To realise the vision of making Ekiti State the front runner in education sector at all cadres in Nigeria, the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, has called on alumni associations to partner the government for the sector to receive proper and deserved attention.
Mrs Afuye posited that the standard of education can only be raised and standardized , when all critical stakeholders, especially the alumni bodies join the government for proper funding of the sector, recognised as the most thriving industry in Ekiti state.
The Ekiti’s number two citizen, said these on Tuesday, while being decorated with prestigious ‘ Award of Excellence’ for her meritorious service to the state, by Christ’s School Alumni Association (1994 set), at her office in Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti State Capital.
Speaking at the occasion, Mrs Afuye, in a statement signed by her Special Assistant on Media, Victor Ogunje, noted that Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s administration, has invested heavily in education, because it occupies a priority on list of the policy of the current government.
The Deputy Governor hinted that the governor being a thoroughbred academic, was ready to partner any stakeholder, who indicates interest to bolster scholarship in the state.
She urged the Alumni of all the schools in Ekiti to consider themselves as having the highest stakes in their respective Alma Maters, and that Governor Oyebanji was ready to partner them as pivotal allies in the education sector.
Mrs Afuye saluted the Alumni for donating Solar- powered streetlights to Christ’s School, saying the role modeling action will boost security and add to the aesthetic value of the prestigious institution.
“Barely a month ago, I joined this set to commission a solar powered streetlights your members donated to Christ’s School, Ado Ekiti. I really commend your contributions. This singular action had etched your set in gold in the history of the school.
“Alumni should look back and think of how they can benefit the school that gave them the intellectual power and wherewithal to survive in this modern world.
“Let me tell you that Governor Oyebanji as a lover of education sees you as strong partners and allies, so show that readiness to contribute to the growth of your schools. This is the best way to raise the bar and standard of education, because government can’t do it all alone, no matter how financially strong”.
She described the Award as a morale booster that will make her work more assiduously in her service to the state, humanity and in the realisation of the cardinal objective of making Ekiti an ideal education hub in Nigeria.
Speaking about the award conferment, the Vice President of the 1994 Set, Mr. Sanni Rasaq, said it was a way of appreciating Mrs Afuye for her surfeit of contributions to Oyebanji’s strides to develop education sector through investments in facilities and available human capital.
Expressing support for Governor Oyebanji’s administration and his future reelection bid, Sanni, described Mrs Afuye as a loyal and committed Deputy Governor, whose imprints will be remembered for good in the annals of history of the state.
Essentially, Sanni posited that the Deputy Governor’s interest and support for the uplift of the youth population, which they said vividly manifested in some of the empowerment programmes she had midwifed, earned her the honour from alumni of the prestigious citadel of learning.
“We are appreciating Mrs Afuye with this honour, because she has contributed significantly to the growth of education sector. You are a beacon of good end exemplary leadership. We are most fascinated by your generosity and kindness to the youths. History will never forget you”.
