No child will be denied access to quality education in Oyo – Makinde

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has disclosed that one of his priorities is to ensure that no child of school age is denied access to quality education in the state.

The governor also revealed that no fewer 80,000 children of school age have returned to school since he stopped the payment of 3,000 fees in schools across the state.

Makinde who was represented by his Special Adviser on Media, Dr. Sulaimon Olanrewaju, made these assertions while speaking as the Chairman of the occasion during the launch of a book titled “Defying Expectations : My Story of Perseverance From Conductor to Journalist” authored by Oyo State Correspondent for DAILY POST Newspaper, Mr Musliudeen Atanda Adebayo.

The event which coincided with the 40th birthday of the author was held at Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Secretariat Iyaganku Ibadan on Sunday.

It was graced by the Chairman of Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria and Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Media, Alhaji Oyekunle Oyetunji, Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu who was represented by Comrade Femi Awogboro, Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin who was represented by his Chief Press Secretary, Chief Solomon Olugbemiga Ayoade, Chief Executive Officer of Eternal Home Cemetery, Dr Adebukola Kadiri, National President of Nigeria Association of Social Workers (NASoW) Alhaji Mashood Mustapha, NUJ Chairman, Alhaji Ademola Babalola, Professor Yemisi Lydia Olaleye who was represented by Mrs Yunus Ayandoye and the Chief Executive Officer of Fire Academy of Nigeria, Professor Afolabi Charles Israel.

Others are the Book Reviewer, Professor Rahman Akinoso, Guest Lecturer, Dr Bayonle Busari, Grand Chief Imam of Ogbomosoland, Imam Yunus Olushina Teliat Ayilara who was represented by Alfa Abdurazaq Ajibade, Dr Kazeem Adeleke, Coordinator of International Institute of Journalism, Ibadan campus, Alhaji Bolaji Kareem, Deputy Director of Continuous Education Centre (CEC), The Polytechnic, Ibadan, Alhaji Najeem Adunola, Mr James Anthony Olountoyin, Secretary, NBA Ibadan Branch, Ibrahim Kareem-Ojo, Secretary, Mr Abiodun Azeez, Dr Suraj Amusat, Publicity Secretary of Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) Mr Kola Olomide, NASoW National Treasurer, Folasade Ogungbire, National President of Muslim Media Practitioners of Nigeria, Alhaji Abdulrahman Balogun and NUJ State Treasurer, Mr Akeem Abas, Executive Director of Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) Professor Ishaq Akintola who was represented by Barrister Abdulwaheed Lawal and Editor in Chief of Legit online newpapar, Mr Rahman Abiola.

Other dignitaries at the event are Special Adviser on Islamic Affairs to governor Seyi Makinde, Alhaji Abbdulraseed Abdulazeez, Chairman of Nigeria Association of Social Workers (NASoW), Oyo State chapter, Mr Adegoke Ayodele, former NUJ B zone National Trustee, Elder Adebayo Akamo, former Chairman of Correspondents’ chapel, Elder Kemi Olaitan, Chairman, Correspondents’ chapel, Mr Raji Adebayo, Special Adviser on Media to Senator Yunus Akintunde, Mr Kunle Olatunji, Mr. Taoheed Oladejo and the head of Alawode Adebayo lineage from Daramola compound in Ita Baale Ori Okiti in Ibadan, Mr Kazeem Akande Adebayo.

The rest are Islamic clerics among who whom are Alfa Abdulrahman Faleti, Alhaji Ismail Busari and Alfa Nurudeen Abdulfatai, paternal and maternal families of the author from Oyo and Osun States, members of Legacy Stars of Ibadan, Ibadan Mega Voice, University of Jos Alumni Association, Nigeria Association of Social Workers, NUJ and Correspondents’ chapel.

Makinde while addressing the gathering, said that he is determined to ensure that no child of school age in the state is denied access to quality education, noting that he was ready to support the author and all other talented individuals in the state to achieve their dreams.

Makinde who added that the book is a worthwhile manual to teach the younger ones and encourage them that they can get anywhere with determination. He described the author as a humble, hardworking, and determined individual who doesn’t see difficulties as problem but stepping stones.

He added that Musliudeen Adebayo’s story compliments his administration’s focus which aims to promote quality formal education in the State.

The governor while speaking further, added that the stoppage of 3,000 school fees in public schools on assumption of office has helped over 80 thousands out-of-school children returned to school.

He further noted that he has embarked on another phase of rehabilitation of 205 schools in the state, adding that about 20,000 teachers were employed in the state towards helping children from grass to grace.

“The governor is determined to ensure that no child in Oyo State is denied access to quality education. That is why the government is creating opportunities for people to thrive. The governor will support Musliudeen and other people in his category. The governor is taking Oyo State from poverty to prosperity”.

