The Chairman of Abeokuta North Local Government, Hon. Lanre Oyegbola Sodipo, has commissioned a newly built library at Baptist Primary School, Ita Iyalode in the local government, reaffirming Ogun State’s reputation as the education capital of Nigeria.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony in Abeokuta on Friday ,Hon. Lanre emphasized that education goes beyond classroom learning and requires supportive learning environments for students to thrive.
“It is beyond being in the classroom. Students need a place where they can come for self-reading and self-tutoring. That is what this library represents,” he said.
He explained that the local government will not adopt a one-size-fits-all approach to school development but will instead assess the specific needs of each school.
“We are not going to have a library in every school. We will look at the needs of every school. Recently, we refurbished and renovated a school in Ilewo -Orile that was in a very bad state, and we also provided benches and desks for eleven schools".
Hon. Sodipo revealed that the library project was completed without using public funds, crediting partnerships with international organizations, alumni groups, and civil society.
“What is unique about this project is that no kobo of public funds was used. We leveraged our networks, international collaborations, NGOs, and alumni associations to deliver this high-quality facility,” he noted.
He described the initiative as a “triple-play partnership” involving government, civil society, and alumni, adding that the facility will be accessible to students beyond the host school.
“This library is not restricted to students of this school alone. Other students can come and use the facility, while the government will ensure proper maintenance,” he assured.
The chairman also announced upcoming major initiatives, including a CNG and e-mobility transport scheme, a 3% interest credit loan scheme for traders and market women.
“We are exploring global networks to bring tangible benefits to our people. Very soon, we will launch our transport scheme and a credit program for traders at a 3% interest rate,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of the alumni partners, Moruf Adenekan, President of the Association of Mass Communication Students (AMACOS), Ogun State Polytechnic Class of 1994–1999, said the project was designed as a legacy initiative to support education and community growth.
“We believe in the mantra ‘We Are Better Together.’ One of our members is the Chairman of Abeokuta North, and we decided to support a meaningful education project in his local government,”he said.
He disclosed that AMACOS plans to sponsor secondary school admission forms for indigent primary school pupils and provide WAEC and JAMB tutorial programs across Abeokuta North and South.
“So far, we have secured about 35 forms for indigent pupils, and we are also launching WAEC and JAMB tutorial programs from March to mid-May,” he said.
