By: Bayero Ade
The Lagos State Government has ordered the closure of Smiley Kids Montessori School in the Sangotedo area after the heartbreaking death of a two-year-old student, Rapheala Ogbodo, who drowned in the school’s swimming pool.
According to Afripost, the incident occurred on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, and has prompted a thorough investigation by the Lagos State Safety Commission and the Ministry of Education’s Office of Education Quality Assurance.
In a statement posted on Saturday, January 18, through its official X account, the Lagos State Government confirmed the closure of the school. It also expressed condolences to the grieving family and reaffirmed its commitment to preventing such tragedies in the future.
The statement read: “The Lagos State Safety Commission is aware of the tragic swimming pool incident at Smiley Kids Montessori, located in Heritage Place Estate, Sangotedo, on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, which led to the unfortunate death of two-year-old Rapheala Ogbodo.”
Officials from both the Lagos State Safety Commission and the Office of Education Quality Assurance have visited the school to conduct a preliminary investigation and determine the cause of the incident.
The school will remain closed during the ongoing investigation. The statement further extended sympathy to the victim’s family and assured the public of the government’s commitment to maintaining safety standards to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Lanre Mojola, Director-General of the Safety Commission, highlighted the critical need for school operators and caregivers to adhere to safety regulations to prevent such accidents. He also mentioned that additional updates would be provided once the investigation is complete.
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