Obafemi-Owode LG Chairman, Ogunsola Commissions New Classrooms, Commends Apple And Pears for CRS Initiatives

Kajola, Ogun State – The Executive Chairman of Obafemi Owode Local Government, Ambassador Adesina ‘Lanre Ogunsola, FCPA, has officially commissioned a new block of three classrooms at the Habib Jaafar Nursery and Primary School in Kajola. The project, which also includes new furniture, an office, toilets, and a motorised borehole, was constructed by Apple and Pears Limited as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts.

Speaking at the commissioning event, Amb. Ogunsola praised Apple and Pears Limited for its commitment to giving back to the community, noting that the company stands out among other corporate organisations in the area for its partnership with the government in providing essential amenities. He highlighted the enormous task of managing 162 public schools within the local government and urged other companies to emulate Apple and Pears Limited’s example by investing in their host communities.
The chairman also appealed to Apple and Pears Limited to expand its philanthropic gestures beyond school infrastructure to include other critical sectors such as primary healthcare, road development, and employment opportunities in other parts of the local government.

Evangelist Ifede Olalekan, Chairman of the Ogun State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), represented by the Board Secretary, Mr. Olubori Akinleye, emphasised the crucial role of a conducive learning environment in academic achievement. He stated that the new facilities, including well-ventilated classrooms, modern toilets, and a borehole, directly contribute to foundational education in the community. This initiative, he said, aligns with the “Education for All” (EFA) agenda and Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4), which aims to “ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.” He also assured the community of Governor Dapo Abiodun’s commitment to building a robust basic education system that leaves no child behind.

Earlier, Hon. Chief Adeoye Olaseni, the Education Secretary for the Obafemi Owode Local Government Education Authority, expressed gratitude to the government and the Habib Jaafar Foundation for the new school facility. He requested the SUBEB board to deploy more teachers, explaining that while the local government has made significant progress in building and renovating schools, a shortage of teachers remains a challenge. He recalled a recent commissioning of a 10-classroom block at Maba Community, where academic sessions are expected to begin in September of this year.
Sir Johnson Adah, the Chairman and Operations Manager for Apple and Pears Limited, explained that the construction of the school was driven by the passion of the company’s Board of Directors to give back to society.

This report was e-signed by Prince Segun Soneye, Director of Information for Obafemi Owode Local Government, on August 10, 2025.