For students, teachers, and residents of Isawo and Olorunda communities in Ikorodu, Tuesday, April 8, 2026, was more than just another day of project commissioning – it was a day of emotion, gratitude, and renewed hope for the future.
In two separate but equally impactful ceremonies, Babajimi Benson commissioned modern blocks of classrooms at Isawo Junior High School in Ikorodu West LCDA and Gbaga Community Junior High School, Olorunda, in Ikorodu North LCDA.
Across both locations, what stood out was not just the buildings – but the stories, the people, and the lives already being touched.At Isawo Junior High School, the atmosphere carried a rare blend of celebration and emotion.
The commissioning of the six-classroom block coincided with the retirement of the school’s Principal, Mrs. Ladega Abiola Rukayat – a moment she described as deeply fulfilling. With visible joy, she expressed heartfelt appreciation for the intervention, noting that the project was a dream come true for the school and a fitting legacy to witness on her final day in service.
Representing Rep. Benson at the event, Mayor Deen Sanwoola, Director-General of the iCare Foundation, led the delegation that formally handed over the facility. In a powerful message delivered on behalf of the Host Chairman, Hon. Sulaimon Kazeem Olanrewaju FCA, FCTI, by the Secretary to the Local Government, Alhaja Ajibike Rukayat Salau, the importance of education was brought to life in vivid terms.
“Today, we are not just commissioning a building; we are opening a portal to the future,” she declared, emphasising that a child in a conducive classroom is a child set on the path to purpose and possibility.
She linked the intervention to the Renewed Hope vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, stressing that modern learning facilities are essential for preparing children to thrive in today’s world.
But perhaps the most touching moments came from the students themselves.The Head Girl, Miss Ogunbowale Azeezat, spoke with emotion as she thanked the lawmaker and offered prayers for his continued success.
Then came Master Okotie Prince, a JS2 student, whose words struck a chord across the gathering. While expressing gratitude, he made a heartfelt appeal for better roads in the community, explaining how impassable routes during the rainy season often prevent students from getting to school.His plea drew nods of understanding – reminding everyone that development is a continuous journey.
Community members, including representatives of Ola Inu Kan CDA, echoed their appreciation while also calling for further support, particularly in road infrastructure. In a show of gratitude, they presented a commemorative roll-up banner, while the Parents’ Forum gifted a framed token of appreciation.
The event also brought together key stakeholders including Alhaji Taiwo Odumbo, Executive Secretary of Ikorodu LGEA; Mr. Awokunle, Principal of Isawo Senior High School; Mr. Obasan Adedoyin, the pioneer Principal of the school; Princess Loveth Talabi, representing the Parents-Teachers Forum; leaders of various CDAs; and Ms. Oluwatoyin Aroyewun of Ikorodu Local Government Education Authority.
From Isawo, the impact train moved to Olorunda in Ikorodu North LCDA, where the commissioning at Gbaga Community Junior High School drew a massive crowd of leaders, residents, and stakeholders.
Here, the excitement was equally palpable.The six-classroom block, designed to serve several communities within the ward, was received as a long-awaited intervention that would reshape the learning experience for hundreds of students.
The event witnessed the presence of the Executive Chairman of Ikorodu North LCDA, Mayor Ola Ameen Apanishile, alongside his Vice, Hon. Matthew Adesanya, as well as councilors, supervisors, and traditional rulers.Among the traditional leaders present were High Chief Adeniyi Onabanjo, the Baale of Ayetoro, and High Chief Ayotunde Olubowale Phillips, the Baale of the host community, Ogunakin.
In her welcome address, the Supervisor for Education, Hon. Abimbola Adaramola, described the project as a symbol of progress and a clear investment in the future of the community’s children.She praised Rep. Benson’s dedication to education, noting that the new facility would not only improve learning conditions but also inspire better academic outcomes.
Speaking at the event, Mayor Apanishile expressed deep appreciation to the lawmaker, describing his interventions as impactful and far-reaching. He urged residents to continue supporting progressive leadership, while also outlining development plans across key sectors including education, healthcare, and youth empowerment.
The lawmaker was represented at this location by members of the iCare Foundation led by Mrs. Olabisi Odumbo, Leader of the Women Wing, while Ms. Oluwatoyin Aroyewun stood in for the Executive Secretary of Ikorodu LGEA, Alhaji Taiwo Odumbo.Community leaders also lent their voices.
The Chairman of Ikorodu North LCDA CDC, Prince Adeniran Ogunbanwo, called for continued support and prayers for Rep. Benson, while High Chief Ayotunde Olubowale Phillips offered heartfelt prayers for the lawmaker, commending his consistent impact in the lives of the people.In appreciation, the school committee presented a framed gift to honor the intervention.
Beyond the ceremonies, both projects share a common purpose.Each classroom block – fully equipped with staff rooms, electrical fittings, ceiling fans, modern furniture, and smart boards – represents more than infrastructure. They are spaces where dreams will be shaped, confidence built, and futures defined.
For the people of Isawo and Olorunda, these are not just buildings.They are symbols of attention, inclusion, and a reminder that their communities matter.And as the applause faded at both locations, one message remained clear: when education is strengthened, the future is secured.
