By Dave Agboola
The air in Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye LCDA of Lagos State is rife with the rich scent of JAKO JOLLOF, a culinary initiative that speaks volumes about education and community welfare. This isn’t just a meal; it symbolizes a commitment to nurturing young minds and enhancing the quality of life for families in the community.
On October 17, 2025, Hon. Seyi Jakande, the Executive Chairman of Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye LCDA, proudly concluded the Back-to-School (AKA Back-to-Pocket) program, an initiative aimed at alleviating financial pressures on parents and guardians in the LCDA. In a steadfast effort to equip students for academic success, this program provided essential school supplies, ensuring that children have the tools necessary to thrive in their educational journeys. Jakande’s vision for a brighter future is intricately woven into this initiative, stressing that investment in education is an investment in the community’s future.
The climax of the Back-to-School program, which kickstarted at the beginning of the 2025/26 academic calendar, was the launch of JAKO JOLLOF, a groundbreaking free-food scheme designed to nourish both the bodies and minds of the community’s youngest scholars.
Every Friday, the public primary schools within the LCDA will serve this delicious, nutritious meal, filling the air with excitement and anticipation, reinforcing the idea that no child should ever face the challenge of learning on an empty stomach.
Addressing attendees at the unveiling, Jakande articulated, “A hungry child cannot focus on their studies. With JAKO JOLLOF, we’re making sure that our students are not just academically prepared but also physically nourished.”
This initiative, part of the broader HEWA agenda of the chairman, marks a significant milestone in Hon. Jakande’s commitment to both education and community well-being. By embracing a comprehensive approach to student support, JAKO JOLLOF stands to benefit students across all 28 public primary schools in the LCDA, fostering an environment conducive to learning and growth.
The launch event drew a crowd of dignitaries from both political and educational sectors, underscoring the community’s unity and shared commitment to uplifting children and families.
As applause filled the air for this impactful program, the spirit of hope and collaboration became palpable among those gathered.
However, Hon. Jakande was just getting started. His initiative has opened economic doors to the community. Local vendors have been contracted to make this happen. In other words, by nourishing young learners, the chairman is also stimulating the local economy, creating jobs and opportunities for local businesses. This single act of his is poised at fostering economic growth through local vendor participation.
Jakande’s multifaceted efforts in Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye paint a picture of integrated community development—one that satisfies immediate needs while laying the groundwork for long-term growth. Recall that since assumption of office, this unassuming chairman has shown deliberate efforts in education, which pivots as the arrowhead of his agenda. He set up tech bootcamp during the long holiday for students across the LCDA using 3 different centres. He also recently gave out free GCE forms to indigent students of the community.
As Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye embarks on this flavorful journey with JAKO JOLLOF, the future looks not only bright but also deliciously promising. Through these initiatives, Jakande not only feeds the body but also nourishes the spirit of community resilience and hopes for a better tomorrow for the entire community.
—Dave writes from Lagos State.
