Taminominin Makinde, Oyo State’s First Lady, has reiterated the state government’s commitment to education as the cornerstone for sustainable development and a better tomorrow.
Makinde made the assurance during the flag-off event for the distribution of 50,000 free exercise books to public secondary schools around the state.
The free exercise book is one of the intervention initiatives developed by the Federal Republic of Nigeria’s First Lady in partnership with the First Lady of Oyo State.
The first lady, represented by Toyin Balogun, Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, said that the intervention is done in the best interest of the state and students to assist parents to meet the writing materials requirements of their wards.
She admonished students to take their studies seriously by utilizing the materials given to them judiciously.
“This programme was conceptualized and brought into being by the first lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, to ensure that the quality of life lived by our people, especially the women and the children is improved considerably.
The programme comes in different segments. The agricultural and educational elements are what we are reinstating today. About 15 schools are represented today and everyone will go home with part of the book packs of the renewed hope initiative.
“This intervention today is a complement to the free education policy of Governor Seyi Makinde and will relieve the burden on parents.
“I advise you to go to higher institutions or places of vocational learning and become distinguished members of the society”.
“At the end of the next decade or so, we will be excited for you seeing us on the street of Oyo State, Nigeria or outside the country and saying I faced my studies and benefitted from the renewed hope initiative, I faced my studies, and today I am now a doctor, an engineer, a lawyer, a nurse and an internationally recognised fashion designer. This would be what will happen to you all in the mighty name of God,” she said.
In his welcome address, Salihu Adelabu, a professor and Commissioner of Education, acknowledged the governor of Oyo State’s outstanding educational records.
The commissioner, speaking through Akanji Olayinka, director of Secondary Schools, hinted that the gesture might improve the academic performance of the state students.
In their goodwill messages, Oyepeju Kazeem, principal of Iseyin District Grammar School, and Abokede Taiwo, principal of Fiditi Grammar School, praised the federal and state governments for the gesture, noting that it will help parents in no small way by providing writing materials to their children.
Also, speaking on behalf of the students, Olaosebikan Raheemat, senior girl, Iseyin District, thanked the first lady for the generosity, noting that today’s programme will improve everyone’s morale and help them prepare for the upcoming academic session.
The occasion, which was held at the Iseyin District Grammar School, Iseyin, and Fiditi Grammar School, Oyo State, ended in a symbolic presentation of the exercise books by the representative Oyo First Lady to representatives of the students from schools across the state.