..it’s a lasting legacy and model for community development- Olubaka

The students, teachers, and parents of African Grammar School, Oka-Akoko in Akoko South-West Local Government Area of Ondo State were filled with joy on Friday as the multimillion-naira Science and ICT Laboratories donated by the Ayoko family were officially commissioned and opened for use.

The laboratories, named after the late Chief Solomon Agbejimi Ayoko and Mrs. Bolanle Funmilola Ayoko-Olabinjo, are fully equipped with standard learning facilities.

Commissioning the projects during a colourful ceremony on November 28, 2025, the Olubaka of Oka-Akoko, His Imperial Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Adebori Adeleye (OON), commended the donor, describing the gesture as a lasting legacy in memory of their father, who served as a teacher in the school for many years.

The Olubaka said the donation underscored the vital role individuals can play in supporting government efforts to improve the welfare of citizens. He also applauded the family’s decision to create a trust fund for the maintenance of the facilities.

“It is a challenge to other students who have passed through this school to come out and do something because it is a legacy that will last forever. The government cannot do everything alone, and this is what everybody should do to assist the government,” he said.

In her address, Mrs. Ayoko-Olabinjo said the inspiration to construct the projects came from two Bible passages—Luke 3:10–11—which emphasise the responsibility of giving.

“These verses remind us that generosity is a responsibility. That blessings become meaningful only when shared. And that the true measure of wealth lies in how we uplift others. It is on this biblical foundation that today’s celebration of giving back to the community is built,” she said.

She described the laboratories as investments in the academic excellence of young minds and in the future of Oka-Akoko.

“These are embodiments of dreams, sacrifices, and the deep love of the Ayoko family for the great Oka town as a way of honoring our father. And it is both emotional and deeply fulfilling. And I know that if he were here today, he would be smiling with deep satisfaction,” she said.

Mrs. Ayoko-Olabinjo explained that the ICT project, initially designed as a 30-seater centre, was expanded into a 100-seater ultra-modern digital hub, while the science laboratory is a 120-seated structure.

“It is equipped with high-speed internet, laptops, air-conditioning for comfort, a functional staff room, a backup server for uninterrupted power, and a solar power system to ensure uninterrupted learning.

“It is also equipped to serve as a JAMB-accredited CBT center, so that our children here in Oka will no longer have to travel down to go and write examinations. This is the kind of equal opportunity learning environment that Lagos people enjoy. So we want to start enjoying it in Oka,” she said.

To guarantee sustainability, she announced the establishment of a trust fund.

“This trust fund will ensure that these laboratories remain in pristine condition for decades,” she noted.

She added that the family had agreed with the school principal to seek the yearly posting of Corps members who would teach subjects related to the laboratories.

“This will ensure that these facilities are not only beautiful but fully utilized for meaningful academic growth,” she said.

The donor also expressed appreciation to the Olubaka for his support and supervision.

“You sent emissaries to ensure the progress of these projects. Thank you for your love, your dedication, and your vision for the development of this community,” she said.

She urged students, teachers, and the entire community to make responsible use of the laboratories.

“Let these centers become hubs of excellence, places where students dream boldly, learn diligently, and prepare for future fields with promise. Let this be the beginning of greater development for African Church Grammar School, and for Oka-Akoko at large,” she said.

She paid tribute to her mother and thanked her siblings and extended family for their love and prayers, adding, “May these facilities transform lives, raise leaders, and inspire greatness for decades to come.”

In his remarks, a respected elder in the community, Colonel Omowa Ola Rowland, praised the late patriarch of the Ayoko family for his integrity and described his children as exemplary. He announced a financial contribution to the trust fund and applauded the 1981 set, to which the donor belongs, for setting a remarkable standard.

Also speaking, the Tutor-General for the Ondo North Senatorial District, Mr. Sanmi Ajimuda, who is one of the late Ayoko’s former students, said the values instilled by the late educator shaped many lives.

He said the decision of the family to build such impactful projects was a reflection of their father’s teachings on spending where necessary rather than hoarding wealth. He appealed to the PTA and old students to support government efforts by providing personnel, including ICT experts, to manage the facilities effectively.

The Principal of the school, Mr. Aminu Gabriel expressed the importance of transforming the ICT Lab to a CBT centre for external examinations.

He appreciated the Ayoko family for the gesture