IA-Foundation has sought the partnership of the newly elected Lagos State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Honorable Jamiu Alli-Balogun in addressing challenges in providing basic education.
Mr. Diran Famakinwa, the foundation’s Vice Chairman, and Mr. Deji Ishmael, the Chairman of Board Strategic Communications, alongside Program Support Officer Miss Opeyemi Grace Adedara, expressed this intention during a recent visit to the Honorable Commissioner in his Lagos office.
The Vice Chairman took the opportunity to introduce IA-Foundation, shedding light on its mission, vision, and noteworthy accomplishments over the past five years.
The Commissioner lauded the Foundation for its commendable efforts in reducing the number of out-of-school children in Lagos State and Nigeria at large. Expressing gratitude, he urged IA-Foundation to intensify its focus on Lagos State, emphasizing the state’s unique status as “a country in a country” with a substantial population and a significant number of out-of-school children.
Recognizing the diversity of challenges faced by children who may not be inclined to pursue formal education, Honorable Jamiu Alli-Balogun encouraged the Foundation to invest more in Skill Acquisition Programs. This, he believed, would empower children to take charge of their lives and contribute meaningfully to society.
In a promising development, the Commissioner pledged to collaborate with IA-Foundation in promoting Skill Acquisition Programs across the state. He expressed his commitment to working hand in hand with the Foundation to ensure no child is left on the streets without access to education or skill development opportunities.
The IA-Foundation team expressed their appreciation for the Commissioner’s encouragement and his expressed interest in partnership.
Mr. Ishmael, assured the Commissioner that the details of their discussions would be communicated to the Foundation’s board.
As a tangible step towards fostering continued engagement, an invitation letter for the Foundation’s 5th Fundraising and Charity Ball for out-of-school children was presented to the Commissioner. In a show of support and commitment, Honorable Jamiu Alli-Balogun graciously accepted the invitation, promising his attendance at the event.
This visit marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing efforts to enhance educational opportunities and address the challenges faced by out-of-school children. The collaboration between IA-Foundation and the Lagos State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education reflects a shared commitment to building a brighter future for the youth, ensuring that no child is left behind in the pursuit of education and skills that empower them for life.
