In a significant boost to education infrastructure, the Rotary Club of Agbara, District 9111, has reconstructed six classrooms and built a new head teacher's office at Salvation Army Primary School, Idoye, Igbesa, Ogun State. The project, which cost over N40 million, was commissioned recently as part of the club's commitment to enhancing learning environments.
Project Background and Impact
Speaking at the commissioning, President of Rotary Club of Agbara, Rotrarian Fati Odunayo Boluwaji, recalled the club's initial visit in October 2025 to donate desks and benches. During that visit, they discovered the school was in a dire state, with one classroom block completely roofless, overgrown with weeds and trees, and used as a dumping ground. The only usable block housed three classrooms for pupils from Primary One to Primary Six, creating a challenging learning environment.
Boluwaji explained that the club conducted a needs assessment and secured support from partners to execute the project. The reconstruction not only rehabilitated existing classrooms but also added a head teacher's office and an expanded block. He expressed optimism that the improved facilities would boost school enrollment. "We have created a conducive learning environment, supported education growth, and contributed to reducing potential insecurity in the community in the future," he said.
District Governor's Remarks
District Governor of Rotary International District 9111, Henry Akinyele, emphasized the broader impact of the project. "Some people may see this as just a structure, but Rotary looks beyond the building. We look at the impact of projects. It is not about today's celebration; it is about the children whose dreams have been brightened. We are confident that with these facilities, some of these children may one day become leaders and governors," he stated.
Akinyele recalled visiting the school in October and witnessing two classes being taught in one classroom. During rainfall, pupils had to return home because the classrooms leaked badly. He praised the Rotary Club of Agbara for exceeding expectations, transforming an abandoned, roofless structure into modern classrooms. He urged the community to maintain the facilities, stressing Rotary's commitment to sustainability.
Project Director and Community Response
Project Director, Paul Onabanjo, described the initial conditions as heartbreaking. "When we first came here, we could not believe children were learning in such conditions. The president promised that the school would be transformed before the end of the year, and today we can all see the result," he said.
The Baale of Idoye Community noted the project's lasting impact, stating, "It is with immense joy and deep gratitude that we witness the commissioning of two fully renovated blocks of six classrooms and a new head teacher's office. These renovated blocks are more than walls and roofs. They are a statement that our children deserve the best and that Idoye is ready for tomorrow."
Head Teacher's Appreciation
Expressing gratitude, Head Teacher of Salvation Army Primary School, Kukoyi Fadilat Mojirade, said, "After donating 50-seater benches and tables in October 2025, the Rotary Club has now gone further to provide this huge assistance. God Almighty will reward every member of the organisation. As beneficiaries, we pledge to take ownership of these facilities and ensure they are properly maintained for the benefit of present and future generations."
