39 Candles, Six Classrooms : Ogundoyin’s Birthday Gift to Temidire Community

The Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adebo Edward Ogundoyin, marked his 39th birthday not with fanfare but with a legacy project that will shape generations to come — the commissioning and official handover of a newly constructed secondary school to the Oyo State Government in Temidire Community, Ibarapa East Local Government Area.

The project was commissioned on behalf of the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, by the Honourable Commissioner for Education, Hon. Olusegun Olayiwola, in a ceremony attended by top government officials, traditional rulers, party stakeholders, and enthusiastic community members.

For the people of Temidire and surrounding villages, the occasion was more than a birthday celebration; it was the dawn of long-awaited educational access.

In his address, Ogundoyin described the day as a historic milestone for the community, recalling the harsh reality that existed before the intervention. No fewer than fourteen villages, with about fourteen primary schools, had no secondary school to absorb graduating pupils. Students were forced to travel long distances to Oloke in Abeokuta, Ogun State, or to Eruwa town to continue their education — a burden that exposed them to safety risks, financial strain, and, in many cases, school dropouts.

“Today’s event is not just about commissioning structures; it is about fulfilling a promise, restoring hope, and securing the future of our children. Promise made, promise kept,” the Speaker declared.

The newly constructed school comprises two blocks of three spacious, well-ventilated classrooms each, making a total of six classrooms. Each block includes staff offices and a Principal’s office to ensure smooth academic administration. A separate building housing two modern toilet facilities for staff and students was also constructed to promote proper hygiene and sanitation.

Fully furnished and ready for use, the school has been formally handed over to the state government and is expected to commence full academic activities in September with its pioneer intake for the new academic session.

Describing the coincidence of the commissioning with his 39th birthday as a “double celebration,” Ogundoyin said there could be no better way to mark his new age than by investing in the educational advancement of his people.

Beyond Temidire, the Speaker reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to grassroots development across Ibarapa East. He disclosed that another secondary school project at Ojonamo in Lanlate is nearing completion, while the Maya Town Hall project is at an advanced stage.

He also highlighted other legacy projects facilitated under his leadership, including the construction and commissioning of a functional Primary Health Centre at Lagaye, a mosque at Oloro, completion of the Eruwa Youth Movement Secretariat, construction of a cold room for butchers, sinking of about 40 boreholes across communities, facilitation of employment opportunities, bursary awards for students, and empowerment programmes for constituents.

Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin expressed appreciation to the Temidire community for their cooperation and patience during the execution of the project and commended contractors and artisans for delivering quality work in line with approved standards.

As the applause faded and the birthday cheers subsided, one message resonated clearly in a region where access to secondary education once seemed distant, six new classrooms now stand as symbols of opportunity, a birthday gift that promises to outlive the celebration itself.