As the world marks the International Literacy Day, Oyo state government has admonished adult learners in the state to improve their reading and writing skills to make a meaningful impact in the state.
The Chairman, Oyo State Agency for Adult and Non Formal Education (AANFE), Mr Ayo Olopoenia, who gave the admonition in an event to mark International Literacy Day on Tuesday in Ibadan with the theme, “Promoting literacy for a world in transition: Building the foundation for sustainable and peaceful societies”, said that the state government organized the event to celebrate adult learners who were making efforts to improve on their skills.
He stated that the government of Oyo state, under the leadership of Governorship Seyi Makinde, does not want any individual in the state to remain illiterate, pointing out that the Governor made sure that many out-of-school children could return to the classroom during Omituntun 1.0.
According to Olopoenia, the state government was determined to make sure that its citizens were well educated, so it allocated more than 20.88% of the state’s 2024 budget to the education sector in line with UNESCO’s recommendation.
In a bold step demonstrating his administration’s unshakable commitment to making education a priority, he said “Governor Makinde has set aside 20.88% of the 2024 budget for the educational sector.
“The Governor made alignment with UNESCO standards, drawing commendations for consistently meeting and even surpassing the global benchmark for educational budgetary provisions.”
The Chairman urged the adult learners to pursue their studies seriously in order to realise their objectives and set goals, while highlighting the continuance of the important allocation.
“We acknowledge the unchangeable fact that literacy is an enduring essential human right. Depriving children and adults of this right regularly serves as a vehicle for the spread of mistrust, animosity towards one another, violence, and many disputes that endanger national unity and progress as a whole.”
To mark the day, he said, they needed to revitalise and intensify their dedication to enhancing their backing for the advancement of adult and youth literacy via the Adult and Non-Formal Education subsector.
Olopoenia however urged all stakeholders involved to make a difference in their own schedules, homes, families, and local communities by supporting the government’s efforts to combat illiteracy.
The event included a graduation ceremony for about 2010 adult learners and was graced by a number of groups, participants, notable individuals, government officials, and education stakeholders.
Among those present include Mr. Oladejo O.J. (Coordinating Director AANFE); Prof. M. Momoh: Guest Lecturer from the Department of Adult Education, University of Ibadan; Mr. Olusanjo Adeniyi: The Permanent Secretary, Oyo State Ministry of Education, Science and Technology representing the Hon Commissioner of Oyo State Ministry of Education, Science and Technology; Mrs. Lawal : NMEC, South-West Zonal Coordinator and Engr. Michael Oketola: Proprietor, Blue-chip Technologies Limited.
Others were Mrs. Alabama O. Ehindero: Executive Director, WIIEN (Centre for Support of Women in Unpaid and Informal Employment in Nigeria); The Head of Service ably represented by Mr. M. Okesade, the Permanent Secretary, Oyo State Ministry of Establishments and Training; Alhaji Omirinde Najeem former Chairman RUWASSA; Hon. Riliwan Gbadamosi (Wale Canada); Prof. Ayodele Jegede (Professor of Medical Sociology; Engr. Raji Ganiyu; Engr. Pillar Ayo Adepoju; Directors of AANFE; Deputy Directors of AANFE; Local Adult Education Officers (LAEO); Oyo State AANFE Facilitators; Adult learners and a host of others.
