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…Oba Olugbenle Urges Collective Commitment, Greater Parental Responsibility
BY ABU-SATAR HAMED & PETER OLANIYAN
ILARO-YEWA, OGUN STATE, NIGERIA – The Yewa People Development Council (YPDC), under the auspices of the Yewa Traditional Council (YTC), organized a landmark two-day education summit titled “Repositioning Education in Yewaland: Challenges and Prospects.”
The opening session of the summit – aimed to examine and address the educational challenges across Yewaland, was held on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, at the Raheem Oloyo International Conference Centre, Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro.
It drew participation from stakeholders and citizens across Yewaland, signaling a strong communal interest in revitalizing the region’s education sector.
Chairman of the Yewa People Development Council, Professor Rahamon Bello, formally opened the summit, welcoming dignitaries including the Olu of Ilaro and Paramount Ruler of Yewaland, Oba (Dr.) Kehinde Gbadewole Olugbenle, Asade Agunloye IV, and other royal fathers.
Prof. Bello emphasized that the summit was specifically tailored to confront the unique educational challenges faced in Yewaland, noting that these issues differ significantly from those in other parts of Ogun State.
He stated further that the summit aimed to identify educational needs across communities and foster a shift in student attitudes toward academic excellence.
Prof. Bello commended existing initiatives such as the free UTME registration sponsored by Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola (Yayi), representing Ogun West Senatorial District.
Despite these efforts, he expressed concern about increasing school dropout rates and urged stronger parental advocacy to keep children enrolled in school.
A goodwill message from the Honourable Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabuwo, was delivered by Mrs. Titilolami Otesile, Zonal Education Officer for Yewa South.
Mrs. Otesile outlined four key pillars of a quality educational system: resource availability, a conducive learning environment, qualified teachers, and a relevant curriculum. She reaffirmed the Ogun State government’s commitment under Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun to educational development in the region.
In his address, Oba (Dr.) Kehinde Gbadewole Olugbenle described the summit as a historic milestone – the first of its kind in his 13-year reign.
The royal father criticized the lack of seriousness shown by some parents toward their children’s education and called for urgent, collective action by political leaders, traditional rulers, and stakeholders.
Oba Olugbenle reiterated that education is the strongest tool for empowerment and lamented the weak academic foundation of many children in the region.
He urged religious leaders to promote educational values and praised Barr. Abraham Babatunde Ogunsola, Chairman of Yewa South, for exemplary engagement in education reform.
The keynote lecture, titled: “A Critical Analysis of Education and Its Implications for the Socio-Economic Development of Yewaland,” was delivered by Prof. Taiwo Edun from the Faculty of Education, Olabisi Onabanjo University. His citation was read by Dr. (Mrs.) Elizabeth Ajibade.
Prof. Edun provided an in-depth historical and analytical overview of education, highlighting challenges faced in rural areas, such as teacher absenteeism caused by transportation issues.
He recommended building teacher accommodations in rural areas to encourage residency and commitment.
Prof. Edun also noted the lack of perimeter fencing in schools, which affects discipline and safety. Citing Yewa (Egbado) College as the only fully fenced public school in Ilaro, he appealed to local groups like the Recreation Club, Ilaro, and traditional rulers to support school fencing projects and adopt schools for communal development.
The second day of the summit, Wednesday, April 16, 2025, featured four additional high-impact presentations:. They were Prof. Sheriffdeen Tella: “Funding and Financing for Sustainable Educational Development in Yewaland.”; Prof. Tolu Ogunleye: “Framework for Career Advisory and Mentorship for Yewa Youths.”; Dr. (Mrs.) Charlotte B. Iro-Idoro: “TVET, Entrepreneurship, and Digital Training Pathways for Youth Development in Yewaland.” And Very Rev. Akanbi Orobiyi: “The Roles of Critical Stakeholders in Advancing Education in Yewaland.”
Each speaker provided targeted insights and practical suggestions for advancing education in the region.
At the conclusion of the summit, several strategic resolutions were adopted to address the education crisis in Yewaland: Declaration of a State of Emergency in the education sector, to be followed by a comprehensive action plan; Establishment of a Yewa Education Trust Fund to mobilize resources for infrastructure and innovation and promotion of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as a strategic tool to empower youth and reduce unemployment.
Participants also called on elites across Yewaland to adopt and support schools by bridging infrastructural gaps and enhancing learning environments.
Parents and teachers were also urged to restore integrity to the education system by combating exam malpractice and instilling the right values in students.
While the summit succeeded in sparking critical conversations and formulating bold resolutions, many observers stressed that the real challenge lies in execution.
They warned that without deliberate follow-through, the declarations could become mere rhetoric.
Stakeholders emphasized that Yewaland must now “walk the talk” by mobilizing its people, resources, and institutions to turn the summit’s vision into tangible progress in the education sector.
The event was rounded off with a heartfelt vote of thanks delivered by Prof. Tope Popoola, Coordinator of the Yewa Education Summit Committee (YESC).
He expressed deep appreciation to all participants, especially the royal fathers, for their commitment and active support in advancing the cause of education in Yewaland.
The event was graced by an array of esteemed royal fathers and dignitaries, including Oba (Dr.) Kehinde Gbadewole Olugbenle, the Olu of Ilaro and Paramount Ruler of Yewaland. Others in attendance were Mrs. Titilolami Otesile; Prof. Rahamon Bello; Oba Lukman Kuoye PhD, the Olu of Imasayi-Yewa; and Oba (Engr.) Oyebanji Adetunji Olowobese, the Oloja of Oja-Odan Yewa.
Also present were Oba Buhari Ololade Makinde, the Oniwoye of Iwoye-Yewa; Oba (Engr.) Teslim Nasiru, the Olodan of Odan Abuja Sule Yewa; and Oba (Dr.) A.A. Lawal, the Oloola of Ilara Yewa. Members of the Olu Ilaro-in-Council and the Recreation Club, Ilaro, were also among the notable attendees.
Mr. Femi Dokunmu, a member of the organizing committee, professionally anchored the two-day event, ensuring a smooth and engaging flow of activities throughout the summit.
