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Oyo School Governing Boards (SGBs): Ajimobi’s Masterstroke for Education Revival.
THE recently planted seed of the School Governing Boards (SGBs), an education policy in the education sector, conceived, conceptualized and inaugurated in all the 628 Public Secondary Schools in Oyo state by the Abiola Ajimobi led administration has not only revolutionised the education sector in the state but it has also started yielding positive fruits.
Knowing that education is better driven through the collaborative efforts of all stakeholders, the present administration in the state is conscious of the positive contributions of Public Private Partnership (PPP) hence its decision to incorporate the policy into the education sector in the state.
The timely clarion call made by the state’s government to all the stake holders was borne out of the urgent need to restore Oyo state to its glorious years having known that government cannot, alone, bear the burden of an important sector such as education.
The introduction of SGB policy aimed at restoring, transforming and repositioning the education sector in the state has started yielding positive fruits as Old Student’s Associations, Philanthropists, Parent Teacher Associations, Private Companies among others continuously stretched forth their good hands for the betterment of education sector in general and their Alma Mata in particular.
Newly renovated classrooms.
“This will be my fourth time of coming to the school to commission a good gesture like this within a year. In fact, these gestures have demonstrated the commitment and cooperation of Old students that no government can shoulder the responsibilities of education alone. It is this conviction that gave birth to the establishment of the School Governing Boards (SGBs)”.
Governor Abiola Ajimobi who spoke, ecstatically, through his Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Professor Adeniyi Olowofela during the official commissioning of the newly renovated staff room, block of eleven classrooms and provision of furniture donated by the 1977 Old Students Association of Olivet Baptist High School, Oyo yesterday also urged other old students across the length and breadth of Oyo state to emulate the good gestures stressing that judging by the fruits which the SGB policy has produced since its introduction, Oyo state will soon reclaim its lost glory.
Similarly, the Commissioner lauded the kind hearted Old Students for their efforts toward contributing to the repositioning of education in the state. He noted that the newly renovated classrooms will not only provide conducive and child friendly environment to the citadel of learning, it will also enhance teaching and learning activities in the school.
Furniture provided by the Old Students Association.
The ex- council boss stressed that qualitative education through provision of required and adequate teaching and learning materials has been a great concern to the present administration, saying it is in this view that, the government has been supplying furniture to schools and has not relented in carrying out series of renovation in schools.
He, however urged the teachers not to relent in their efforts no matter the situation, adding that the teaching profession is a noble one which no financial reward can compensate.
The event had in attendance, Senator Monsurat Sunmonu representing Oyo Central Senatorial District, Dr Adekunle Ogunmola, South West, INEC Commissioner among other dignitaries.
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced a record revenue collection of N5.7 trillion as of November 12, 2024, surpassing its yearly target by 10 percent.
This was disclosed by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, at the ongoing 2024 Comptroller-General of Customs Conference in Abuja.
Themed “Nigeria Customs Service: Engaging Traditional and New Partners with Purpose,” the conference showcased the Customs Service’s progress in modernizing its operations and fostering collaborative partnerships.
“Today, I stand before you to demonstrate how our commitments in 2023 have evolved into tangible achievements,” Adeniyi stated.
He attributed the revenue growth to a series of reforms, including the implementation of a one-stop solution for cargo alerts, a revamped ICT infrastructure, streamlined inspection procedures, and enhanced automation.
Adeniyi explained that these changes reflect the agency’s commitment to elevating operational transparency and efficiency.
“We pledged to re-align our free trade operations, elevate cargo integrity standards, and expand our scanning capacities,” he said.
“Above all, we promised to usher in a new era of customs operations—one built on transparency, efficiency, and genuine collaborations with our partners.”
As of Tuesday, November 12, Adeniyi confirmed that the NCS collected N5.07 trillion, achieving the anticipated 10 percent revenue surplus.
