..it represents hope, symbolises brighter future- Aiyedatiwa

The Rotary Club of Akure has commissioned a block of six classrooms at Imafon Community High School in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State.

The commissioning which took place on Monday, 30th June 2025 was  part of the club’s social responsibility efforts, with support from the Rotary Foundation, DG2464799.

While commissioning the facility, the Governor of Rotary District 9126, Rotarian Kayode Olowolagba, expressed satisfaction with the standard of the structure and commended the Rotary Club of Akure for taking such a bold initiative.

He congratulated the Imafon community for being selected for the project, noting that the development would undoubtedly inspire students to perform better in their studies.

According to him, the gesture stemmed from the desire to ensure that every child, regardless of geographical location, has access to quality education in a conducive environment.

Earlier, in his welcome address, the initiator of the project and Past President of Rotary Club of Akure (2011), Rotarian Deji Akinwalere, described the project as a testament to the transformative power of collective action and a celebration of vision.

Reflecting on the community’s history, he recounted the long-standing educational challenges faced by children in Imafon due to the lack of a proper learning structure—an issue that had persisted for decades and prompted the Club to take action.

“Governor Adekunle Ajasin’s 1979 promise to establish a school here was truncated by military rule, and for 26 years, no government revived that dream. “Rotary saw the gap. We saw the danger of denying hundreds of children education—children whose potential could uplift or, if neglected, destabilise our society. We saw an opportunity to serve.
“With about twelve million naira raised from compassionate friends and well-wishers during my investiture as president, we built a block of six classrooms with a library, laboratory, staff rooms, and toilets. We provided two boreholes—one for the community and the other for the school,” he stated.

The Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, who was represented by the Administrative Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Dr. Ige Akintade, lauded the initiative.

He affirmed that the Rotary Club of Akure has consistently aligned with its global body in delivering impactful community services in the state.

“This project we are commissioning today is not just a building; it symbolises hope for a brighter future for our children and reflects the premium Rotary Club of Akure places on education.
“As a government, we are proud to identify with the wonderful work being done by your esteemed club in Ondo State, as it resonates with our administration’s policy of making education accessible to every child.
“The classrooms we are unveiling today will, no doubt, provide an environment conducive to learning, where our children can thrive academically and socially,” the governor affirmed.

Also speaking, the Past District Secretary, Dr. Dayo Omotoyinbo, said the project embodies the core values of the club in its mission to impact society, particularly vulnerable groups.

He appealed to the management of the school to ensure the maintenance of the structure and facilities, noting that such commitment would encourage the club to extend further gestures to the school.

The immediate past President, Rotarian Idiat Olamide Ibrahim, in her speech, recounted how the club applied for a district grant to complete the project during the 2023/2024 Rotary year. According to her, a sum of ₦4,220,000 was approved to support the initiative. She expressed gratitude to God for the successful completion of the project and appreciated the initiator, Past President Deji Akinwalere, as well as all past presidents who contributed to its progress.

She also appreciated the immediate past District Governor, Rotarian Sagab Ahmed, for approving the grant and helping to realize the club’s long-standing dream.

The District Governor-elect, Rotarian Funkeakpo Batife, also appealed to the state government to provide additional developmental support for the school to meet other pressing needs.

He advocated the formation of a community-based club to fast-track development through collective efforts.

The Olumafon of Imafon, Oba Adegbehinde, who was represented by Chief Sunday Okuchukwu, thanked the Rotary Club of Akure for the kind gesture and prayed for continued strength and support for the club in its selfless service to society.

The school’s principal, Mrs. Eniola Oyedokun, expressed delight in witnessing such a development during her tenure.

She noted that the facility would significantly enhance students’ academic performance, compared to when they learned in an unconducive environment.

She assured the club of the school authority’s commitment to maintaining the structure and its facilities.

The Chairman of the Parents-Teachers Association (PTA), represented by the Vice-Chairman, Mrs. Abooluwa Alade, described the project as a generational blessing to the donors and a legacy posterity will not forget.

The event featured the unveiling of the science laboratory and the presentation of the Four-Way Test to the Olumafon, to serve as a guiding principle for the traditional institution in decision-making.