As institution marks 10th anniversary
By Olayinka Latona
LAGOS — Blooming Greens School, Yaba, Lagos, has called on the Federal Government to urgently secure the release of abducted schoolchildren, teachers and other victims of kidnapping across the country, warning that growing insecurity is undermining effective learning.
The appeal was made during a press briefing to unveil activities marking the school’s 10th anniversary, themed “Decade of Excellence: Shaping Futures with Purpose.”
Speaking at the event, the Head Teacher of Blooming Greens Primary School, Mr. Adegboyega Fadare, said the government must treat the protection of lives and property as a matter of utmost priority, particularly in light of recurring attacks on schools.
“Security of life and property is the sole responsibility of government. Unfortunately, we find ourselves where we are now. Our message to government is for them to do everything possible to get these children out. What are we celebrating Children’s Day for when we have our children out there?” he said.
Fadare lamented the psychological impact of insecurity on learners, noting that fear and uncertainty make meaningful education difficult.
“Learning disappears when you are not comfortable. When students are in school and they are not sure what happens next, there is no amount of effort a teacher can put in for them to learn.
“Everybody knows that in Nigeria today, whether you are in a private or public school, people are afraid for their lives. Government, whatever it takes to rescue these children and their teachers, please do it now, not tomorrow. We are begging,” he added.
The school urged the government to create a safe and conducive environment for learning, stressing that education cannot thrive under the threat of banditry and kidnapping.
The briefing also provided an opportunity to reflect on the institution’s achievements over the past decade.
Principal of Blooming Greens High School, Mr. Femi Akintunde, recounted the school’s journey since its establishment on June 4, 2016, by former banker and treasury executive, Mrs. Susan Babatunde-Yamah.
According to him, the founder, inspired by her late mother, a former head teacher, built the institution on three pillars: innovation and technology in learning, strong moral and ethical values, and a conducive learning environment.
Akintunde said the school has, within a decade, gained national recognition through several achievements, including multiple APEN and AISEN academic awards and producing the recipient of the 2024 Nigerian Presidential Award for Best Private Primary School Teacher.
He added that the institution has also attracted international recognition, featuring on CNN’s Freedom Day Project and the African Voices: Africa Education Comic Series.
Speaking on the anniversary, the Chief Executive Officer, Mrs. Susan Babatunde-Yamah, reaffirmed the school’s commitment to educational excellence and leadership development.
“This anniversary is not just a celebration of our past achievements but a reaffirmation of our commitment to shaping future leaders. We remain dedicated to delivering excellence and expanding our impact in the years ahead,” she said.
She disclosed that the school’s five-year strategic plan includes strengthening its technology-driven and values-based educational model, upgrading its nursery and secondary school facilities, and launching an educational technology arm to extend its curriculum and teacher-training programmes beyond the institution.
Activities lined up for the anniversary celebration include prayer sessions, media engagements, visits and donations to orphanages, children’s programmes, seminars and a thanksgiving service.
