Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has said that his administration would continue to do everything necessary to improve the standard of education in the state.
He stated this while speaking at the 2022 Christmas Carol Service with the theme “Joy to the World,” held at the Remembrance Arcade, Government House, Agodi, Ibadan, adding that his administration would continue to commit resources to improve the education sector.
While stating that the pace of development in other sectors would also not be reduced, Governor Makinde said his administration had laid the foundation to ensure the continuous improvement of the human development index of the state.
The governor also used the occasion to announce that the state government would pay the 13th month’s salary to workers in the state on or before 31 December as it has been doing since the inception of the administration in 2019.
Speaking on some of the strides recorded by the administration, especially in the education sector, Governor Makinde said that with the upgrade of the Emmanuel Alayande College of Education to a University of Education, the state now has a state-owned conventional university and two specialised universities
The governor also explained that with the success already recorded by the administration within the scope of the Omituntun 1.0, the State Government would explore tourism and ethical mining as an avenue to further expand the economy of the state if he is re-elected in 2023.
He said: “We started with omituntun 1.0 where we listed four pillars in the document I presented in 2018 – Roadmap for Accelerated Development of Oyo State. We focused on Education, Health, Expansion of the economy and Security and we have achieved a lot.
“Right now, we have a state-owned conventional university and two specialised universities with a campus in Iseyin. Now, we have Emmanuel Alayande University of Education in Oyo and the first Technical University in Ibadan. Some have said we won’t be able to fund this new project but I can tell you that we have the capacity. Since LAUTECH became solely owned by Oyo State, we have been funding it.
“We have paid the backlog of salaries owed by the past administration. We have paid around 50 per cent of our commitment to Osun State already. So, we will continue to commit our resources to the education sector because that is where the future lies for us.
“For the next 40 years, we have laid the foundation to produce human resources requirements for Oyo State.
“We have the same focus for Omituntun 2.0 with a few additions. The expansion of our economy will not only be through agribusiness but tourism and solid mineral development.
Earlier, the general overseer of the Hour of Mercy Prayer Ministry, Prophet Moses Muyideen Kasali, reminded the indigenes of Oyo State to hold on to hope, as according to him, the birth of Christ symbolises hope.
He enjoined everyone to use the season to remember the needy in their communities because those who have should be sources of hope for the needy.
The first, second and third lessons of the event were read by the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin; a Judge of the Oyo State High Court, Hon. Justice Iyabo Yerima; and the Chairman, CPFN, Oyo State, Pastor Benjamin Akanmu, respectively.
Special prayers were held for the state, the first family, the State House of Assembly, civil servants and for increased prosperity for the state and Nigeria, by the Prelate Emeritus, Methodist Church Nigeria, His Eminence, Dr Sunday Ola Makinde; Most Rev. Joseph Akinfenwa; Bishop Daniel Oluwajimade; Prophet Ojo Olowere; Bishop T.V. Adelakun and Bishop Francis Wale Oke.
The highlight of the event included songs, hymn renditions, and fireworks.
In a related development, the wife of the governor, Mrs Tamunominini Makinde has called on parents to give priority to child training for the overall benefit of society.
Mrs Makinde stated this at a Christmas party organized for the children in the state.
She reiterated that when parents played their role of imbibing virtues into the hearts of the younger generations, it would help build a society free of corrupt practices.
Mrs Makinde, who called on the children to use the holiday period to relax after rigorous academic activities, called on the parents not to be careless in watching over them.
Some of the children, who enjoyed themselves on bouncy castles and roller coasters, said the Christmas party was fun filled for them, appreciating the wife of the governor for the gifts.
The highlight of the programme was visiting the Father Christmas grotto to receive gifts.
Iyabo Adebisi/Seyifunmi Olarinde
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