By Ghazali Ibrahim
In what is being described as a novel initiative in public basic education, Honourable Babajimi Benson, Member of the House of Representatives for Ikorodu Federal Constituency, has introduced a novel festive reward initiative by organizing Christmas shopping for highly exceptional pupils in public primary schools across the Ikorodu Division.
The programme, aptly titled “Public Schools Christmas Shopping with Honourable Babajimi Benson MHR,” marked the first time outstanding public primary school pupils from Ikorodu were taken beyond their classrooms for a full, curated festive experience designed to reward academic excellence.
Implemented in partnership with the iCare Foundation, the initiative selected 420 top-performing pupils from Primary 1 to 6 during the 2024/2025 academic session.
For many of the children, the highlight was a first-of-its-kind excursion to Victoria Island, where they enjoyed an ₦8,500 cinema experience at ShopRite, watching Disney’s Zootopia 2.
The experience was deliberately crafted to expose public school pupils many of whom had never visited a cinema to new environments and possibilities.
The novelty continued with a guided shopping experience at Sinomart Shopping Mall, where each pupil received a ₦10,000 voucher to independently select items of their choice, reinforcing confidence, choice and reward for effort. A total of 35 teaching and non-teaching staff who accompanied the pupils were also given ₦10,000 vouchers in recognition of their role in nurturing academic excellence.
By evening, the pupils returned safely to Ikorodu, arriving at the Local Government Education Authority (LGEA) premises by 7:30 p.m. to reunite with their headteachers, teachers and guardians bringing a landmark day to a joyful close.
Beyond its festive appeal, the initiative introduced a fresh model of motivation in public education: one that celebrates merit with real-world experiences rather than routine ceremonies.
It reinforces Honourable Babajimi Benson’s evolving approach to educational support combining academic reward, child welfare and exposure to broader social experiences.
For the pupils, it was more than a Christmas outing; it was a pioneering reminder that excellence in public schools can be seen, celebrated and rewarded in extraordinary ways.
