……As 5,000 Pupils Get Free Bags, Books And Meal Boxes In 2nd Edition Of “Back 2 School, Back 2 Pocket”
Emmanuel Clement.
Odi Olowo-Ojuwoye— The Executive Chairman of Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye LCDA, Dr. Seyi Jakande, on Thursday reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to grassroots development as he flagged off the second edition of the “Back 2 School, Back 2 Pocket” initiative, distributing free educational materials to about 5,000 pupils across 28 public primary schools in the LCDA. 
The distribution exercise held at the Tinubu Multipurpose Hall was marked by cheers from pupils, parents and teachers who described the intervention as timely, especially with the rising cost of school materials ahead of the new academic session.
In a move that drew loud applause, the event featured a sign language instructor to ensure pupils with special needs were fully carried along throughout the program — a reflection of the council’s inclusive approach to governance.
Speaking at the event,Dr. Jakande in his address stated that the initiative was designed to lessen financial pressure on parents while preparing pupils for academic success
“Education remains one of the most crucial investments any society can make. When we educate our children, we are cultivating responsible citizens, future leaders, and productive members of our community and nation,” he said.
The Chairman noted that the start of a new session often creates significant financial burden for families, especially those with several children.
“It is against this backdrop that our administration is providing essential educational materials to pupils across the 27 public primary schools in Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye LCDA, including our special needs school.”
Dr. Jakande explained that the distributed items — school bags, books, writing materials, and meal boxes are practical tools to support learning and ease parents’ burden.
He added that each bag also contains a meal box to complement the council’s ‘Jako Jollof’ initiative, under which pupils in public primary schools receive free nutritious meals every Friday.
“This program is part of our broader commitment to human capital development under the HEWA Agenda— Health and Environmental Sustainability, Education and Empowerment, Works and Security, and Agriculture, Tourism, and Culture,” he said.
The Chairman went further to list other education investments by the council such as the graduation of over 400 youths from ICT and skill acquisition programs,free GCE forms for indigent students,free mock exams,and the sustenance of free school transportation. 
“To whom much is given, much is expected,” Dr. Jakande charged the pupils.
“Study diligently. Listen to your teachers. Don’t let your background limit your ambitions. Your future is in your hands.”
He urged parents, teachers and stakeholders to partner with government to ensure sustainable educational progress.
“Our vision is an Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye where no child is left behind, parents are supported, teachers are valued, and every child has the opportunity to succeed.”
Investigator news reports that the excitement in the hall was palpable as beneficiaries received their supplies.
Speaking with newsmen, Hon. Abayomi Oluwatoyin Macaulay, Supervisor for Education and Library Services, said the idea behind the program is to support parents during resumption.
“We have 28 schools, including the special school.We did it last year, and today we are doing it again. By God’s grace, next year we will repeat it and it will be better,” he said.
“My advice to parents is to take this as one of the best things from the Chairman. To pupils,utilize these bags well, be sincere in your studies, be patient and be loving.
Hon. Aremu Yusuf Ademola Olokodana, Education Secretary, Mushin LGEA,described the initiative as “awesome.”
“In my sojourn in education, I have seen many students drop out for lack of books. This will assist those students. For today, Community and Ilupeju schools brought 25 pupils each, while other schools brought 10 each. After this, we will still go to schools to distribute to others,” he said.
He admonished parents not to sell the materials.
“Some parents sell what is given to their children. Pupils should utilize these things well and not allow them to be stolen.”
While answering questions from Journalists,Dr. Jakande opined that the exercise was also to sensitize the community that government has made provisions ahead of resumption.
“We are doing this ahead of school resumption so parents will not spend unnecessarily. We have representatives from all schools here. The message is clear,every child in our 28 primary schools plus special needs school will benefit,” he said.
He added that sustaining free transportation, free feeding and free materials will go a long way in mitigating economic hardship.
“We believe these provisions will encourage students to perform at their utmost best and get excellent value in all their subjects.”
Some of the beneficiaries who spoke to newsmen express gratitude to God almighty for iving Dr Seyi the grace to do more.
Master Gabriel Ogunibi of Ilepeju Primary School and Anastasia Okunola on behalf of other pupils thanked the Chairman for the gesture.
“We are very happy for the bags and books you gave us. Thank you sir. We also want to thank you because every Friday we receive Jako Jollof in our school. The food is sweet and it helps us to learn well,” they said amid cheers from fellow pupils.
Investigator news gathered that the event had in attendance Vice Chairman Elder Awodogan Gbeminiyi, Council Manager Ms. Mojisola Ogabi, Chief of Staff Mr. Taiwo Ogungbe, Legislative Leader Hon. Lekan Adeyi, SBMC Chairman Hon. Mustapha Olaniyan, members of the Executive and Legislative arms, PMA, SSAs/SAs, and APC Party Chairman Hon. Ismail Babatunde with stalwarts including Mr. Rasheed Bankole and Mr. Femi Oladehinde.
With cheers and songs, pupils left the hall clutching their new bags — a clear sign that in Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye LCDA, education remains beyond politics
