The Palace of the Adeboruwa of Igbogbo kingdom was full to capacity on Tuesday, 30th of May, 2017, when it played host to the initiative of the able Governor of Lagos State, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode who is determined to eradicate illiteracy out of Lagos State to the nearest minimum, if not total.
The "Eko Nke Koo" (Lagos is Learning) initiative was launched October last year to tackle the menace of illiteracy in Lagos State, this was in line with the determination of Governor Ambode to lead an inclusive government with an unwavering resolve to build a State that works for all.
The programme was declared open through the prayer said by Sheik Dhikirulahi Andu, the Chief Imam Igbogbo Central Mosque, while the welcome address was given by the Permanent Secretary, Office of the Special Adviser on Education, Dr. Shamsideen Olalekan Allison who was glad with the mass turn out of the people to welcome the gesture of the Governor.
However, when it was time for the goodwill message the Sole Administrator, Igbogbo/Baiyeku LCDA, Chief Mrs. Bolanle Basorun expressed her gratitude and delight of such laudable programme initiated by the Governor for the good people of Igbogbo/Baiyeku LCDA. She assured the provision of the free stationery for any interested students.
She therefore appreciated the Governor and the Royal fathers, HRM Oba Abdulsemiu Orimadegun Kasali, the Adeboruwa of Igbogbo kingdom and HRM Oba Richard Ogunsanya, the Olubeshe of Ibeshe.
Shortly after this, the President, CIIDU, Igbogbo, Barrister Adeboye Dankuwo also thanked the Governor for his brilliant ideas and promised that the programme will be given adequate support by CIIDU and the people of Igbogbo kingdom to make sure the objective of the programme will not be defeated.
The Special Adviser to Gov. Ambode on Education, Mr Obafela Bank-Olemoh, thank His Excellency, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode for this initiative and the wonderful support given by the Adeboruwa of Igbogbo.
"Already, we are making remarkable progress towards achieving our goal. Last year, 10,143 neo-literates out of 11,492 who enrolled for the programme graduated successfully, most of which have also enrolled for the vocational education programmes delivered by Lagos State especially through the Agency for Mass Education. We aim to make them more self-reliant and active contributors to the economic well being of the State," he said.
Bank-Olemoh further explained that they have also established 250 new literacy centres to make the programme more accessible to Lagosians. "In January this year, Two Hundred and Fifty (250) new adult facilitators were trained and are already deployed to Literacy centres spread across the State. It’s my pleasure to inform you today that 10 of these new centres are located within Igbogbo town while more centres will be established in coming weeks and months; especially in the rural areas", he added.
He therefore urged the stakeholders in the society, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), Faith-Based Organizations, and trade unions as well as market women and mechanic associations, not to leave the responsibility of eradicating illiteracy from Lagos State to the government alone.
There was an interlude of a cultural display by the students of the premier school, Ikorodu, Oriwu Senior Model College which add glamour to the event.
The Director, Agency for Mass Education (AME) and also a proud daughter of Igbogbo, Mrs. Oluwakemi Yetunde Kalesanwo said Igbogbo is the take off point of the programme. She equally intimated everyone that Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode is adequately funding the adult education programme, hence, it is free.
When speaking with Mr Shakiru Seidu, the Publisher, Igbogbo/Baiyeku Info Magazine, Mrs Kalesanwo reinterated that the objective of Governor Ambode is to eradicate illiteracy in Lagos State. She further said this can be made possible when people are able to read and write.
On the final note, the official flag off of the scheme was carried out as the tape was cut by HRM Oba Abdulsemiu Orimadegun Kasali before the official registration of students by Oba Kasali, Oba Ogunsanya, Bank-Olemoh, Mrs Basorun respectively.
Among those that graced the occasion were the traditional rulers, Community Initiative for Igbogbo Development Union (CIIDU), Igbogbo Development Association (IDEA), CDAs, Muslim Community, top government functionaries, Olojas, among others.
SHAKIRU SEIDU
The Publisher, Igbogbo/Baiyeku Info Magazine
The genuine VOICE of Ikorodu Division
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