…Vows to Punish Parents Who Deny Children Access to Schooling
The Otileta l, Towulade of Owu Akinale, Oba Oluseyi Adediran, has reiterated his commitment to ensuring that every child in Akinale community receives quality education, declaring that no parent within the town will be allowed to keep their children out of school.
The Monarch disclosed during the flag-off of an education support initiative on Monday where pupils were provided with exercise books, school uniforms, and writing materials, the monarch emphasized that education remains the foundation for building the future.
“You are quite aware of the importance of building our young ones because that’s our tomorrow. We are starting our work here to give our children the best education. No one should have a child that’s not going to school in Akinale, and my chiefs have signed an agreement with me — anyone found wanting will be punished.”
The traditional ruler, who announced that another phase of the educational support would be launched in two to three months, also commended Governor Dapo Abiodun for his administration’s continued investment in education across Ogun State.
“I want to praise His Excellency, Prince Dapo Abiodun, because he’s doing a lot concerning education. I’m a stakeholder in the education sector in Ogun State; I work with SUBEB as a contractor, and I don’t shy away from contributing to initiatives like this,” the monarch added.
Oba Adediran assured that beyond providing learning materials, his administration in Akinale would continue to support teachers and promote developmental projects to advance the standard of education in the community.
Towulade commended Governor Abiodun for promoting public participation in education development.
Earlier in her address, Olori Oluwafolakemi Adediran, who is the brain behind the initiative, said the gesture was designed to motivate parents to take an active role in the upbringing and education of their children.
“At times, children can be stubborn, but parents must not relent. They are the ones who can encourage and support teachers in training these children. Parents should ensure that their child go to school and must not allow them to engage in street hawking.”
Olori Adediran added that the scholarship component of the programme would be based on merit, rewarding outstanding academic performance.
“It’s not for everyone. Only pupils who make at least A’s in their results will qualify, and it’s limited to children in public schools”she explained.
She also advised children to combine education with vocational skills to prepare themselves for a productive future.
“If we are bringing up children, we are building tomorrow’s leaders. They should not limit themselves to classroom learning alone,” she urged.
Speaking on behalf of the benefiting schools, Mr. Akinyemi Samuel Olusola, a teacher at Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Akinale, expressed gratitude to the monarch for the initiative.
“First and foremost, I appreciate God and thank Kabiyesi for this kind gesture to his immediate community. Education development requires public-private partnership — everyone must come together to assist the government, as government cannot do it alone,” he said.
Akinyemi appealed to individuals and corporate organizations to emulate Oba Adediran’s example by supporting educational development, not only in Akinale but across the country.
