By: Adeboye Ado
The Ondo State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Pastor Femi Agagu, on Saturday, commissioned two buildings solely renovated and furnished by Ambassador Godson Echegile, an old student of Imade College in Owo, Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State.
Speaking at the commissioning and 50th annual general meeting of Imade College Old Students Association (IMACOSA), Femi Agagu, acknowledged the unfettered efforts of the State Government in creating an enabling environment for the development of the education sector in the state.
He noted that many feats had been recorded since the inception of the Gov. Akeredolu led administration. He also pointed out that paucity of fund and deplorable infrastructure were prevailing issues hampering the progress made so far.
“Despite the giant strides recorded by the government and other stakeholders in a bid to move education sector forward, certain emerging issues are hampering the progress made, notable among which is the issue of inadequacy and deplorable infrastructures in some of our public Schools”
“I sincerely rejoice with our students who are the main beneficiaries of this noble gesture, I want you to count yourself blessed by this opportunity. Not only will additional classrooms be available for you to learn, you will learn in a comfortable environment”, the Commissioner said.
Agagu, therefore commended the donor of the magnificent edifice, Echegile, for contributing immensely to the development of the school, while he urged other critical stakeholders to join hands with the government to unanimously emplace education on the pedestal of technology.
However, he acceded to the demand of the association on the deployment of an old student as the Principal of the citadel of learning, since the current head of the school, Mr. Akinyemi Farayola, who is also an old student will bow out of service in few months time.
Earlier in his address, the National Chairman of IMACOSA, Alh. Isiaka Kareem, who corroborated the commissioner’s stance on the development of the education sector, sought for more government’s intervention in facelifting other moribund structures cited in the college.
Kareem called on well-meaning individuals to assist the school in providing more qualitative education, building of additional six classrooms and purchasing a brand new school bus.
On his part, Mr. Farayola appreciated all the good deeds of the old students which he said to include —scholarship awards, payment of NECO registration levies, infrastructural development, hiring of staff and many others.
He urged all and sundry at the meeting to give back to their alma mater, this he said, would stand them in good stead and also assist the govt.
In his response, Echegile who was subsequently conferred with an award of merit for his humanitarian services, said he won’t rescind his robust decision on putting smiles on the faces of students.
Echegile, who was Nigeria’s envoy to Sierra Leone from 2008 to 2011, extolled the visionary leadership of the school principal, describing him as a man of honesty who is bent on revamping Imade College.
Highlight of the event includes conferment of award on distinguished, cultural exhibition.
