In a bid to strengthen collaborations and address educational, the Board of Trustees representatives and staff of IA-Foundation recently engaged in a meaningful courtesy visit to the newly appointed Lagos State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Honorable Jamiu Alli-Balogun.

On the 9th of January 2024, Mr. Diran Famakinwa, Vice Chairman, and Mr. Deji Ishmael, Chairman of Board Strategic Communications, along with Program Support Officer Miss Opeyemi Grace Adedara, had the honor of meeting with the Commissioner. During this visit, the Vice Chairman provided a comprehensive overview of IA-Foundation’s mission, vision, and impactful achievements spanning the last five years.

The Commissioner lauded IA-Foundation for its commendable strides in reducing the number of out-of-school children, not just in Lagos State but across Nigeria. Expressing gratitude, he urged the Foundation to channel more efforts towards Lagos State, emphasizing its unique demographic challenges as “a country in a country” with a substantial population and a significant out-of-school children demographic.

Recognizing the diverse obstacles faced by children uninterested in traditional education, Honorable Jamiu Alli-Balogun urged IA-Foundation to invest further in Skill Acquisition Programs. He believed that empowering children with practical skills would enable them to take control of their lives and make meaningful contributions to society.

In a promising development, the Commissioner pledged active collaboration with IA-Foundation in promoting Skill Acquisition Programs across the state. His commitment to working closely with the Foundation signifies a shared vision of ensuring that no child is left without access to education or skill development opportunities.

Expressing their gratitude for the Commissioner’s support, the IA-Foundation team, led by Mr. Deji Ishmael, Chairman of Board Strategic Communications, assured the Commissioner that all discussed matters would be promptly conveyed to the Foundation’s board.

Taking the collaboration a step further, an invitation letter for the Foundation’s 5th Fundraising and Charity Ball for out-of-school children was handed over to the Commissioner. In a show of solidarity, Honorable Jamiu Alli-Balogun graciously accepted the invitation, affirming his attendance at the event.

This visit not only marks a crucial moment in the ongoing efforts to enhance educational opportunities but also signifies a pivotal collaboration between IA-Foundation and the Lagos State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education. Together, they are committed to building a brighter future for the youth, ensuring that no child is left behind in the pursuit of education and skills that empower them for life.