National Association of Seadogs Advocates for Education in Riverine Communities
The National Association of Seadogs (NAS), also known as Pyrates Confraternity, a registered non-governmental humanitarian organization, continues its advocacy and programs in alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Focusing on grassroots initiatives, NAS aims to alleviate and improve the living conditions of the common man while advocating for equity and fairness.
In line with this mission, the Saratoga X Deck, the FESTAC Chapter of NAS, organized a sensitization program in Ibasa, a riverine community in Satellite Town, Lagos State. The program, part of the NAS Street Child Initiative, was titled “Getting Out of School Children Back to Classrooms in Ibasa, Satellite Town, Lagos State.”
The event, held at the Palace of the Oba, attracted a large gathering of community members, including His Royal Highness, Alayeluwa Oba Abdulafeez Oriyomi Shittu Adeyemi I, Olu of Ibasa, who was represented by his high chiefs, community leaders, elders, and staff of the Amuwo Odofin Universal Basic Education Authority.
Chief Tolani Modiu, Baale of Ibasa, welcomed the NAS representatives and visitors, lamenting the absence of a secondary school in the community. He commended the government for fencing the primary school established in 1958 but highlighted the risks and hardships faced by children who must travel across the river to attend secondary school in neighboring towns. He emphasized the financial burden on parents, predominantly peasant farmers and fishermen, who spend about three thousand naira daily to send their children to school. Chief Modiu appealed to NAS to advocate for the construction of a secondary school in the community.
Mr. Martin Edenweze of Saratoga X Deck responded by emphasizing the Federal Government of Nigeria’s mandate for basic education under the UBEC Scheme, which provides nine years of basic education. He urged parents to take advantage of this opportunity.
The Second Mate of Saratoga X, Mr. Oladipo Olayiwola, reiterated NAS’s commitment to supporting the community, assuring that NAS will continue to offer help whenever needed.
Honourable Rasaq Salako, the Amuwo Odofin Education Secretary, advised the community to initiate the secondary school project by allocating land and starting construction, after which they could seek support from the Lagos State Government. He mentioned the “Project Zero” initiative, which collaborates with rural communities to identify out-of-school children and facilitate their return to school.
Sarah Safiu, Chairperson of the School Based Management Committee (SBMC), confirmed her committee’s efforts in identifying and providing for children not in school during school hours. Chief Zacheus Aina Olusanya praised Saratoga X for the initiative and affirmed the community’s support.
Mr. Obinna Chukwukere, Capoon of Saratoga X Deck, acknowledged the community’s concerns and assured that these would be communicated to the government through the relevant NAS Committee. He also informed the community of other projects, such as the Medical Mission and various advocacies aimed at highlighting their needs, starting with the construction of a secondary school.
