The Director General of the Oyo State Investment and Public Private Partnership Agency (OYSIPA), Mr. Tilewa Folami, has urged young pupils to embrace sound education as a pathway to self-fulfilment and global opportunities.
Folami gave the advice on Thursday during the Catch Them Young Initiative campaign held at St. Luke’s Demonstration Basic School, Molete, Ibadan ,his alma mater.
Addressing the pupils, he stressed that education remains a vital tool for personal growth and societal development, noting that no nation can achieve sustainable progress without investing in quality learning.
He cautioned the children against the popular but misleading slogan that “education is a scam,” encouraging them instead to remain focused and committed to their studies regardless of their background. According to him, education opened doors of opportunity in his own life.
“I am an engineer and a practising lawyer. Today, I serve as Director-General of OYSIPA under the Governor of Oyo State, Engineer Seyi Makinde. Would I have had this opportunity if I were not educated?” he asked.
Folami urged the pupils to stay dedicated, disciplined and determined, describing focus and commitment as essential ingredients for greatness. He expressed joy at returning to his former school and declared his belief that many of the pupils would grow to become leaders in Oyo State and beyond.
In their separate remarks, the Education Secretary of Ibadan South-East Local Government, Hon. James, and the Head Teacher of the school, Mrs. Victoria, commended the initiative. They called on other accomplished public office holders in Ibadan, Oyo State and Nigeria to revisit their former elementary schools to inspire young learners and support talent discovery.
Earlier, the Chief Coordinator of the Catch Them Young Initiative and Bright Lens Media Network, Mrs. Ayodeni Aluko, appreciated the teachers for their dedication, describing the school as one of the best performing since the programme’s inception. She reaffirmed her commitment to promoting educational development at the grassroots to encourage talent discovery and character building for a competitive future.
As part of the event, several school clubs were inaugurated with appointed coordinators, including Security, Health, JETS, Environment, Press, and Literary and Debating clubs. Educational materials and cash gifts were also presented to deserving teachers in recognition of their efforts.
, Mr. Tilewa Folami, has urged young pupils to embrace sound education as a pathway to self-fulfilment and global opportunities.){kind=link}