RHODA Youth Centre has once again reinforced its commitment to education, character development, and community empowerment by successfully hosting its Etiquette Education and Scholarship Programme across the entire Ikorodu Division of Lagos State.
The extensive programme spanned all six Local Government and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) within Ikorodu Division — Ikorodu LG, Ikorodu West, Ikorodu North, Igbogbo/Bayeku, Ijede, and Imota. A total of 68 public primary schools participated, with two less-privileged Primary One pupils selected from each school, bringing the total number of beneficiaries to 136 pupils across the division.
Scholarships from Primary 1 to Primary 6
Each selected pupil received a scholarship covering their education from Primary 1 to Primary 6, ensuring long-term academic support for children from disadvantaged backgrounds. To further enhance learning and confidence, RHODA Youth Centre provided two pairs of school uniforms, socks, five pencils, twelve exercise books, and school bags to each beneficiary.
Stakeholders Laud RHODA Youth Centre
The programme drew key dignitaries, including the Senior Special Assistant to the Lagos State Governor, Comrade Biliaminu Oba, who praised the Convener, Asiwaju Engr. Rotimi Erogbogbo, for his continued philanthropic efforts. Comrade Oba shared a personal testimony, revealing he was a RHODA Youth Centre beneficiary over ten years ago and credited the seminars organised by the Centre with shaping his leadership journey.
He urged the pupils to stay focused on their studies and encouraged parents and teachers to guide them diligently, highlighting that children are the leaders of tomorrow. He also advised the beneficiaries to cherish and give back to Ikorodu as they grow.
Also addressing the event, Mrs. Rabiu, representing the Education Secretary of Ikorodu Division, commended RHODA Youth Centre for its consistent support of the education sector. She noted that the Centre had recently conducted etiquette training for teachers, which positively impacts pupils’ morality, behaviour, and conduct in public spaces. She thanked the teachers for their dedication and praised the Centre for its unwavering investment in education.
Convener’s Address
In his remarks, Asiwaju Engr. Rotimi Erogbogbo acknowledged the Lagos State Government for its commitment to education and appreciated teachers for their dedication. He highlighted a growing concern over students’ lack of etiquette, which he noted negatively affects the community.
He explained that the etiquette education programme aims to address these behavioural challenges, while the scholarship scheme provides vital support to less-privileged pupils across the entire Ikorodu Division, not just Ikorodu LG. He reiterated that two Primary One pupils were selected from each public school, with scholarships covering their education through Primary 6.
Programme Expansion Across LCDAs
At Igbogbo/Bayeku LCDA, the Executive Vice Chairman, Bar. Ade Ayeni, representing the LCDA Chairman, commended RHODA Youth Centre for complementing government efforts in education. He emphasized that children are society’s heritage and that proper support and attire boost pupils’ confidence, ensuring they do not feel inferior to private school students. He also noted that many successful Nigerians, including himself and the LCDA Chairman, attended public schools and praised the Chairman for constructing the classroom block within 100 days.
At Ijede LCDA, the Executive Vice Chairman, representing Hon. Motunrayo Alogba, praised the LCDA Chairman and commended Asiwaju Engr. Rotimi Erogbogbo for his impactful charitable work. He highlighted that the scholarships would significantly transform the lives of the beneficiaries, all of whom are from less-privileged backgrounds.
Over 120 Pupils Supported, Teachers and Parents Empowered
In addition to supporting 139 pupils, teachers were empowered through classroom etiquette seminars, and parents of beneficiaries will also be supported through skills acquisition training and financial assistance.
The Executive Chairman of Ikorodu North LCDA, Mayor Ameen Olawale Apanishile, was the most prominent dignitary at the event, as other local governments were represented by delegates. His presence elevated the programme significantly, as he pledged ₦100,000 for parents of beneficiaries, distributed Christmas rice, and provided additional scholarships, further enhancing the impact of the initiative. The financial support will be disbursed in three stages to ensure sustainability and accountability.
A Model for Community Development
The Etiquette Education and Scholarship Programme by RHODA Youth Centre serves as a model for community-driven development, combining education, moral values, and social support. By reaching all six councils in Ikorodu Division and impacting 68 public primary schools, RHODA Youth Centre continues to nurture confident, disciplined, and empowered leaders who will shape the future of Ikorodu and beyond.
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