10th July, 2013
Lagos State Governor, Mr Babatunde Fashola (SAN) on Tuesday received the Nursery two pupils of Corona Day Nursery School, Ikoyi on a visit, mentoring the young ones on virtues of studying hard, obeying their parents and listening to their teachers.
Governor Fashola who received the pupils who were accompanied by their teachers at the Conference Room of the Lagos House, Ikeja also read the fictional novel- Jack and the Bean Stalk to the children while interacting with them in a stimulating way.
He recalled that as a child, he was also taught by a teacher just as the pupils are now being taught, saying they must always listen to their teachers and guard against taking things from strangers or talking to them.
The Governor who also took time to field questions from the children said his choice of law as a profession was informed by a number of reasons one of which had to do with the wish of his grandmother who wanted him to take up the responsibility of managing her real estate because the lawyer she engaged before was making money out of her.
Speaking on why he did not study abroad, the Governor said the education system in Nigeria was very good then and he saw no reason in going abroad, adding that currently the state government appreciates the contribution of private schools like the Corona Schools and Public Schools towards helping to reposition education in the country.
He explained that he did not study abroad also because he did not like the weather in Europe and believed that Lagos and Nigeria are the best place to be.
Responding to a question on why he does not celebrate his birthdays, the Governor explained that the approach to celebration is that he does not believe in dressing up flamboyantly and throwing parties for a birthday but would prefer to be free to do what he wants on his birthday.
He explained in response to another question that he cannot be described as an accidental Governor because his becoming a Governor was not against his will noting that he was rather encouraged to take up the responsibility, stressing that he would prefer to be described as a lucky Governor.
On why he is not a teacher, the Governor said as a student, there were so many good teachers available then and he felt that the good teachers would be there forever , adding that in the course of his life, he has tried to teach by helping people to learn.
Speaking earlier, the Head of Corona Day Nursery School, Ikoyi, Mrs Esther Abakasanga said the pupils and Corona School management were indeed privileged to have been granted access by the Governor to see the pupils.
She added that the visit is like a completion process for the kids as each of their classes are adorned with the picture of the Governor but that by having a personal encounter with the Governor, the Corona School is bringing the learning to life for the children.
She added that Corona Schools also believes in serving its host communities in a special way, stressing that in the seven locations where the school is located, the institution has adopted state schools.
The children who had earlier recited the National Anthem and the Pledge also sang a birthday song for the Governor who recently celebrated his 50th birthday and also presented him with birthday cards while they were also presented with gifts by the Governor.
The event was witnessed by the Commissioner for Education, Mrs Olayinka Oladunjoye and other aides of the Governor.