LASG Launches Mass Literacy Programme “Eko nke koo” (Lagos is Learning)
Yesterday, October 13th 2016, His Excellency, the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode launched the “Ekonkekoo” (Lagos is Learning) Initiative at the parade ground of the Nigeria Police College, GRA Ikeja.
The event had in attendance Executive Council Members of the Lagos State Government as well as Members of House Committee on Education, Permanent Secretaries, and Directors. Also present were traditional rulers, Local Government/Local Council Development Areas sole administrators, Non-Governmental organization, Faith-Based Organizations and many other stake holders.
Represented by Her Excellency, the Deputy Governor, Dr. (Mrs.) Idiat Oluranti Adebule, His Excellency, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode said in his speech that the Eko Nke Koo (Lagos Is Learning) initiative is a result of the commitment of his administration to ensure that illiteracy is kicked out of the State. He emphasized that “this initiative is a long-term project, and will be carried out in phases.”
The Eko Nke Koo initiative aims at increasing the literacy rate of the State from 87% to 95% by 2019. This will be done by scaling up the number and spread of literacy centres across Lagos State from its current 532 centres to 1000. This will be achieved in partnership with Non-Governmental Organisations and Religious Organizations. Other critical partners are The National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), National Association of Motor Mechanics and Technicians (NAMMT) and Market Associations. Through this collaborations, the project’s target is to increase number of learners from the current 10,000 to 100,000 annually.
One of the high points of the event was a parade by different literacy centres and organizations across the State. There was also cultural and drama presentation by adult learners, while the different crafts of some trainees were beautifully displayed on the exhibition stands at the venue.