Ogundoyin, while speaking maintained that the event is a powerful testament to vision and resilience of the author. He described his story as a reflector of the story of many Nigerians who rose to greatness from humble beginnings.

He added that he is encouraged by stories like this which captured the stories of a man who refused to be bossed by circumstances to becoming a great journalist. He said the author wrote a story that really maters, recommending it a source of encouragement to others, especially the younger generations towards navigating their life path.

Chief Executive Officer of Eternal Home Cemetery who double as mother of the day, Dr. Adebukola Kadiri, while speaking encouraged underprivileged children never to give up on their dreams but to embrace the values of hard work, perseverance, and determination.

Kadiri joined other dignitaries at the event to encourage struggling children not to lose hope, emphasizing that with prayers, diligence, and perseverance, they could achieve greatness.

She warned against engaging in get-rich-quick schemes, stressing that such paths often lead to untimely death or social insignificance.

“Musliudeen could have diverted his attention to distractions like internet fraud and other unlawful activities, but he chose the path of education and hard work, and today, he is reaping the rewards. With the situation in the country, though it is not ideal for the struggling child, the God factor and tenacity make any dream possible”.

The guest lecturer, Dr Bayo Busari while speaking on the topic “Redirecting Youthful Energy towards Positive Self and National Development” identified unemployment, lack of access to education and health issues as some of the challenges facing the youths in the country.

He described education as a veritable tool to ensure emancipation, empowerment and societal growth.

He said, “Education enables young people to become active participants in society and make informed decisions about their lives. It empowers them to pursue their aspirations, develop their talents, and contribute to the betterment of their communities and the world. By equipping them with knowledge and skills, education helps them to navigate challenges and opportunities, both personal and professional. Education provides young people with the skills they need to participate in the workforce and contribute to the economy. It fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills, which are essential for success in various fields. Education also cultivates creativity, innovation, and adaptability, allowing young people to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

“Education increases opportunities for social and economic participation, helping young people to overcome poverty and lead fulfilling lives. It provides access to better jobs and opportunities, allowing them to contribute to the growth and prosperity of their communities. Education also promotes social inclusion and reduces the risk of crime and other negative behaviours. Education fosters self-confidence, self-esteem, and a sense of purpose, which are essential for personal well-being. It helps young people develop a positive self-image and a strong sense of identity. Education also promotes resilience, adaptability, and the ability to learn from setbacks, which are crucial for navigating life’s challenges. Education contributes to a more informed and engaged citizenry, leading to better governance and decision-making. It fosters tolerance, understanding, and respect for diversity, promoting social cohesion and peace. Education helps build a more just and equitable society, where everyone has the opportunity to reach their full potential”.

The book reviewer, Professor Rahman Akinoso, while reviewing the book, described the book as a ‘work of art’ with 166 pages and 13 chapters. He added that the piece narrated a journey from challenges to successes defying all odds through perseverance. He said the writing pattern embraces clear, plain and understandable choice of words with pictorial illustrations strategically positioned for clear messages.

He further recommended that the book is suitable to encourage teenagers on the importance of perseverance in the pursuit for growth. He said the book is more a story book beneficial to youths of secondary school age, adding that real names should be replaced with fictitious name to suit usage in school and avoid ethical violations in book reading.

NASoW National President, Alhaji Moshood Mustapha describes the celebrant as a promising and hardworking man who has added value to the association through the value of pen.

NUJ Chairman, Alhaji Ademola Babalola, noted that the author had chronicled his experiences and growth and picked his 40th birthday as a significant period to launch it.

He commended the celebrant for taking cognate steps to defy all odds and embrace formal education. He said despite earning daily from bus conductor, he has a direction about his life. He described Musliudeen as one of the active members of the journalistic union who is well connected, hardworking, dogged, zealous and committed to his job.

The author, in his welcome address, expressed gratitude to God for transforming his life journey from that of a conductor to a journalist, and for sparing his life.

He also urged both the state and federal governments to recommend the book in secondary schools to ensure that children in schools have access to his books, which he believes will positively influence and inspire the younger generation and generations yet unborn.

He added that the book traces his struggles as an orphan and how he sailed through the hurdles and worked as a bus conductor at CMS Park 4 Marina Lagos between August 2004 and February 2009 so as to attain university education.

“It is certain that behind every success story, there are many ups and downs, challenges and obstacles confronted in the course of accomplishing the goals, it is against this background that I present to the public today “Defying Expectations: My Story of Perseverance from Conductor to Journalist”, a book authored by me which chronicles my struggles in the last 40 years.

“I want to use this medium to appeal to the Oyo State government and the Federal Government to recommend this book to all secondary school students so as to learn the art of perseverance, resilience and consistency which continued to keep me going this far”.