The management of Smiley Kids Montessori School, Sangotedo, Lagos, has released an official statement addressing the tragic death of two-year-old Raphaella Ogbodo, who passed away following an incident at the school’s swimming pool on January 15, 2025. The school described the event as unprecedented in its 17-year history, expressing deep sorrow and extending its heartfelt condolences to the grieving Ogbodo family. “We are devastated by this loss and extend our deepest condolences to the Ogbodo family, whose pain and grief we cannot begin to imagine,” the statement read.
Acknowledging the gravity of the situation, the school reaffirmed its commitment to child safety and pledged full cooperation with law enforcement and relevant government agencies to ensure a transparent investigation. Smiley Kids Montessori also announced the launch of an internal review to reassess its safety protocols, ensuring that necessary improvements are made to prevent future incidents. “We are committed to strengthening our safeguards to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future, thereby upholding our promise to ensure the safety and well-being of every child entrusted to us,” the statement added.
As part of immediate measures, the school has been temporarily closed while investigations are ongoing. The management acknowledged the disruption this may cause to parents and pupils but emphasized that the decision was made out of an abundance of caution. “We sincerely apologize for the disruption this may cause to our pupils’ learning and their families’ routines, and we appreciate your understanding and cooperation during this difficult time,” the school noted.
The incident has sparked concerns among parents and the public regarding safety measures in schools. Smiley Kids Montessori assured stakeholders of its commitment to transparency, promising to provide updates as new information emerges. As the school community mourns the heartbreaking loss of Raphaella, the management urged patience and respect for the privacy of the Ogbodo family during this difficult time. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the Ogbodo family during this time of unimaginable loss,” the statement concluded.