Sanwo-Olu’s CoS visits alma mater, donates exercise books

Tayo Ayinde, the Chief of Staff to the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Tuesday paid a courtesy visit to his alma mater, St Peters Anglican Primary School, Ikeja, to give back to the school that shaped his life.

Ayinde, who donated exercise books to the pupils of the School, commended the teachers for their tireless efforts and selfless dedication to their jobs and education.

Sanwo-Olu’s Chief of Staff said that the donation  was in commemoration of his 60th birthday anniversary, adding that it was to make positive impact in the life of the pupils.

He charged the pupils to take their education seriously and never to seek knowledge.

” Today, I am honoured to return to my alma mater, St. Peters’ Anglican Primary School, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos, to give back to the citadel that shaped my life.

“As I stand before the pupils and teachers of this great school, I am filled with joy and gratitude, remembering the dedicated teachers who taught me, guided me, and instilled in me the values of hard work, discipline, and integrity.

“These teachers saw potential in me when I didn’t see it myself and nurtured me to become the person I am today. I commend them for their tireless efforts and selfless dedication to education, which have had an immeasurable impact on my life. In commemoration of my 60th birthday anniversary, I am paying it forward by making a positive impact on your lives, the great pupils of St. Peters’ Anglican Primary School”, Ayinde added.

He continued “As I present these exercise books to you, I am reminded of the transformative power of education.

“By investing in your education, I am investing in your future and the future of our nation. These exercise books are not just gifts; they are tools to help you unlock your potential, explore your creativity, and achieve your dreams. They represent the opportunities I had, and I hope they will provide you with the same opportunities to succeed and exceed where I am. I urge my fellow past pupils to look back and make our alma mater proud again. Let us give back to the school that gave us so much. Let us pay it forward and create a ripple effect of kindness and generosity.

“This gesture is not going to be a one-off event; though it is a personal commitment I have made to support the pupils of this school. I hope to inspire others to do the same, creating a wave of giving and support that will benefit generations to come.

“Although, I would have loved to invite you all to join me in a thanksgiving service to mark this milestone, but schools were not in session. Hence, I decided to invest in your future instead”.

Sanwo-Olu’s Chief of Staff added “I hope these exercise books will inspire you to work hard, dream big, and achieve greatness, reminding you that someone believes in you and has invested in your success.

“Remember, education is the key to unlocking your potential. It is the foundation upon which you will build your future. I encourage you to take your education seriously, ask questions, seek knowledge, and never stop learning.

“Don’t be afraid to dream big, aim high, and work hard to achieve your goals. In addition, I want to emphasize the importance of perseverance and resilience. Life is full of challenges and obstacles, but with determination and hard work, you can overcome them. Don’t be discouraged by setbacks or failures; instead, learn from them and use them as opportunities for growth. Furthermore, I want to stress the value of community and giving back.

“As you achieve success, remember to give back to your community and support those who are less privileged. By doing so, you will create a positive impact on the world around you and leave a lasting legacy.

“I also want to remind you that education is not just about academics; it’s about character, values, and morals. It’s about becoming a good person, a responsible citizen, and a positive force in society. The former President of South Africa, Nelson Mandela once said, ‘Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world Let us use education to change the world, making it a better place for ourselves and future generations.

“Let us use these exercise books as a starting point, reminding us that we have the power to make a difference.As I end my speech, I want to leave you with a challenge: I challenge you to become the best version of yourself, to strive for excellence, and to make a positive impact on the world. I challenge you to become leaders, innovators, and game-changers. I also want to remind you that the future belongs to you, and it’s up to you to shape it.

“Don’t let anyone limit your potential or dictate your destiny. You have the power to create the life you want and make a difference in the world. As I draw the curtain, I want to express my gratitude to the headteacher, teachers, staff, and administrative assistants of St. Peters’ Anglican Primary School for their hard work and dedication to education. I am proud to be an alumnus of this great citadel of knowledge, and I will continue to support it in any way I can”.