Lagos Speaker Mudashiru Obasa announces ₦50m cash support for 500 public school students, with each beneficiary receiving ₦100,000

The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa, has announced a ₦50 million cash support package for 500 public primary and secondary school students across the state.

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Under the initiative, each beneficiary will receive ₦100,000, with students drawn from the six education districts in Lagos.

Obasa announced the intervention on Monday during a children’s engagement and pre-birthday event at the Assembly complex, ahead of his birthday on November 11.

The financial support has become an annual feature of the Speaker’s birthday celebrations.

The amount allocated to each student has increased from ₦50,000 in previous years to ₦100,000 since 2024.

Addressing the students, Obasa said the initiative was intended to ease the financial burden on parents and support the educational ambitions of children attending public schools.

“Our presence here today is more than just a celebration; it is a calculated investment for the future,” he said.

He added that the money should help beneficiaries meet educational expenses and encourage them to pursue academic excellence.

Drawing from his personal experience as a former public school student, the Speaker urged the children to develop strong reading habits and resist negative influences.

“If you do not cultivate a strict reading culture today, tomorrow will be exceptionally difficult,” he said, encouraging the students to remain focused on their ambitions.

Obasa also told them that they could rise to positions of leadership, including governor or president, regardless of their backgrounds.

He warned against cultism, drug abuse and criminal associations, urging the students to make responsible choices as they pursue their education.

Officials of the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (LASUBEB) at the event commended the initiative, saying direct financial support for public school pupils was a meaningful way to assist families.

Earlier during plenary, members of the Lagos Assembly had congratulated Obasa ahead of his birthday and acknowledged his contributions to the legislature.

Honourable Aro Moshood Abiodun praised his record in legislative development and described his tenure as significant in the Assembly’s history.

He also noted Obasa’s position as Nigeria’s longest-serving Speaker of a State House of Assembly.

Honourable Lukmon Sa’ad Olumoh commended the Speaker’s efforts to strengthen the legislature, particularly his role in advocating financial autonomy for the Lagos State legislature.

He said the achievement was important for institutional independence, accountability and effective legislative administration.

Honourable Adedamola Richard Kasunmu, speaking on behalf of his constituents and family, expressed confidence in Obasa’s continued leadership of the Assembly and praised his commitment to public service.

Honourable Ajani Owolabi also congratulated the Speaker on behalf of the Lagos Central Senatorial District, acknowledging his contributions to legislative development and governance in the state.

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Other lawmakers joined in recognising Obasa’s efforts to strengthen the Assembly, improve representation and support the delivery of democratic benefits to communities across Lagos.