The Rotary Club of Lagos has officially launched its renovated sanitary facilities project at the Sea School Apapa, as part of activities marking the official opening of the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) 2026 programme.
The official opening ceremony and project launch took place recently, at the Sea School Apapa, bringing together Rotary leaders, Rotarians, Sea School management, RYLA organisers, guests and other stakeholders.
The ceremony was led by the RYLA 2026 Chair, the District Governor of Rotary International District 9112, Rotarian Layi Abidoye, and his team, alongside the President of the Rotary Club of Lagos, Rtn. Olutoyin Odulate, the President of the Rotary Club of Banana Island, other Rotarians and guests, and the Commandant of the Sea School.
As part of the ceremony, the Rotary leadership and invited guests undertook a tour of the Sea School grounds and the facilities renovated through the intervention.
The tour provided an opportunity for the leadership of District 9112, Sea School management and other stakeholders to observe first-hand the completed sanitary facility improvements and the broader environment in which RYLA 2026 participants will undertake their leadership training and activities.
The renovation intervention focused on restoring and improving sanitary facilities within the boarding hostels, including toilet facilities, wash basins, plumbing, lighting, fixtures, doors, tiling and other associated works.
In his remarks, the District Governor expressed his appreciation to the Rotary Club of Lagos for undertaking what he described as an enormous project in support of RYLA 2026 and the Sea School.
He commended the Club for its commitment and for taking responsibility for addressing critical infrastructure needs ahead of the arrival and participation of the young RYLArians.
The project launch represents the culmination of an intensive period of assessment, reassessment, mobilisation, construction and coordination by the Rotary Club of Lagos and its partners.
A PROJECT THAT GREW BEYOND THE INITIAL SCOPE
The sanitary facilities intervention evolved considerably from the initial needs assessment. As implementation commenced, further assessment of the boarding facilities revealed additional plumbing, lighting, fixture and structural requirements that needed to be addressed to deliver a safe, functional and satisfactory outcome.
The original project cost, estimated at over ₦2.6 million, subsequently increased to approximately ₦4.6 million, while the overall financial commitment and associated project support mobilised by the Rotary Club of Lagos approached ₦10 million or more when the wider intervention and related requirements were considered.
A significant contribution came from Nairda Limited, which partnered with the Rotary Club of Lagos and helped offset more than 50% of the total costs incurred for the renovations.
The intervention also included additional works to improve plumbing, lighting, fixtures and doors. The Amina Hostel was separately supported through the sponsorship of the Rotary Club of Banana Island, further strengthening the overall sanitary infrastructure available to the RYLA participants.
ROTARY’S COMMITMENT TO YOUNG LEADERS
Speaking at the project launch, the President of the Rotary Club of Lagos, Rtn. Olutoyin Odulate, emphasised that the intervention was driven by the Club’s determination to ensure that the Sea School facilities were ready for the young people participating in RYLA 2026.
The project required significant financial, logistical and human resources, as well as the dedication of Rotarians and volunteers who worked under considerable time pressure to ensure completion ahead of the programme.
The intervention reflects Rotary’s philosophy of being People of Action , identifying a need, mobilising resources and delivering a practical solution that creates measurable impact.
ADVANCING WATER, SANITATION AND HYGIENE
The project also directly supports Rotary’s commitment to its Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) priorities.
By restoring and improving sanitary facilities at the Sea School, the project contributes to a healthier, safer and more dignified environment for young people participating in RYLA and for future users of the facilities.
The Rotary Club of Lagos believes that leadership development must be accompanied by an environment that promotes health, dignity, safety and wellbeing.
SUPPORTING SEA SCHOOL’S LEADERSHIP AND CITIZENSHIP MANDATE
The Rotary Club of Lagos also acknowledged the important role played by the Sea School Apapa as a Citizenship Training and Leadership School.
The Club expressed hope that government and other stakeholders will continue to support the institution to enable it to fulfil its mandate of developing disciplined, responsible and impactful young citizens.
The successful completion of the sanitary facilities project demonstrates what can be achieved when Rotary, government institutions, private-sector partners and community stakeholders work together around a common objective.
CREATING LASTING IMPACT
The project forms part of the Rotary Club of Lagos’s broader commitment to the Rotary Year 2026/2027 theme, “Creating Lasting Impact.”
The Club believes that the renovated facilities will continue to serve the Sea School community beyond RYLA 2026, providing lasting benefits to current and future students and programme participants.
The Rotary Club of Lagos appreciates the leadership of Rotary International District 9112, the RYLA 2026 Committee, Sea School Apapa management, Rotary Club of Banana Island, Nairda Limited, Rotarians, volunteers, contractors and all individuals and organizations whose contributions made the intervention possible.
The Club remains committed to working with the District, government, private-sector organizations and community partners to deliver projects that respond to genuine
