UPDATED: ROTARY CLUB COMMISSIONS RENOVATED CLASSROOMS FOR SPECIAL NEEDS STUDENTS IN IKORODU
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By Oduola F.A.
The Rotary Club of Ikorodu Golden, District 9112, on Friday, May 9, 2025, commissioned a newly renovated block of seven classrooms at LG Primary School, Ipakodo, Ikorodu, Lagos State. The classrooms, designated for special needs students, were renovated as part of the club’s ongoing commitment to education and inclusive development.
The commissioning ceremony was led by the District Governor of Rotary International District 9112, Rotarian Olufemi Adenekan, alongside the President of Rotary Club Ikorodu Golden for the 2024/25 year, Rotarian Captain Abolanle Balogun. The event attracted several members of the club, community stakeholders, school staff, traditional leaders, and representatives of the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB).
In his remarks, DG Adenekan commended the Rotary Club of Ikorodu Golden for exemplifying Rotary’s mission of service through impactful community-based initiatives. “The Rotary Club of Ikorodu Golden has done what is expected of every Rotary club—identifying real needs in the community and addressing them sustainably,” he said.
He emphasized that the renovated classrooms were more than structures, describing them as “lifelines that will aid the children’s learning journey.”
He further encouraged the school management and the special education board to maintain the newly upgraded facilities and ensure the regular use of donated learning aids, stressing that such investments are meant to transform lives over the long term. “We are investing in the future of these children. It’s our responsibility to give them a chance to thrive, no matter their circumstances,” he added.
In addition to the unveiling of the classrooms, the Rotary Club donated essential learning materials tailored to support the educational needs of the pupils, especially those with visual impairments and other learning challenges.
Rotarian Balogun, the club president, described the classroom renovation as the club’s “Star Project” for the Rotary year, inspired by a needs assessment that revealed the dire state of learning conditions for special needs pupils. “It pained us to see children learning in such poor conditions. Every student deserves a safe and stimulating space to learn,” he said.
Despite early challenges in mobilizing resources, Balogun noted that the project became a reality through the collective effort of club members, support from local mentors, and the District Grant system. “This project is a testament to the power of teamwork, commitment, and service above self,” he remarked.
Also present at the event was the traditional ruler of Ipakodo, His Royal Highness the Baale, who praised the Rotary Club for its unwavering support to the community. He described the project as a significant milestone in promoting inclusive education and called on other community-based organizations to emulate such gestures.
This initiative aligns with one of Rotary International’s Seven Areas of Focus—Basic Education and Literacy, which guides clubs globally in executing sustainable service projects. The other six areas include Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention, Disease Prevention and Treatment, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene, Maternal and Child Health, Community Economic Development, and Supporting the Environment.
A major highlight of the event was the induction of three new Rotarians into the Rotary Club of Ikorodu Golden. District Governor Adenekan presided over the ceremony, encouraging the new members to uphold the values of Rotary and dedicate themselves to service. “We are not a secret society,” he noted, “We are a group of responsible, transparent individuals committed to changing lives.”
As part of the appreciation activities, students of LG Primary School entertained the guests with a vibrant cultural performance, showcasing their gratitude to the Rotary Club. The team also visited the classrooms, where they were warmly received by enthusiastic students and dedicated teachers.
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