Ogbomoso Education Stakeholders visit Soun, freed teachers, bereaved families, gifts cash, thanksgiving held

Ogbomoso Education Stakeholders visit Soun, freed teachers, bereaved families, gifts cash, thanksgiving held

Niyi AJALA

Education stakeholders across Ogbomosoland have visited teachers recently released from captivity and the families of colleagues who lost their lives during the recent attack by bandits on their schools.

The stakeholders during the solidarity visits to their various homes reaffirmed their commitment to the welfare and unity of the education community.

The delegation comprised representatives of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), the All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS), the Association of Primary School Head Teachers of Nigeria (AOPSHON), Education Secretaries (ES), and the Oyo State Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM).

The stakeholders first visited the released teachers, where prayers were offered and financial support was presented on behalf of teachers across Ogbomosoland.

Speaking during the visit, one of the released teachers, Mr. Olatunde Zacheaus, expressed gratitude to God for preserving his life despite the harrowing experience. He also appreciated the financial assistance from teachers in Ogbomoso and acknowledged the motorcycle recently donated to him by the Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, describing the gestures as timely encouragement for him and his family.

Another survivor, Mrs. Oladeji, thanked God for His faithfulness and commended the education stakeholders for standing by the victims throughout the period of “uncertainty.” She described the support received from colleagues as a source of hope and strength.

The Permanent Secretary/Tutor-General of TESCOM, Dr. (Mrs.) Ayegboyin, thanked God for the safe return of the released teachers, noting that although the incident threw the entire education sector into mourning, there was now every reason to return thanks to God. She prayed that such a tragedy would never be repeated in the education community while presenting cash gifts on behalf of the stakeholders.

Also sharing her ordeal, Mrs. Alamu Folawe recalled the traumatic days spent in captivity. According to her, the most painful experience was hearing the pitiful cries during the brutal killing of some of their colleagues. She said “fear constantly gripped the captives as they were uncertain of their fate,” but “expressed gratitude to God for sustaining them, preserving their health, and granting them eventual freedom.”

The delegation also visited the families of the late Mr. Michael Oyedokun, Mr. Joel Adesiyan, and Deacon John Olaleye, who lost their lives during the attack. During the visits, cash donations were presented to their widows on behalf of education stakeholders in Ogbomosoland as a mark of sympathy and support.

In addition, the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Oyo State Wing, presented Endwell contribution cheques to the bereaved families. Comrade Adeyinka presented the NUT Endwell cheque, while the TESCOM Permanent Secretary/Tutor-General, Ogbomoso zonal office, Dr. (Mrs.) Ayegboyin, presented the stakeholders’ cash gift to the family of the late Mr. Michael Oyedokun. Comrade Adeyinka also presented financial support to the wife of the late Mr. Joel Adesiyan, while Comrade Ige presented the State NUT Endwell cheque to the family. The widow of Deacon John Olaleye likewise received both a cash donation from the education stakeholders and the State NUT Endwell contribution cheque.

The stakeholders later paid a courtesy visit to the Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, where the Ogbomoso NUT Zonal Chairman, Comrade Adeyinka, expressed appreciation to the monarch for his unwavering support for the affected families and the education community throughout the crisis.

Responding, the monarch disclosed that he had personally met with the widows of the deceased teachers to discuss possible areas of assistance. He assured them of the palace’s continued support and revealed that several interventions had already been provided, with more assistance still being planned. He also urged teachers to remain security conscious in the discharge of their duties.

The activities culminated in a Christian and Muslim Thanksgiving Services held at First Baptist Church, Okelerin, and at Nurudeen Central Mosque at Ebenezer area, where stakeholders gathered to thank God for the safe release of the abducted teachers and to seek divine comfort for the families of the deceased.

Delivering the exhortation, Prophetess Akinpelu Oluwatoyin encouraged participants to remain steadfast in faith and continually trust in God’s unfailing protection, reminding them that God remains the refuge and strength of His people even in difficult times.

Special prayers for the bereaved families, the released teachers, and the entire education sector were led by Rev. Dr. John Idowu Fatunbi, who prayed for God’s comfort upon the families of the deceased, healing for those affected by the traumatic incident, divine protection for teachers, and lasting peace across schools and communities in Ogbomosoland.

The stakeholders reaffirmed their collective commitment to the welfare, safety, and unity of teachers, expressing optimism that the painful incident would serve as a rallying point for greater collaboration in safeguarding the lives of educators across Oyo state.

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