… Calls for Increased Support for Lagos’ Educational Sector
The First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. (Mrs.) Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu has praised the efforts of Seun Akapo, founder of the Top Scholars Education Empowerment Initiative, for his commitment to supporting over 100 outstanding students from various secondary schools with educational resources aimed at enhancing their academic pursuits.
Dr. Sanwo-Olu gave the commendation recently at an event organised by the Seun Akapo Foundation to recognize outstanding students from secondary schools within Ikoyi and its surrounding areas, held at Government College, Osborne, Ikoyi.
Representing Dr. Sanwo-Olu at the event, Mrs. Omoleye Alake, a member of the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO), highlighted that Mr. Oluwaseun Akapo’s initiative will not only benefit students, academically but also help mentor them in the value of giving back to society, thereby empowering the next generation to overcome challenges and achieve success.
Dr. Sanwo-Olu emphasised that building a capable society and nurturing youth development are more achievable when stakeholders collaborate to support the government’s efforts in advancing the educational sector.
She noted that Mr. Akapo, through his foundation, has made significant contributions not only to the students’ academic pursuits but also to improving learning outcomes – an initiative which aligned with Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu’s commitment to transforming the educational sector through the THEMES Plus Agenda.
“Our aim is to prepare our children to be exemplary ambassadors for themselves and the state by equipping them with the skills needed to succeed in future job markets. As stakeholders, we should help them discover their strengths and acquire the competencies to thrive on a global scale,” she stated.
The First Lady congratulated the students and encouraged them to strive for academic excellence, maintain a positive attitude, dream big, and envision a productive future for themselves and society.
She also acknowledged Mr. Akapo’s various interventions and empowerment programmes, especially his dedication to supporting the vulnerable and underserved communities.
The First Lady reaffirmed the Lagos State Government’s commitment to building a sustainable educational system that not only promotes academic achievement but also prepares youth to become self-reliant and skilled for the labour market.
In his welcome remarks, Mr. Oluwaseun Akapo commended Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu’s administration for its substantial investment in transforming Lagos into the “Centre of Excellence,” especially through improvements in the educational sector aimed at supporting young people in becoming exemplary leaders.
Mr. Akapo expressed his unwavering commitment to positively impact society, noting that he has started this journey in his immediate community of Ikoyi-Obalende by supporting vulnerable residents.
He described the Top Scholars Initiative as one of his primary projects dedicated to rewarding youth excellence and promoting career development.
He emphasised that empowering the younger generation is essential for driving significant change in the state and the nation, sharing his agenda for future projects that would bring relief and progress to society and pledging his continued support for government initiatives.
Mr. Akapo also expressed his gratitude to all teachers in Ikoyi-Obalende and across Lagos State for their dedication and commitment, which consistently places Lagos among the top-performing states in terms of educational quality and delivery.
