Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to human capital development, particularly education and the empowerment of vulnerable children.

Mr Sanwo-Olu made the commitment on Sunday while commissioning the permanent home of Dream Catchers Academy, established to shelter, educate and empower vulnerable girls.

The governor, represented by the Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Bolaji Ogunlende, described the facility as a significant social intervention.

He said the project complemented the government’s investments in roads, bridges and other physical infrastructure, while strengthening opportunities for vulnerable young people.

Mr Ogunlende said Mr Sanwo-Olu could not attend personally because of an emergency engagement, but directed him to represent him at the ceremony.

He conveyed the governor’s warm regards and appreciation to the academy, its founder, partners, donors and supporters.

Mr Ogunlende said the academy’s story demonstrated that “impossible is nothing”, with determination, compassion and support capable of transforming individual visions.

According to him, the journey began in 2014, when founder Seyi Oluyole opened her apartment to five girls without accommodation.

“Today, 12 years later, the family that began in a borrowed apartment has educated girls, rescued more than 10 from child marriage,” he said.

He added that the academy had reached more than 10,000 girls and their families through its interventions and outreach programmes.

Mr Ogunlende said the academy’s growth also reflected Lagos, where individuals could achieve remarkable results through commitment, perseverance and determination.

He said the new facility had transformed the academy from a family of five girls into a permanent home for 100 vulnerable girls.

The commissioner said the development meant the academy would no longer have to choose between rescuing vulnerable girls and providing accommodation.

He stressed that keeping girls in school, off the streets and away from early marriage was an important investment in society’s future.

According to him, every girl given education, skills and a safe environment could become a teacher, entrepreneur, professional, leader or influential mother.

He said the initiative aligned with the administration’s human capital development agenda and commitment to equal opportunities for children.

Mr Ogunlende commended Ms Oluyole, the academy’s team, donors, partners and other supporters for contributing to the completion of the facility.

He urged the girls to take ownership of the home, remain committed to education and support others who would come after them.

“Always remember Bukaila Street and send the ladder back down for the girls who come after you,” he said.

The commissioner thereafter formally inaugurated the Dream Catchers Academy home on behalf of the governor and Lagos State Government.

Earlier, Ms Oluyole thanked God for completing the facility, describing it as a permanent sanctuary for 100 vulnerable and orphaned girls.

She recalled that her journey began about 23 years ago when, at 12, she experienced homelessness and slept in cars and garages with her family.

Ms Oluyole said seeing children attend school in uniforms while she struggled with homelessness inspired her commitment to helping vulnerable children.

She said she vowed that if she became successful, she would ensure that no child experienced the hardship she endured.

According to her, that childhood experience became the seed from which Dream Catchers Academy eventually grew.

Ms Oluyole said the initiative had evolved from a modest beginning into an organisation providing care, education and empowerment for vulnerable children.

She commended Sanwo-Olu for his support, describing his commitment to children’s education as exceptional and deeply impactful.
Ms Oluyole said the governor’s intervention enabled the academy to realise a dream pursued for several years.

She added that the girls would forever remember his contribution towards providing them with a place they could call home.

She also appreciated construction partners, alongside sponsors, donors, staff, family members and supporters.

Ms Oluyole appealed to the state government to grade and improve the access road leading to the academy.

She said improved access would support community development and make it easier to reach the facility.

Some academy students expressed joy at the completion of the new facility.

They said the new home strengthened their belief that their dreams could become reality.

A student, Rasida Rahim, thanked the governor, guests, supporters and everyone who had believed in the girls.

She said the academy’s support had given the girls confidence, education and an environment to pursue their dreams.

 (NAN)