General News
Fashola, Others Hail Adebutu for Projects @ St. Saviour’s School
Dame Abimbola Fashola, first lady of Lagos State on Tuesday joined host of others showering encomiums on Dr. Kessington Adebutu, popularly known as “Baba Ijebu”, for donating an Olympic-size swimming pool to St. Saviour’s School, Ebute-Metta, worth N60 million.
Fashola, while commissioning the facilities at the school premises, described the gesture as right step in the right direction and recognized that the donor has been supportive and pillar to many sectors in the State.
She said, “Daddy Adebutu donates without regrets, without looking back and has always promised to do more”.
On the swimming pool project, Fashola, the special guest at the occasion said, “You will agree with me that when swimming is included in a school’s curriculum it becomes a giant step to harmonizing families, the community and great support to sharpening the pupils’ skills. Pa Adebutu has been apt in supporting sporting events in the State as a whole and I use this opportunity to encourage others to show the spirit of philanthropy towards the development of facilities like this and others.
“I felicitate with St. Saviour’s School for this feat; I am particularly delighted that this school has kept the dream of the founding fathers thriving. The serene and clean environment is a testimony that the premises remain conducive for teaching and learning”.
On his part, Mr. Tomi Ogboi, chairman, Board of Management of the School, commended Adebutu family’s gesture; who having gone through the school deemed it worthy to give back to alma-mater.
“Our record shows a long association with Sir (Chief) Dr. Kesington Adebutu when he took the initial step of sending his first child here. Our records show that since then, eleven direct children and eight grand-children have passed through the portals of our school. During my meeting with him, he informed me that he was impressed with the quality of education here that he also ensured that many of his extended family came here on scholarship. The Adebutu family is worthy of emulation”.
Ogboi also gave an impressive record of achievements by the school in the last 64 years to include, “we are the first trust not-for-profit primary school in Nigeria. We led the way for other private primary schools to follow. Today, we look back and say without equivocation that we have made a positive on education in Nigeria.
“In addition, we have added a number of firsts. We were the very first primary school to be internet compliant. We were the very first to have a computer laboratory. We were the first to have a science laboratory. We were the first to teach ICT as a core subject in Nigeria. We are also the first to teach moral instructions as a core subject and teach music as a core subject. Our children sit for the Trinity College London School of Music Examinations. We are the very first primary school in Lagos State to support Public Primary Institutions in Lagos State through the donation of educational infrastructure and we will continue to do that,” he said.
Meanwhile, St. Saviour’s School, Ebute-Metta, remains the first primary school in Nigeria to introduce learnPad, an e-learning technology in the primary school sector.
“This technology, Ogboi said, “was different from other because it was developed by teachers for the pupils. It is none like other. The expert teachers know what the classroom requirements are and have gone ahead to develop the technology,” he explained.
Ogboi added that with the donation of the swimming pool, “We can now add to the portfolio of life skills which we teach our children here. From this term, swimming will be incorporated into the school curriculum of the school as a core subject such that every child will have a swimming lesson during school hours”.
He described the trend as a unique selling preposition of the school.
On learning about the penchant interest of the school management in building the pupils for greater impact on their family, and the society at large, Dr. Adebutu, the donor promised presented a cheque in the sum of N600,000 for the maintenance of the swimming pool facilities for a period of one year.
Like Dame Abimbola Fashola said, Dr. Adebutu pledged a sum of N100million in support of two major projects – the Ultra-modern sports centre and the New Nursery complex, to be embarked on by the school management soon.
He added that his motivation for giving to the school and others are based on the fact he made his money through Sports and appreciates good child upbringing.
Adebutu added that he believes “and trusts that incorporation of physical activities in the School’s daily programme cannot be overemphasized.
“Swimming is a healthy, educational activity for people of all ages; which I am sure the pupils will derive their own dosage in good time”.
He further said such activity keeps the heart rate up but takes some of the impact of stress off one’s body, builds endurance and supports musical strength and cardiovascular fitness.
Also speaking, Mrs. Ailsa Griffiths, the head Teacher, said, “the school has been consistent in its efforts towards providing Nigerians with high-quality education, blended with robust recreational and sports facilities to physically keep fit and be mentally alert.”
Griffiths said the school follows the Nigerian curriculum programmes of study, while including element of the British curriculum and offering a wider international perspective to learning with sport inclusive
Her words: “St Saviour’s school offers a broad and balanced education, preparing our children to succeed in a challenging global community and choice of profession including taking to sports and entertainment which are invariably rewarding and credible”.
She then reiterated the school’s mission statement, which, she said, is to “Provide a stimulating, conducive and child-friendly environment that will promote in the pupils, excellence In learning and character, employee job satisfaction and competency, healthy community relationship, while meeting global challenges.”
To achieve this, Griffiths said St. Saviour’s School Ebute Metta strives to provide, for the children of Lagos, an affordable good quality education blended with sports in a safe, secure and stimulating environment.
“The school sets a high standard of achievement and all our pupils are encouraged to try their very best at everything they set out to do.
“The school seeks to provide opportunities for all children to enjoy an enriching and broad learning experience, where they can develop their l skills on their personal journey to reach their full and true potential,” she explained.
She quickly included that the pupils of the school are made conscious of the world around them, how to communicate effectively, to co-operate with others and to adopt a positive approach to their learning.
“They are taught about making a valuable contribution to society and to accept their responsibility in the preservation of the environment for future generations.”
Parents and other invited guests joined the board and management of the St. Saviour’s School in appreciating Dr. Adebutu’s family, while the pupils showed their swimming skills too.
