Ogb North teachers honour Alaaje, Suulola, Buhari, Wumi Oladeji, Iba Abogunde, others – set to build secretariat
Olanrewaju OKE
Teachers in Ogbomoso North local government under the aegis of Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) Thursday conferred honours on a number of eminent individuals recognized as having contributed to the growth of education.
Unveiling the rationale for the award during his speech at the event, Comrade Tunde Oladapo, NUT Ogbomoso North branch chairman, said, “Education of the child is not something the government alone can dabble into and have a complete success, but it should be seen as a joint venture among the stakeholders. And whenever you see an individual or an organization that is committed to the progress of education, either through the pupils or the teachers, such an individual or organization needs being appreciated, encouraged and celebrated.
award plaque to Iba Abogunde
“This is the reason we want to give awards of excellence and appreciation to those we have found deserving, to appreciate and encourage them to do more hoping it will inspire others to join the train of educational development.”
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The awardees included Dr Fatai Buhari, senator representing Oyo North Senatorial District conferred with the award of “Quintessential Leader”; Prof Josiah Olusegun Ajiboye, Registrar and Executive Secretary Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria, TRCN (Educational Patron Saint); Prof Rasak Olatunde ROM Kalilu, Acting Vice Chancellor, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, LAUTECH, Ogbomoso (Educational Paragon); Engr Muftau Open Salawu, Executive Assistant to Oyo State Governor, Engr Seyi Makinde, on Project Monitoring (Archetypical Leader); Comrade Alhaji Ismail Oladimeji Raji, NUT chairman, Oyo state wing (Teachers’ Vanguard); HRH Oba Tajudeen Abimbola Ameen, Iba Abogunde (Educational Enhancer) and HRH Oba Reuben Adesina Amao, Alaaje of Aaje Ologo (Educational Enhancer).
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Others are Hon.Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji, former two-term legislator who represented Ogbomoso North state constituency (Teachers’ Advocate); Comrade Samson Tojuade Adedoyin, immediate past chairman of NUT Oyo state wing (Teachers’ Crusader); Hon Dr Paul Ajagbe, hospital proprietor and politician (Teachers’ Supporter); Pastor Olatunde Lanre Suulola, Tutor-General TESCOM zonal office Ogbomoso (Administrator per Excellence); Alhaji Sheu Babalola, retired Assistant Inspector General of Police (Educational Beau Ideal), Mrs Fatola Janet (Educational Influencer) and New Bell Global Investment Ltd (Teachers’ Pillar).
Dignitaries at the programme held at the Soun Stadium Ogbomoso, included Alhaji Monsur Ejide; Alhaji Noah Bello who represented Senator Buhari and who is CEO of New Bell Global Investment Ltd); Pastor Oyebamiji Taiwo Adeolu who represented Prof Ajiboye; Hon Ibrahin Ajagbe, a former interim chairman of Ogbomoso North local government; Comrade Dayo Ajala, NUT Oyo state wing representative at the national level and who represented Oyo state wing chairman; High Chief Kasali Oladipupo Yusuf, Abese of Ogbomosoland and who is chairman of the occasion; Comrade Isaac Olajide, chairman Ogbomoso South West LCDA and Comrade Ayo Ishola, a former TESCOM head of zone Ogbomoso.
NUT received a lot of commendations for the initiative. Mr. Suulola said, “I’m dazed when I got here, I thought it would be a parlour arrangement but when I got here and saw the caliber of people at the stadium I am dazed. I have seen wonders in Ogbomoso here. I will report when I get to Ibadan on Monday.”
Oba Adesina Amao asserted, “It is a great honour for me. I want everybody to say ‘God will bless my own teacher.’ I appreciate NUT. I am always borne by love for the orphans and that is why I set up a foundation for widows and orphans which celebrated its tenth anniversary in December 2022. The foundation supports orphans’ education through scholarships aside other contributions.”
Alhaji Noah Bello, lauded for its numerous contributions to NUT Ogbomoso North especially for sponsoring the programme charges the teachers to “see the programme beyond what you are seeing now,” promising to do more for the body.
Hon Olawumi Oladeji notes, “The society relies on you – teachers – so, don’t disappoint the society. I will always remain under your tutelage.” while also urging students to listen to their teachers and excel in education.
State’s NUT chairman, Comrade Raji, speaking through Comrade Ajala, congratulated the awardees, just as he lauded the organizers whom he noted put up the programme towards uplifting the education standard generally.
Also speaking, the Abese of Ogbomosoland, High Chief Yusuf commended NUT for its contribution towards “advancing education in our local government.”
He further said, “The basis of whatever anybody is going to be on earth starts from education and education starts from primary school and that is why primary school education should never be underestimated.
“And as teachers you are ever appreciated by the success of your pupils in various endeavours all over the world. We hereby appreciate you, thank you and celebrate with you on this special occasion,” while urging all those who have the wherewithal to support the project the NUT has before them.
Other features of the event were novelty football match between teachers in Ogbomoso North and Ogbomoso South local governments, which ended 1-1; and an innovative programme dubbed “Educative word search race” encompassing quiz competitions among secondary school students, competitive letters arrangement, as well as “adapted race” for special students, all which according to the branch chairman, Oladapo, are aimed at enhancing “mental and physical abilities of our children.”
Monetary donations were also received which it is assured will be channeled towards the construction of the union’s secretariat on an already acquired parcel of land, according to the branch chairman.
