The Head of the Department, Social Mobilization, Local Government Educational Board, Lagos Mainland, Mrs. Oke Abimbola Omolola, has lauded the Lagos State government’s initiative, Project Zero, which is part of a larger effort by the Lagos State government to ensure every child has access to quality education.
In an exclusive interview with Edugist, Mrs. Oke shed light on the remarkable progress made by Project Zero in tackling the issue of out-of-school children and other initiatives operating under the umbrella of the Lagos State government.
“We have been tirelessly working to raise awareness and encourage parents to prioritize their children’s education,” Mrs. Omolola emphasized. “Our mission is clear: to ensure that no child is left behind in Lagos State. Through Project Zero, we are taking decisive steps to bring every child into the fold of education.”
Speaking on community engagement and capacity development, she maintained that seminars and mentoring have helped to improve community participation in the importance of education.
According to her, Project Zero’s approach is multifaceted, targeting children who are not enrolled in school, particularly those working on the streets. Through strategic outreach and intervention efforts, the initiative has successfully enrolled 320 children who were previously out of school, marking a significant milestone in increasing enrollment rates across the state.
She mentioned that the 3rd phase of the project is in view with the Lagos government challenging educators to do more.
“Our success hinges on collaboration and community engagement,” Mrs. Oke stated. “We work closely with parents, educators, and stakeholders to emphasize the transformative power of education.”
In addition to enrollment drives, Project Zero places a strong emphasis on capacity building. The initiative conducts seminars for parents, mothers, and educators, equipping them with the necessary skills and knowledge to support their children’s education effectively. Moreover, mentoring programs have been established to empower both parents and project officials.
A notable aspect of Project Zero is its commitment to amplifying the voices of children. Through dedicated programs in schools, children are given a platform to voice their concerns and participate in decision-making processes.
Speaking of other initiatives, she mentioned the children’s parliament, a room for children in primary schools to discuss issues affecting them.
She also added that Eko Excel is an integrated tool that helps to maximize learning and teaching.
Mrs. Oke underscored the importance of listening to the challenges faced by children and taking proactive measures to address them.
“Education is the key to unlocking a brighter future for our children and our society,” she affirmed. “With the unwavering support of the Lagos State government and the dedication of our team, Project Zero will continue to pave the way for educational equity and excellence in Lagos State.”
