Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State says his administration helped 11,957 out-of-school children return to their studies through its Project Zero Programme.

Mr Sanwo-Olu, represented by his deputy, Obafemi Hamzat, made this known during the Children’s Day celebration parade and rally held at Police College, Ikeja.

Recounting some of the efforts made to ensure children’s attendance at school, he stated that nine new schools had been added in busy and remote areas, and these new schools now had 4,588 students, 2,310 girls and 2,278 boys.

“We have also improved many existing schools, completing over 1,500 projects that include building, renovating, and providing new furniture,” he said.

The governor said public schools are now secured with fences, CCTV cameras, and other safety measures, noting that it was working closely with security agencies to keep students safe.

“For our older students, we have hired over 2,000 new teachers in subjects like STEM, History, Yoruba, French, and Geography since May 2023,” he said.

Mr Sanwo-Olu disclosed that the new Digital Situation Room had also been established to monitor school performance and ensure smooth operation.

The governor charged children to continue to dream big, strive for goals and surpass imagination, assuring them that his administration would continue to advocate the mantra, “No Child Is Left Behind”.

He stressed that the state government was fully committed to providing the children with the environment, skills, opportunities and security to achieve their dreams.

The governor explained that the yearly celebration rededicated the government’s responsibilities to the children by preparing them for the challenges of the future in an ever-changing and increasingly competitive world.

He stressed that the 2024 theme, “Advocate for Children: Policies & Actions that Protect and Support Children’s Well-being,” encouraged all to speak up, take action, and always stay safe, happy, and thriving.

Earlier, Jamiu Alli-Balogun, Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, implored the children to sustain excellence in their academic and co-curricular activities, describing them as the state and nation’s future.

Mr Alli-Balogun applauded the Sanwo-Olu-led administration for its commitment to the education sector and acknowledged the role of teachers in mentoring the children.

(NAN)