By Aaior K. Comfort

In a groundbreaking event, the chairman of Isolo Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Lagos State, Adebayo Olasoju, made a primary school teacher, Mrs. Oluwayemisi Akinrinola, a millionaire during a Mega Back-to-School Programme on Wednesday, September 18. The event, held at the council’s secretariat in Isolo, saw the distribution of school materials to 7,000 pupils, with a special focus on celebrating outstanding teachers.

Mrs. Akinrinola, who teaches at St. Paul Anglican Primary School in Ishagatedo, was named the Best Teacher in the council and awarded N1 million. The Best Head Teacher, Salami Raufu, received N500,000, while non-teaching staff member Mrs. Abimbola Falua was given N250,000.

Mrs. Akinrinola, overwhelmed by the recognition, burst into tears of joy as fellow teachers and attendees congratulated her. She attributed her success to her punctuality and dedication, noting, “I am always punctual in school, arriving before 6:30 am. The way I dedicate myself to teaching the pupils, I believe these are what worked in my favor.”

Olasoju promised that next year’s event would be even more significant, with plans to gift a car to the next Best Teacher. He emphasized that honoring teachers is part of the council’s commitment to education, aligning with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s mission to uplift Lagos State’s education system.

Representing the Lagos First Lady, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, Mrs. Funmi Omotoso praised the council’s initiative, stating, “This back-to-school project is a statement that will resonate throughout this council and beyond. It complements Governor Sanwo-Olu’s vision to ensure that every child learns and grows into a responsible adult.”

Mrs. Akinrinola expressed her gratitude, thanking the council chairman and her colleagues for the recognition.