How my teachers, Tribune newspaper helped build my English, education chief tells children

The National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), Ibadan North East chapter, recently organised Children’s Day party for students from about 60 schools in the local government area. The event held at Loyola College, Ibadan, had in attendance educationists, school owners, the Oyo State Corps Band and students.

The Ibadan North East Local Education (LIE) Officer, Ms Mopelola Latifat Jimoh, while sharing her childhood experience, said growing up with her parents was great because they invested in her education. Her father, she said, was a Civil Engineer who had a flair for education and was an ardent lover and reader of the Nigerian Tribune newspaper.  “Apart from my teachers, the Tribune newspapers helped build my English language. My father would say ‘without education, you are nothing’. I really enjoyed my education life.”

Jimoh said the Children’s Day celebration was more than the fanfair it comes with because the future is being built. “What will really help the children, apart from the training they receive from their parents, is their education; it takes one to greater height too,” she said.

She lauded the Oyo State government for its interest in the education of both the children and the youth. “If you look at their various programmes, you will appreciate the government more because the Ministry of Education is doing a lot by their various programmes. Through various academic competitions, sporting activities and the like, education has been in the limelight.” She implored the government to fund the education sector the more and sustain its efforts in distribution of textbooks, tables and chairs as well as care for the physically challenged children.

The secretary of NAPPS in the state, Mr Mayowa Solademi, said we must make the children happy because it is their day. “It is a big thing to them so we must celebrate them,” he said and advised parents to teach their children and leave the schools to do their bit because schools have their own roles.

The chairman, Ibadan North East chapter NAPPS, Mr Sam Dare, said this year’s programme was unique when compared to 2022 when only 42 schools registered. He expressed joy at the good performances at various competitions organised to celebrate the 2023 Children’s Day. He advised the children to behave well because the future belongs to them.

Speaking on his expectation among NAPPS members, Dare said he expects a more united team, and charged all members to be diligent in the activities of NAPPS.

Dare, on behalf of NAPPS prayed the government to cut down the tax on private schools. While listing the association’s achievements he noted “improvement in extra-curricular activities that could further aid unity among the children with each unit now having a football team.

He expressed appreciation to L.I.E. assistants, proprietors and proprietresses for their support to celebrate the children this year.

Among the numerous side attractions apart from bouncing castle, cultural dance, award presentation, choreography, spelling bee, games and more during the event, was the performance of the Oyo State Corps Band, which added to the excitement of the occasion.

The president of the Oyo State Corps Band, Mr Ayomikun Idowu, expressed gladness to be among the children, saying it brought back memories of such days while growing up.

Idowu said:“It is a good initiative for children to come together to celebrate and be celebrated. Aside that fact that it is Children’s Day, I feel the children should have a platform to meet, interact and have fun with themselves.

“I see this coming together as an exposure to new things among the children. For the NYSC to be here to play for them, some might have been asking others who we are but for the creative ones among them, our presence and performance might spur their interest in joining this band during their service year too.”

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