Education
Omu-Aran (Kwara) July 24, 2018 (NAN) Chief Jide Adebayo, a community leader in Omu-Aran, Kwara on Tuesday called for greater emphasis on education toward achieving technological advancement in Nigeria.
Adebayo, who is now the Eesa of Omu-Aran, made the call in a keynote address he delivered to commemorate the meritorious service of Mr Segun Abifarin, former Principal of Government Secondary School, Omu-Aran, Kwara.
Adebayo, also a former Executive Director, Marketing, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), said no development toward nationhood could happen by fiat or magic.
He maintained that most technologically developed nations, globally, achieved their status using education as a critical and veritable tool.
Adebayo noted that the greater assets of any nation could be adequately measured by the level of its educational development.
“No nation can be said to be greater than the level of its educational development.
“The technological breakthrough of Japan, China, amongst others, does not happen by magic but through education, serious commitment to learning and human capital development.
“Any nation that places less emphasis on education will never grow,” he said.
The community leader appealed to the state and Federal Governments to increase their budgetary allocation to transform the education sector.
He also urged parents and guardians not to relent in their responsibility toward ensuring excellent educational and moral upbringing of their children and wards.
Adebayo said Abifarin had left an indelible legacy and contributed in no small measure toward the education development of Omu-Aran.
Mr Ayo Fagbemi, the Guest Speaker, urged the people to emulate the exemplary leadership style of Abifarin in moving the education sector forward.
Mr David Ajiboye, a retired Principal, in a lecture entitled “Preparing for and Life After Retirement“, urged public servants to always plan ahead of their retirement for their future benefits.
According to Ajiboye, most retirees are not mentally prepared or afraid to retire due to lack of finance, depression and hypertension resulting from worries and uncertainties.
Abifarin, in a remark, expressed gratitude to God, family and well wishers for the honour done him, saying such would spur him to do more. (NAN).
ISHO/DUA
Edited by Dada Ahmed