Lagos State Government has commenced Governor Babajide SanwoOlu and his Deputy, Obafemi Hamzat’s second-term inauguration activities with a carnival-like youth robotic competition.
The carnival-like competition, which was held across the five divisions of the State, including Ikorodu, Badagry, Ikeja, Lagos Island and Epe, was part of the 11-day programme lined up ahead of SanwoOlu’s second term inauguration
The event, which took place at the JJT Park, Alausa, Ikeja; Badagry Grammar School, Badagry; Ikorodu Town Hall, Ikorodu; Muri Okunola Park, Victoria Island, and Epe Recreation Centre, Epe, saw Lagosians trooping out in thousands to celebrate SanwoOlu’s excellent performance, during his first term in office.
Governor SanwoOlu was represented in the five divisions by top government officials.
Speaking at the event, in Ikeja, the Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Folasade Adefisayo, said the Governor deserves a second term in office to enable ‘A Greater Lagos Rising’ agenda.
She said the robotic competition amongst students was part of the feats achieved in education during Governor SanwoOlu’s first term in office.
She urged Lagosians and residents in the state to expect more when the second term takes off on May 29.
On his part, Chairman of Somolu Local Government Area, Hon. Abdulhamid Salawu, commended Governor SanwoOlu for empowering the youths.
His words: “We can all see what Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu did during his first term, which is about to end and we are preparing for the inauguration of another term.
“The youths are happy with Governor Sanwo-Olu because they felt his impact during his first term and we believe he is going to do more for youths in his second term”.
Hon. Abdulhamid Salawu also urged the youth in Lagos to be focused on achieving their goals.
Some of the students, who took part in the competition at JJT Park Ikeja, used their robots to showcase Emergency Response Services on Hospital Incidents and Traffic related issues.
Speaking at the event held at Muri Okunola Park, Governor SanwoOlu, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Public Service Office, Mrs. Sunkanmi Oyegbola, said the event was meant to thank youths for their support during the last governorship poll.
She noted that the robotic display and competition will also encourage more youths to embrace artificial intelligence for development.
Mrs. Oyegbola advised the youths to shun violence and drug abuse and do things that would ensure the rising of Greater Lagos.
On her part, Chairman of Iru/Victoria Island Local Council Development Area, Princess Rashidat Adu, said Governor SanwoOlu’s administration had so far embarked on inclusive governance, especially on youth-related issues.
She noted that SanwoOlu’s inclusive governance had led to his re-election with his Deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat for a second term.
Commending the talents that were displayed at the robotic competition, she assured youths in the state that more beneficial programmes would be embarked upon by the government in the coming years.
At Ikorodu, the participants appealed to the government to include Robotics Science in the school curriculum to further develop their skills in technology.
The students expressed confidence that investments in the ecosystem will go a long way in building the science and technology space of the State and Nigeria as a whole.
A participant and student of the CMS Girls Senior Grammar School, Ikorodu, Miss Joe Halimat, said it’s now imperative for government to give priority to robotic studies in schools as much as Sports and Entertainment.
Halimat, whose school came second in the competition, noted that building a robot for traffic management has taught her perseverance and tolerance in life.
In her remarks, the Head of the Department, Co-curriculum for Science and Technology, Education District II, Mrs. Amaka Oto, advised students to brace up for technological advancement and acquire more knowledge inline with the THEMES agenda of the SanwoOlu-led administration.
Aside participating in the robotic competition, students from the six education districts of the State also thrilled the gathering with various displays, including dance, song rendition, amongst others.