We may pretend we are not aware there are thousands of children of school age roaming the streets and markets of lagos during school hours.
Howwver a trip to communities and high- ways along badagry/mile 2, Mushin/ oshodi, Alimosho, Ajegunle etc will open our eyes to this ugly fact.
As commendable as what His Excellency did, solving the problem goes beyond random chance meeting of kids and offering instant sponsorship.
I am particularly shocked Mr Governor seem shocked to see theae kids. I see them daily. Mr questions are,
Is there a state policy compelling all parents to send their children or wards within school age to school atleast primary and secondary?
Are there stiff and practicable sanctions against parents who send their children hawking or on domestic runs during school hours?
What are the roles of local government councils in mobilising all children of school age within their commuunities to attend school rather than buying motorcycles and keke as empowerment programmes for school drop outs or/and uneducated etc.
Every community have recognised leaders including baales, chiefs, councillors etc, is there a deliberate policy to equip and mandate them to identify children in their wards and communities not going to school and ensure the needful?
I wonder the synergy between the state ministry of education and state universal basic education board subeb. This is another obvious testimony that much more need to be done in terms of mobilising and registration of all children to school.
If these happens, probably Mr Governor will see less of these kids roaming, hawking or running erands on the streets of lagos.
For now, i am unimpressed your Excellency.
Tunde Jakande