The Lagos State House of Assembly has donated N5 million to a pupil, Aminat Alege, mistakenly hit in the eye by a teargas canister fired by a policeman on February 9.

The Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, presented the cheque to the victim’s parents in Lagos on Friday, which was also in celebration of Mr Obasa’s birthday on November 11.

Mr Obasa said the money was contributed by the members of the Lagos Assembly, as part of efforts to help the victim’s family mitigate the educational challenge she might have faced since the incident.

The speaker said he had been disturbed since the incident happened to the pupil of Adams Yakubu Memorial School, Agege in Lagos state.

Mr Obasa said the lawmakers decided to assist after watching Miss Alege’s parents appeal for assistance from the public.

He said, “There was a programme where the parents cried out for assistance. So we at the Lagos State House of Assembly have contributed N5 million. We have also offered a scholarship for the young lady so that she can continue her education.’’

The speaker also gifted brilliant pupils from across the 20 local government areas of Lagos State and students in the six districts of the state with cash.

At the event, held at the Oyewole Primary School, Agege, Mr Obasa said he loved celebrating his birthday with schoolchildren to motivate them and make them serious with their studies.

The speaker urged the students to develop the confidence and dream that they would become great in future, adding that ‘This was my school. As a child, I never thought that I would be where I am today. You must be hard-working. It does not matter the name of your school, what matters is your ability and how much you can put into your study. So start reading now. I was in class three when I finished preparing the processes for WAEC exams. I can display my result and how I passed at a sitting. You don’t have to feel oppressed because you are not in a private school. That is why we are always here to encourage you and make you see that you’re truly our future. You can be better than us but you must make sure you are serious with your education. I want a situation where in the future, you will remember today and also find yourself in positions to inspire others.”

Speaking, Tutor-General, Oladele Adekanye, commended the speaker for always uplifting education in the state.

Mr Adekanye promised that the students would continue to make the state proud.

Speaking on behalf of the students, Obaloluwa Akilla, described the speaker as a pride to the people of Agege because of the massive infrastructural development he attracted to the area.

(NAN)