The Mayoress of Ikosi-Isheri Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Princess Samiat Abolanle Bada, has reaffirmed her administration’s commitment to expanding access to education through its annual free General Certificate Examination (GCE) support programme, assuring residents that qualified candidates will continue to benefit from the initiative.

Speaking during the exercise, Princess Samiat Bada explained that the programme was introduced to assist parents and guardians who cannot afford GCE registration fees for their children, noting that the council has consistently sponsored thousands of candidates over the years.

She stated that beneficiaries are selected through a screening examination to ensure that only candidates who are genuinely prepared for the examination receive the free GCE forms.

According to her, the initiative goes beyond providing examination forms, as exceptional students who excel in the examination will receive scholarships from the council to support their tertiary education, a gesture she said has produced several success stories over the years.

Princess Samiat Bada, however, noted that the introduction of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has provided another opportunity for students seeking higher education, saying the initiative has eased the financial burden on many families.

She commended President Tinubu for introducing the education loan scheme, describing it as a major intervention that ensures financial challenges no longer prevent students from pursuing tertiary education. She also appreciated Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for sustaining local government allocations, which she said has enabled councils to implement impactful developmental programmes.

Princess Samiat Bada expressed gratitude to the Vice Chairman, Leader of the Legislative Council, Council Manager, management staff, supervisors, political office holders, members of the media, and community stakeholders for their cooperation and support towards the success of the council’s programmes.

Ahead of the forthcoming elections, Princess Samiat Bada appealed to residents to support the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its candidates, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, Senator Tokunbo Abiru, Mayor Dele Oshinowo, and Dr. Muritala Seriki.

She also urged residents to remain vigilant by reporting suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities, assuring them that the council would continue to respond promptly to security concerns.

Reaffirming her commitment to the continued development, security, and educational advancement of Ikosi-Isheri LCDA, Princess Samiat Bada said her administration would continue to invest in programmes that empower young people and create opportunities for them to achieve their educational aspirations.

Jimoh Blessing Ayomikun expressed appreciation to Princess Samiat Bada for the opportunity to benefit from the free GCE programme, assuring the Mayoress that she would study diligently, make her proud, and come out with outstanding results.

Similarly, Toluwalase Afolabi thanked Princess Samiat Bada for the free GCE form, describing the gesture as a source of great joy. He pledged to study hard, make the Mayoress proud, and bring honour to Ikosi-Isheri LCDA through excellent academic performance.