The Special Adviser to Oyo State Governor on Culture and Tourism, Hon. Akeem Ademola Ige has tasked students to acquire one vocational skill or the other as part of their co-curricular activities while in school.
Hon. Ige stated this while speaking at the maiden edition of Enterpreneurial Day programme organized by the Yejide Girls Grammar School, Molete, Ibadan held at the school’s compound today.
Hon. Ige who was the Chairman of the occasion expressed his delight at the students of the school for not only sound academically but also in sports and vocational skills as exhibited at the event.
According to him, “this school is our pride in Oyo State. I could remember that the last eighth Assembly in Oyo State, the basketball team brought this school to the hallowed chamber of the House of Assembly where they were giving standing ovation for representing Oyo State both at the State and the national basketball competition and came back with trophies. You are good educationally, intellectually and morally.
“What you are exhibiting here today is a result of your hard work, commitment and displine. You are adding value to your education and preparing yourself for the future challenge of not waiting for a white collar job before you can make ends meet after your graduation. For this I am very proud of you.”
Hon. Ige who was impressed at the quality of items produced by the students during their training, promised to pay WAEC fee of some of students that participated in the cultural display during their performance at the event.
He also assured to sponsor the school to participate in the cultural competition among secondary school in Oyo State as well assisting some students who intend to engage in weaving of Aso Ofi as business to benefit from the 10 billion naira set aside by the Sterling Bank plc initiative tagged Tourism Development Fund to assist and boost local tourism businesses in Nigeria.
Earlier in her welcome address, the Principal Yejide Girls Grammar School, Molete, Ibadan, Mrs Alabi Oyedoyin said that the programme was born out of a passion the school has to encourage and equip their students with necessary entrepreneurial skills for self employment in the era of many graduates roaming about without being employed.
Others that attended the programme included the Executive Chairman of Oyo State Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM), Pastor Akin Alamu who was represented by the Head of Zone I Tescom, Mr Akinwale Akinlolu, the Local Inspector of Education, Ibadan South East local government, Mrs Adeyemo Abosede, parents, teachers, Rotaract. Dr. Kunle Awotiku and staff of the school.
Highlights of the programme included exhibition of various items produced by the students which included shoes, bags, beads, automar, local snacks and foods, head gear, soap, perfumes, decoration and cultural performance/stage play by the students.