“This performance validates our partnership-driven approach to revenue collection and trade facilitation,” he added.
Adeniyi also highlighted recent strides in trade facilitation, revealing that six companies have been selected to benefit from the Authorised Economic Operators programme, which provides fast-tracked customs clearance and other trade facilitation benefits.
Similarly, the NCS has processed 21 requests under an advance ruling programme, designed to expedite customs decisions on import and export cargoes before they reach Nigerian ports.
The Comptroller-General expressed optimism about the NCS’s potential to drive further economic growth, citing the agency’s commitment to fostering partnerships and advancing innovative practices within the customs sector.
Nineteen out of the thirty-eight directors who were shortlisted to fill permanent secretary vacancies within the Federal Civil Service have failed the qualifying examination, a memo from the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF) revealed on Tuesday.
The memo, signed by Dr. Emmanuel Meribole on behalf of the examination committee, disclosed that the qualifying exam was conducted on Monday, November 11, 2024.
The Federal Government, through the OHCSF, launched the recruitment drive in October to fill permanent secretary vacancies in eight states.
Providing insights into the progress, Eno Olotu, Director of Press at OHCSF, stated, “Of the 38 eligible directors who sat for the exam, 19 have passed the first stage and will move on to the second stage, which will assess their competency in using Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in government operations on Wednesday, November 13, 2024.”
Olotu highlighted the rigorous three-stage selection process, designed to ensure that only the most capable individuals are appointed to these high-ranking civil service roles.
This comprehensive approach, according to OHCSF, aims to elevate the quality of leadership across federal ministries.
The directors who advance beyond the ICT proficiency test will face a final stage on Friday, November 15, 2024, where a panel of senior government officials and private sector experts will conduct a final evaluation to determine their suitability for the permanent secretary positions.
The Chairman of the House Committee on the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) and representative of Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency in Oyo State, Engr. Aderemi Oseni, on Saturday urged the community to unite in advancing key development projects aimed at transforming Ikogosi.
Speaking at this year’s Ikogosi Day celebration and the launch of a N1 billion development project in Ekiti, the lawmaker, who served as the Chairman of the occasion, emphasised the importance of unity and collective action.
He encouraged attendees to approach the celebration as a call to action for the betterment of their community.
“As we all know, Ikogosi is not merely a town; it is a treasured gem in the heart of Ekiti State and Nigeria as a whole,” he said. “Ikogosi, a historic and vibrant town, plays a vital role in the tourism and economic landscape of Ekiti State. Its rich cultural heritage and unique resources draw visitors and stimulate economic activities that benefit us all.”
“Today is not just a celebration; it is a call to action,” he continued. “Let us come together, united in purpose, to support these transformative projects that promise to uplift the Ikogosi community. I urge everyone here to invest their time, resources, and energy in this endeavor. Together, we can build a legacy of self-help and development that future generations will cherish.”
Reflecting on the broader challenges facing the country, Oseni encouraged the people of Ikogosi and all Nigerians to remain hopeful and resilient, assuring them of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to a brighter future for the nation.
“To the good people of Ikogosi and all citizens of Nigeria, I urge you to remain steadfast and hopeful. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu means well for all Nigerians. The APC-led administration’s Renewed Hope agenda holds the promise of a brighter future. Though the beginnings may be challenging, perseverance will guide us toward a prosperous new Nigeria,” he stated.
In a statement released by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, the lawmaker lauded the Ekiti State government under Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s leadership for its transformative efforts in governance and development.
He acknowledged the strides made by the governor and praised his impactful initiatives, which have set Ekiti on a progressive path.
“First and foremost, let me commend the Ekiti State government under the leadership of His Excellency, Mr. Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji. The trailblazing development initiatives and effective governance during your tenure have not gone unnoticed,” Oseni remarked.
“Under your stewardship, we have witnessed remarkable progress and commendable governance that have undoubtedly made Ekiti State a shining example of peace and development,” he added.
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