Sanwo-Olu celebrates Children’s Day with Lagos schools
By Adeola Ogunrinde
Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, celebrated this year’s Children’s Day at the Police College Ground in Ikeja, with representatives from 5,662 schools across Lagos State in attendance. The governor used the occasion to reaffirm his administration’s unwavering commitment to the well-being and future of Lagos children, echoing the celebration’s theme: “Children: Our Future and Our Responsibility.”
In his keynote address, delivered by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Barrister Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin, Governor Sanwo-Olu emphasised the critical role children play in shaping the destiny of Lagos State and Nigeria at large. He noted that the annual Children’s Day celebration, first observed in Nigeria in 1964, stands as a testament to the nation’s intentional commitment to child welfare.
“This administration reaffirms its commitment to nurturing and protecting children, recognising them as our greatest assets,” Governor Sanwo-Olu stated.
The governor highlighted strides made by his administration in improving education, healthcare, and the general well-being of children in Lagos. These include the provision of modern classrooms, digital learning tools, the establishment of new schools, and robust teacher training programmes to ensure that every child has access to world-class education.
He also spoke on strengthened child protection laws and systems aimed at safeguarding children from abuse, exploitation, and neglect. Other notable initiatives include free education from early childhood to senior secondary level, school feeding programmes, upgraded school infrastructure, improved healthcare services, implementation and enforcement of child protection policies, and the operation of vocational and skill acquisition programmes to promote entrepreneurship.
Focusing on education, Governor Sanwo-Olu announced the administration’s investment in the payment of external examination fees, including the registration of 56,143 students for the ongoing 2025 WASSCE. He also unveiled the “Eko Learners’ Support Initiative,” a programme designed to enhance academic performance among senior secondary school students through 320 lessons across 10 subjects, broadcast on Lagos Television (LTV) and online platforms.
The governor further noted the institutionalisation of youth empowerment initiatives such as the Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy, which fosters civic service, innovation, and leadership skills among young adults.
Despite these achievements, Governor Sanwo-Olu emphasised that the responsibility for nurturing children lies not only with the government but also with parents, teachers, community leaders, and every member of society.
