The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa, on Monday, announced an unconditional cash gift of ₦100,000 each for 500 public primary and secondary school students drawn from the six education districts in the state.
Speaker Obasa announced the financial intervention during a high-octane children’s engagement and pre-birthday event held at the Assembly complex, ahead of his birthday on November 11.
This gesture has become an annual tradition for the state’s longest-serving legislator on his birthdays.
From the ₦50,000 per student distributed in previous years, the Speaker has significantly upped the ante, doubling the financial package to ₦100,000 per student since 2024.
Addressing the hundreds of enthusiastic students, Obasa noted that the cash support was deliberately designed to remove financial bottlenecks for parents of public school students.
“Our presence here today is more than just a celebration; it is a calculated investment for the future,” the Speaker declared. “I want this token to serve as a catalyst for your dreams, to help ease your educational expenses, and to motivate you toward academic excellence.”
Reflecting on his personal path to leadership, Obasa urged the youths to build an unshakeable reading culture and avoid negative societal pressures.
“If you do not cultivate a strict reading culture today, tomorrow will be exceptionally difficult,” Obasa stated. “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.”
The Speaker further utilised the platform to mount a strong campaign against social vices, warning the students to say a resolute “no” to cultism, drugs, and criminal associations.
Officials from the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (LASUBEB) at the gathering praised the Speaker’s unique approach to birthday festivities, noting that channelling resources directly to indigent public school students sets a laudable benchmark for public officeholders in Nigeria.
During plenary earlier, lawmakers took turns to felicitate the Speaker ahead of the grand finale of activities marking his birthday.
Leading the tributes, Hon. Aro Moshood Abiodun highlighted the Speaker’s contributions to legislative development, describing his tenure as remarkable in the Assembly’s history. He also acknowledged Speaker Obasa’s sterling record as Nigeria’s longest-serving Speaker of a State House of Assembly.
Similarly, Hon. Lukmon Sa’ad Olumoh congratulated the Speaker and commended his efforts towards strengthening the legislative institution. Hon. Olumoh particularly lauded the Speaker’s role in the successful advocacy for financial autonomy for the legislature in Lagos State, noting that the achievement was significant in promoting institutional independence, accountability and effective legislative administration.
In his remarks, Hon. Adedamola Richard Kasunmu, on behalf of his constituents and family, celebrated the Speaker, expressing confidence in his continued commitment to taking the Assembly to greater heights. Kasumu described the Speaker as a committed leader and an exceptional statesman whose dedication to public service continues to inspire confidence in the Assembly. He also commended the Speaker’s vision and commitment to improving the lives of Lagosians through purposeful leadership and people-oriented policies.
Also speaking, Hon. Ajani Owolabi congratulated the Speaker on behalf of the Lagos Central Senatorial District, acknowledging his commitment to good leadership, excellence and the development of Lagos State. He further commended his contributions to the growth of the Assembly and the State, noting their positive impact on the lives of residents.
Other lawmakers also acknowledged the Speaker’s efforts in promoting effective representation, strengthening the institution of the legislature and ensuring that the dividends of democracy reach communities across the state.
