Bisi Oluranti empowers students in Ogbomoso, as govt mops up 54, 000 out-of-school children
Abdulrasak BELLO
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The lawmaker representing Ogbomoso North State Constituency in the Oyo State House of Assembly (OYHA) Hon Bisi Oluranti Oyewo-Micheal has extended hands of assistance to hundreds of students in his constituency.
This is as the Oyo state Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Professor Abdulwaheed Soliu Adelabu, informed that 54, 000 out-of-school children have been taken away from the street though saying the target is to cleanse the street of the about 1.5m out-of-school children in the state and return them to classes.
The programme was held at Anglican Grammar School Ogbomoso, from where Hon Oyewo-Micheal passed out.
“BOOM” as she is fondly called, distributed several items including customized notebooks to 30 students (JSS 1 to SS 3) from each of the 16 public secondary schools in the constituency as well as customized bags to students in JSS 3. This is as he paid WAEC fees of two SS 3 students from each of the schools and chalks to the schools.
The gesture which provoked lots of joy among the beneficiaries was attended by many dignitaries who all hailed the legislator for deeming it fit at a time like this when things are difficult in the country.
Speaking at the event Hon Oyewo remarked it was her way of giving back to the society in the face of the current hardship in the country.
“It is to give back to society due to the situation in the country. I felt some students might not be able to pay for WAEC and NECO, and so I decided to assist them. Also, I am supporting students with bags and notebooks. I am also thinking of women empowerment in the future, after all I am a woman too. Even as we continue our project of erecting streetlights is ongoing.”
In his remark, Commissioner for Education, represented by the Permanent Secretary/Inspector General of Education, Ogbomoso zone, Dr. Fola Oni, commended the gesture noting it aligns with the state government’s initiative of returning out of school children back to classrooms.
“Hon Dr Oluranti has identified with Oyo State Government over the possible dangers out of school children are opened to and the need to ensure they return back to school promptly.”
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Prof Adelabu added, “The step in no small measure will serve as incentives for students to stay in school and gear them towards academic excellence as well as attract other out out of school children to return to the classrooms,” while highlighting several dangers associated with students staying out of school such as socio-economic risks like poverty, limited job opportunities etc, safety concerns, isolationism among others.
The commissioner informed that the various initiatives of the state government in this direction have been yielding positive results stating these in conjunctions with efforts of well-meaning citizens of Oyo state like Honourable Dr Bisi Oluranti, have yielded significant results to reduce the number of out of school children as the Pacesetter state had returned about 54, 000 out of school children to classrooms in the last few years.”
He charged the beneficiaries to “please show appreciation to our honourable for what she is doing today, and this appreciation can only manifest in your being focused, in your being excelling in what you are doing, stay focused and make the best use of this rare opportunity. And I want to tell you, students who are out of school will emulate you and want to retrace their steps back to class if you excel yourselves.”
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Principal of host school, Mr. Abiodun Olowe, noted “this gesture is a right step in the right direction. Education is the bedrock of life itself so the importance of what she is doing cannot be overemphasized. In the face of hardship in the land, we appreciate what she is doing as many brilliant students who might not be able to fund their education or pay for external exams like WAEC and NECO will be saved from such embarrassment,” while challenging the students “to always read, read and read.”
Alaaje of Aaje Ologo, Oba Reuben Adesina Amao JP, a retired Director of Department of State Service (DSS), and who runs a widowhood/orphan foundation while commending Oluranti told orphans among the audience, “I want you to know you can become anything. I experienced it too but I faced my studies and I became a director of SSS, so, be focused on your education. Do not allow distraction. Your glory will boom.”
The guest speaker, an alumnus of the school, and one time headboy, advised the students, “Don’t break school rules. Aspire to be someone who people will look up to. When faced with challenges look at your goals and keep moving. Never lose sight of your goal, don’t be distracted. Correct yourself. We are in the age of social media, use your social handles wisely. It has destroyed a lot of lives but use it wisely, there is a profound benefit when you use it wisely. Last but not the least, the God’s factor. Pray to your God in your own way and God will listen to you. And also work hard. You have your own bits before you call your God to support you.
“Also look back to your respective secondary schools when you become adults, they will need your help, do not forget your alma mater. Develop the habit of having meeting with yourself when alone, and have dreams you must follow. The future belongs to dreamers. Fantasize and work towards it. Your primary dream is to have your WAEC and NECO. Anything you want to do tomorrow, start today, don’t mess up your future because of temporary pleasure. I look forward to seeing you all at the top.”
Dr. Saka Balogun, a leader of the PDP in the state, also charged the students, “In essence put your mind in God and work hard, eschew bad gangs and ways will open for you. And have focus and determination to excel in education and in the future. Also, self-reflect always when you are faced with challenges, don’t resign to fate, think of ways to develop yourselves.”
The chairmen of Ogbomoso North local government, Hon George Ogunlade and his Ibarapa East local government counterpart, Hon Taofeeq Arogundade, were also in attendance.
In his address, Hon Ogunlade heaped encomium on Oyewo for her contributions towards educational development and in other areas like her ongoing street lighting project, affirming she has been a good representative.
In a debate competition, Anglican Grammar School pipped Nurudeen Grammar School 52-51 to emerge winner.
