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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 Even basic hygiene is no longer maintained as students and teachers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.