- The appeal was delivered at the unveiling of the attach refurbishment of Kuje Amuwo Nursery and Primary School
- He described these efforts as strategic pathways for knowledge exchange and sustainable growth
- He maintained that genuine development is achieved when service outweighs the desire for personal acclaim
Nigerians living abroad have been urged to translate conversations about national growth into practical action that directly improves lives at the grassroots, with education identified as a critical starting point.
Eko Hot Blog reports that this call was made by the Chairman, Board of Directors, Lagosians of Chicago, Professor Dr. Shaffdeen Amuwo, during a community-focused event in Amuwo-Odofin, Lagos.
The appeal was delivered at the unveiling of the attach refurbishment of Kuje Amuwo Nursery and Primary School, where Professor Amuwo said the initiative reflects how diaspora commitment, when properly coordinated, can produce tangible results for local communities.
He explained that while upgrading school facilities is important, true impact is achieved when infrastructure development is combined with mentorship and moral guidance.
According to him, children require not only improved classrooms but also role models who can inspire ambition and discipline from an early age.
Professor Amuwo noted that the Lagosians of Chicago have consistently placed education at the heart of their interventions, stressing that the association prefers projects with long-term benefits over short-lived philanthropic gestures.
He added that this approach has helped sustain meaningful development efforts across communities in Lagos State.
The event also aligned with ongoing traditional and civic activities in Amuwo-Odofin, as the community prepares for the coronation of His Royal Majesty, Oba Oluwatoyin Obashola Adewusi-Tayo, the Oba of Amuwo-Odofin and Festac Town.
The monarch’s week-long programme, which includes peace walks, medical outreach, community visits and traditional rites, underscores the area’s renewed focus on unity, social welfare and inclusive leadership.
Professor Amuwo further highlighted the broader vision of Lagosians of Chicago, which includes strengthening people-to-people ties between Lagos State and the United States through education, skills development and community service.
He described these efforts as strategic pathways for knowledge exchange and sustainable growth.
He also praised the rising involvement of women within the organisation and the wider Eko Club International, describing it as a progressive development that has already reshaped leadership dynamics, including the emergence of the group’s first female president.
While acknowledging the support of traditional leaders, community stakeholders and partners who contributed to the school project, Professor Amuwo challenged other diaspora associations to adopt a similar sense of collective duty.
He maintained that genuine development is achieved when service outweighs the desire for personal acclaim.
He concluded by offering goodwill messages to the pupils and teachers of the refurbished school, expressing confidence that the improved learning environment would foster academic excellence and help groom responsible leaders for the future.
