The Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde has reiterated the call for quality education and skills development for greater Nigeria.
Makinde made the disclosure on Monday at Lekan Salami Sports Complex, Adamasingba, Ibadan during celebration of this year’s National Children’s Day.
The governor, who noted that there is need for collective responsibility to ensure children receive the best to start in life, maintaining that education remains the foundation upon which their future success is built.
Governor Makinde was represented at the event by the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Mrs. Toyin Balogun.
According to him, “The future of our nation depends on the quality of education and skills we provide to our young ones. It is our collective responsibility to ensure they receive the best possible start in life as quality education is the foundation upon which our children’s future success is built. It is the key to unlock their potential, fostering critical thinking, creativity and innovation.
“Education empowers them to make informed decisions, adapt to an ever-changing world, and become active contributors to our society.
“However, education alone is not enough, skill acquisition is equally vital in today’s fast-paced, technology -driven world, our children need to be equipped with practical skills that meet the demands of the 21st century. They must be able to problem-solve, communicate effectively and be digitally literate.
“It is pertinent to state that the reality is that many Nigerian children are denied this fundamental right, they face numerous barriers, including inadequate infrastructure, outdated curriculum and insufficient resources. This is unacceptable. Every child deserves access to quality education and skills training, regardless of their background, location or socio-economic status.
“In addition, African parents sometimes expose their children to child labour, kidnapping, rape, malnutrition and all forms of abuses. A lot has to be put in place, to help break the vicious cycle of inequality among all groups of children. The world of tomorrow cannot prosper if children of today are not healthy, educated and protected because lack of investment in quality services for children are one of the key barriers that prevent many children from reaching their full potential.
“I would therefore urge us all to put all hands on deck and commit to the improve access to quality education, especially in underserved areas, invest in teacher training and development, to provide resources and infrastructure for schools, promote inclusive and equitable education, encourage skill acquisition through vocational training and extracurricular activities, foster partnership between schools, communities and organizations.
“It is pertinent to mention that the Oyo state government under the current administration has been proactive in the promotion of quality education and skills development of children in the state, most especially orphans and vulnerable children in the state through the following intervention programmes which are increased access to quality education at primary and secondary levels for all eligible Oyo state children by 10%, encouraged private providers to provide quality and affordable education to Oyo state, provision of scholarship for brilliant students to encourage competition in public schools, giving waivers to children most especially the vulnerable and less privileged ones to access free quality education d health services in the state, rescuing and placement of abused children to receiving care and support services and promoting their rights to survival, protection, development and participation, provision of medical assistance, counselling and shelter to the victims of child abuse among others,” Makinde said.
The Governor, however, called for the support of well meaning Nigerians towards achieving a quality education for the young ones.
“Let us together create a state where every child can thrive, reach their full potential and contribute to our nation’s growth and prosperity, the total well-being of the Nigerian child is our collective responsibility, let us rise to the challenge and build a brighter future for our children, our nation and ourselves.”
The highlights of the event include match past, cutting of the cake, presentation of certificates of participation to all the schools in attendance, cultural performance among others.
Meanwhile, in the primary school category, the students of Straight Gate Model School, Olomi Ibadan emerged winner of the match past competition, with 74%, IDV Model School, Erinkoja Obe came second with 64%, while Lydel Kiddies Nursery and Primary School, Felele clinched 3rd position with 60%.
St. Anne’s School Molete Ibadan emerged 1st position at the Secondary School category with 80%, Oladipo Alayande School of Science came second and TMM Secondary School emerged third position with 65%.
Dignitaries at the event include, the state Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Professor Salihu Adelabu, Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade,the Chairman Local, Government Pension Board, Honorable Ademola Ige and other top government officials, traditional rulers, religion leaders, among others.
