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AN ADDRESS BY THE GOVERNOR OF EKITI STATE, DR. JOHN
KAYODE FAYEMI AT THE FLAG-OFF CEREMONY OF OPERATION
RENOVATE ALL SCHOOLS IN EKITI STATE ON SATURDAY
15TH OCTOBER, 2011 IN ADO EKITI
PROTOCOLS
Today marks another milestone in the history of education as I flag
off operation Renovate all Schools in Ekiti State in response to the
challenges of infrastructural decay and deficiency prevalent in all our
schools. The level of dilapidation is worrisome which government cannot
ignore in its resolve to create a very conducive teaching and learning
environment for both teachers and students.
The problem did not just start, it is a result of accumulation of
decades of neglect that has become monumental. You are all aware that
most of these structures were older than all of us here. Unfortunately long
period of neglect in terms of repairs has exacerbated the problems. My
administration decides to take the bull by the horn and tackle the decay
headlong to usher in a new lease of life where education takes its pride of
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place. The rapid infrastructural turnaround in our schools is a
fulfillment of this government’s desire to provide qualitative education to
Ekiti students.
It is no exaggeration to aver that a nation’s socio-economic
development rests squarely on the quality of education given to her
children. Consequently, children are the greatest resources of a nation. The
prosperity and quality of every nation will be determined by today’s
children, and their ability to solve the problems they face in their individual
lives, families, communities and their nation. Only education can unlock
this ability, hence investment in children’s learning is a major preparation a
nation can make for a better future. Embarking on rapid rehabilitation of
physical structure of our public schools therefore is a desirable venture
aimed at providing friendly learning environment for our leaders of
tomorrow.
It will interest you to note that the decade of abandonment of these
schools has eroded the aesthetics for which schools used to be associated
with. Even basic hygiene is no longer maintained as students and teachers
use surrounding bushes as toilets. My administration is irrevocably
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committed to redress this trend and bring back the lost
glory of Education in our dear state.
Let me hasten to say here that the child is the focal point of training
in the school and Government is determined to create a conducive and
healthy environment for students to grow and be nurtured positively into
responsible adulthood. I want to call on all stakeholders to support us in
this campaign. Let us all join hands to maintain the schools especially the
structures that are being renovated across the State.
Since government cannot do it alone, we solicit the support of all and
sundry, philanthropists, corporate organizations and well meaning
individuals to assist government in our bold steps of giving a facelift to all
our schools.
On this note, Ladies and Gentlemen, it is my honour to formally
commission the 6 classrooms storey building in AUD Nursery/Primary
School, Irona, Ado-Ekiti and the flag off operation Renovate all Schools
in to the glory of God and the promotion of sound education in Ekiti State.
Thank you and God bless.
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