been very supportive of our administration’s efforts to positively transform the physical environment and the inner attitudinal mindset of our people for the better.

It is equally gratifying to note that in addition to the facility being provided, the Church has even gone further to recognize and encourage the workforce, that is, the personnel that would use these facilities for the benefit of imparting knowledge to the students of these schools. Notwithstanding the structure and facilities put in place, the key elements that would make the realization of any policy initiative a success is the workforce, the personnel, in this case the teachers. To a large extent, the success would depend on them.

The scholarship awards for former students of these schools in tertiary institutions is quite significant and a definitive statement to the younger generations of the school that if they remain focused and excel in their studies, the reward of scholarship awaits them also as a form of encouragement. By these generous acts, the Fountain of Life church is being a worthy partner-in-progress with our administration in improving the educational sector. I thank you most sincerely.

Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, education is critical to development in all sectors of the economy and it must engage the interest of all stakeholders including government, the parents, the teachers and the students. Government realizes that exposure to science education is a key factor that will engender socio-economic growth and development in this 21st century. So far, more than 30 Senior Secondary Schools have been supplied and equipped with modern science equipment and laboratories including these very schools, Ilupeju Senior Grammar School and Estate Senior Grammar School. Today’s commissioning of the state-of-the-art laboratories then is a welcome addition to what government has been providing.

There has also been an increase in the number of science teachers recruited into our schools to ensure adequate workforce to teach the science subjects in our schools. Countries such as the Asian Tigers and Western nations that developed their economies did so through a conscious planning to develop science and technology. In every sector of the economy, education, agriculture, tourism, governance, sciences are most relevant, and the conscious planning must start in our schools.

To all these teachers who have put in their best and have qualified for today’s Merit Award, I say congratulations! Do not rest on your oars, but you must continue to exhibit those qualities that earned you this award. You are now models to other teachers and you deserve to be celebrated. For those on the waiting lines for the award, tomorrow is another day. As you work harder, your service would definitely be rewarded.

I also congratulate the students who have won the scholarship awards on your successful nomination. I hope you would justify the awards by being more focused in your studies and ensuring you continue to excel in your academic career. As I said last week during the BRF scholarships award ceremony by Intercontinental Bank, you are our ambassadors, the future belongs to you. We are giving you the tools to actualize your dreams, use them well.

Once again, I commend the Foundation of Life Church, especially our Pastor, Pastor Taiwo Odukoya for these initiatives. I know that the students and the schools that you have influenced positively by this gesture would not forget you in a hurry. This government would not forget you in a hurry and I pray that God will reward you and continue to bless your Ministry.

It is my pleasure therefore, distinguished ladies and gentlemen, great staff and students of Ilupeju Senior Grammar School and Estate Grammar School to commission these Science Laboratories to the glory of God; for the benefits of our students and staff and towards the development of education in Lagos State.

I thank you for listening and God bless.

Eko o ni baje o!

Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN)
Governor of Lagos State