Federal government has launched Credit for Laptops, Internet, Connectivity and Knowledge Digital Devices (C.L.I.C.K.D.), a new consumer credit initiative, to provide affordable financing for locally assembled laptops and other digital devices.
L-R: Mr Uzoma Nwagba, managing director and chief executive officer, CREDICORP, and Dr Bosun Tijani, minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, at the launch
The initiative by the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDICORP) and the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, is aimed at equipping Nigerians with the tools needed to participate in the country’s growing digital economy.
During the launch, Dr Bosun Tijani, minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, described access to credit as critical to improving productivity and driving economic growth.
Dr Tijani said no nation could achieve sustainable development without a strong credit system that enables individuals and businesses to access resources needed to become more productive.
He noted that in today’s digital age, technology has become indispensable for education, innovation and wealth creation.
The minister explained that many talented young Nigerians possess the skills required to succeed in the digital economy but remain constrained by their inability to own computers and other digital tools.
Drawing from his personal experience, Dr Tijani recalled how his first laptop as a student in the university opened doors to international opportunities and eventually inspired him to establish one of Nigeria’s pioneering technology hubs.
He said the new programme would ensure that more young Nigerians are not denied similar opportunities because of financial barriers.
According to him, the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s vision of building a one-trillion-dollar economy by expanding access to technology, boosting productivity and supporting local manufacturing.
Mr Uzoma Nwagba, managing director and chief executive officer, CREDICORP, described the programme as a strategic investment in Nigeria’s future workforce and digital transformation.
Mr Nwagba said that while improvements in internet connectivity and digital skills training have positioned Nigeria for the Fourth Industrial Revolution, access to devices remains a major challenge preventing many young people from fully participating in the digital economy.
He explained that C.L.I.C.K.D. would bridge that gap by providing affordable consumer credit that enables beneficiaries to acquire laptops and other internet-enabled devices while they develop in-demand digital skills
Federal Government has announced the disbursement of about N333 billion to eight electricity generation companies (GenCos) as part of measures to resolve outstanding debts in the power sector.
The government also disclosed the issuance of a second bond valued at N729 billion to settle verified legacy obligations and improve liquidity within the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI).
The disclosures were made on Tuesday at an investors’ forum organised by the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading (NBET) Plc in Abuja.
Government representatives said the latest bond issuance marked the completion of the initial phase of the Presidential Power Sector Debt Reduction Programme, which was designed to address verified liabilities and attract private sector investment across the electricity value chain.
The Special Adviser to the President on Energy, Mrs Olu Verheijen, said the implementation of the first series of the programme demonstrated the administration’s commitment to meeting its financial obligations and improving investor confidence.
Verheijen disclosed that the Federal Government in February 2026 allocated about N501 billion under the first tranche of the programme, comprising N300 billion in cash and N201 billion in non-cash bond instruments to offset verified debts owed to power producers.
She said N333 billion had so far been disbursed to eight participating GenCos operating 17 power plants.
According to her, the government also paid the first coupon of about N63.5 billion on the seven-year bond in full on July 14, 2026.
She explained that the payments had enabled generation companies to meet critical obligations to gas suppliers, lenders and operations and maintenance contractors, thereby improving their operational capacity.
“Markets do not reward promises; they reward performance. Capital follows credibility,” Verheijen said.
She added that the second bond series would further strengthen liquidity in the electricity market and create a more stable financial environment capable of attracting long-term private investment.
The Presidential Power Sector Debt Reduction Programme is part of broader Federal Government efforts to address challenges affecting electricity generation, distribution and investment in Nigeria’s power sector.
Federal government has launched a N482.4 million investment fund to support 12 tech-enabled Nigerian startups.
The initiative under the federal government of Nigeria’s Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE) Programme was implemented by the Bank of Industry (BoI).
The initiative in a statement said applications have been opened for Growth Lab, a 12-week acceleration programme that will select the 12 tech-enabled Nigerian startups, from the six geopolitical zones, for intensive growth support, investment readiness training, and access to up to $350,000 in funding.
According to Ife Adebayo, national coordinator of the Programme, growth lab was designed to support startups that have achieved early traction and are seeking the expertise, networks, and investment required to scale following the implementation of Founders Lab.
“Growth Lab is the Startup Bridge accelerator programme, designed for startups that have developed an MVP and require structured support to scale. The programme focuses on strengthening venture fundamentals and preparing companies for external investment.
“The programme targets startup founders who are seeking the support, networks, expertise, and investment readiness required to accelerate growth and strengthen their position within the Nigerian innovation ecosystem,” he said.
He added that selected founders will gain access to structured growth support, investment readiness preparation, access to industry experts, market expansion pathways, a $100,000 cash investment (or Naira equivalent) for 7.5% equity upon entering the programme (terms and conditions apply), and up to $250,000 in potential follow-on investment should certain growth conditions be met.
“Eligible startups must be at the post-MVP stage, demonstrate evidence of market validation through users, customers, pilots, partnerships, waitlists or any other demand signals, and be willing to participate fully in the hybrid programme,” he said.
The programme will run as an intensive 12-week hybrid experience, including virtual engagements and two physical weeks in Lagos focused on collaboration, learning, and business growth.
The statement said applications opened on July 15, 2026, and will close on August 19, 2026.
According to him, female founders are strongly encouraged to apply. Selection will be conducted through a clearly defined, merit-based evaluation process aligned with published criteria.
iDICE is a $618 million federal government initiative backed by international lenders to boost the technology and creative sectors.
It provides young entrepreneurs with business skills training, mentorship, and access to capital through funds and accelerator programs like the iDICE Startup Bridge.
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