The Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Adebo Edward Ogundoyin, on Tuesday celebrated his 39th birthday by commissioning and handing over a newly constructed secondary school to the Oyo State Government in Temidire Community, Ibarapa East Local Government Area.
The project was inaugurated on behalf of Governor Seyi Makinde by the Commissioner for Education, Olusegun Olayiwola, in the presence of top government officials, traditional rulers, community leaders, party faithful and residents.
Speaking at the event, Ogundoyin expressed gratitude to God for what he described as a historic milestone for Temidire and neighbouring villages.
He recalled that no fewer than 14 villages, with about 14 primary schools, previously had no secondary school to absorb graduating pupils. As a result, students were forced to travel long distances to Oloke in Abeokuta, Ogun State, or to Eruwa to continue their education , a situation he said imposed financial strain on parents, exposed children to safety risks and contributed to school dropouts.
“Today’s event is not just about commissioning structures; it is about fulfilling a promise, restoring hope and securing the future of our children. Promise made, promise kept,” the Speaker declared.
The newly built school consists of two blocks of three wellentilated classrooms each, bringing the total to six classrooms. Each block also contains staff offices and a Principal’s office to facilitate smooth academic administration.
A separate building housing two modern toilet facilities for staff and students was equally constructed to promote hygiene and sanitation. The classrooms have been fully furnished to provide a conducive teaching and learning environment
With the formal handover to the state government, the school is expected to commence academic activities in September with its first intake of students for the new session.
Describing the commissioning as a “double celebration” coinciding with his 39th birthday, Ogundoyin said there was no better way to mark the occasion than by investing in the future of the younger generation. He reiterated his commitment to grassroots development, revealing that another secondary school project at Ojonamo in Lanlate is nearing completion, while the Maya Town Hall project is at an advanced stage.
He also highlighted other projects executed across Ibarapa East, including a functional Primary Health Centre at Lagaye, a mosque at Oloro, completion of the Eruwa Youth Movement Secretariat, construction of a cold room for butchers, sinking of about 40 boreholes, facilitation of employment opportunities, students’ bursary awards and empowerment programmes for constituents.
The Speaker thanked the Temidire community for its cooperation and patience during the execution of the project and commended the contractors and artisans for delivering quality work in line with approved standards.
He urged parents, teachers and students to take ownership of the facility and safeguard it, stressing that education remains the most powerful tool for societal transformation and sustainable development.
