The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mr Mudashiru Obasa, has urged public school students to embrace discipline and hard work, saying they could rise to become governors and presidents regardless of their backgrounds.
Obasa gave the advice on Monday while announcing a N50 million educational support package for 500 public primary and secondary school students across the state
The Speaker, who made the announcement during a children’s engagement and an event to mark his 54th birthday at the Assembly Complex in Ikeja, said each beneficiary would receive N100,000 unconditionally.
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He said the initiative, which covered students drawn from the state’s six education districts, was designed to ease the financial burden on parents and encourage academic excellence.
“Our presence here today is more than just a celebration; it is a calculated investment for the future,” Obasa said.
He explained that the financial support was intended to assist students with educational expenses and motivate them to pursue their dreams.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the intervention has become an annual feature of the Speaker’s birthday celebrations.
NAN reports the Speaker turns 54 on Nov.11.
Obasa urged students to develop a strong reading culture, stay focused, and avoid distractions that could undermine their future.
“If you do not cultivate a strict reading culture today, tomorrow will be exceptionally difficult,” he said.
Recalling his journey from a public school classroom to leading the Lagos Assembly, Obasa encouraged students not to limit their ambitions because of their present circumstances.
“Look at me; as a child sitting in a public school classroom years ago, I never imagined I would head the parliament of Africa’s third-largest economy.
“You too can become the Governor of Lagos State or the President of Nigeria if you stay focused,” he said.
The Speaker also warned the students against cultism, drug abuse and criminal associations, urging them to make responsible choices and embrace positive values.
Officials of the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (LASUBEB) at the event commended the initiative, describing the direct financial support to public school students as a commendable approach to celebrating public office holders’ birthdays.
Earlier in plenary, lawmakers took turns celebrating Obasa ahead of the grand finale of activities marking his birthday on Nov. 11.
Leading the tributes, Mr Aro Moshood Abiodun (APC, Ikorodu 2) described Obasa’s tenure as remarkable, citing his contributions to legislative development and his record as Nigeria’s longest-serving Speaker of a State House of Assembly.
Similarly, Mr Lukmon Sa’ad Olumoh (APC, Ajeromi Ifelodun Constituency 1) commended the Speaker’s efforts to strengthen the legislature, particularly his role in successfully advocating for financial autonomy for the Assembly.
Olumoh said the achievement would promote institutional independence, accountability and effective legislative administration.
Also, Adedamola Kasunmu (APC, Ikeja Constituency 2), speaking on behalf of his constituents and family, described Obasa as a committed leader and exceptional statesman whose dedication to public service continued to inspire confidence.
He expressed optimism that the Speaker would continue to take the Assembly to greater heights through purposeful leadership and people-oriented policies.
Earlier, Mr Ajani Owolabi (APC, Lagos Mainland 1), who spoke on behalf of Lagos Central Senatorial District, also praised Obasa’s commitment to good leadership, excellence and the development of the state.
Other lawmakers acknowledged his contributions to effective representation, legislative development and the delivery of democratic dividends to residents across Lagos.
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