BEYOND THE BORDERS OF OBALAJA: How Education Unlocks a World of Opportunity for Our Students
Opening Remarks
In his opening remarks, the host and organizer, Mr. Segun Johotho Asokere, welcomed all participants to the programme. He expressed his delight at the large number of students in attendance and wished them success as they benefited from the wealth of knowledge to be shared by the invited speakers on the main theme and sub-themes of the orientation programme. He stated that orientation programmes of this nature are designed to guide, inspire, and prepare students for the future. He further emphasized that such programmes provide students with the opportunity to discover their purpose, build their talents and strengths, and develop self-confidence. He admonished the students to pay close attention and make good use of every lesson learnt during the programme.
Goodwill Message by the Olori-Odo
In his goodwill message, the Olori-Odo (Youth Leader) of Obalaja Community, Mr. Awheli Wheteyin, appreciated the organizer for initiating such a novel programme in the community, describing it as the first of its kind since the foundation of Obalaja Community. He encouraged the students to pay keen attention to the various speakers. Sharing his personal experience, he expressed regret over his lack of formal education, which he attributed partly to the absence of orientation programmes like this during his time. He advised the students to disregard the popular notion that there are no job opportunities outside the community, emphatically stating that numerous opportunities exist for educated individuals.
Goodwill Message by the Baale of Obalaja Community
In his goodwill message, the Baale of Obalaja Community and Head of the Community, Chief Hunpe Kosu David, sincerely appreciated the organizer of the programme. He enumerated several initiatives and projects brought to the community by Mr. Segun Johotho Asokere, stating that his emergence as the Baale of Obalaja Community was partly due to the fearless efforts of the organizer. He noted that many of these initiatives would have remained “dead on arrival” if the organizer had not been educated. He used the opportunity to encourage students to emulate Mr. Asokere by pursuing education to the highest level and not stopping at the O’Level stage. He appreciated God Almighty and the ancestors of Obalaja Community for the unprecedented development currently being enjoyed in the community. He also commended politicians who have remembered Obalaja Community for good and expressed optimism for more developmental projects in the future.
Presentation on the Main Theme
The speaker on the main theme, “Education as the Foundation for Sustainable Development in Obalaja Community,” Barrister Sunday Jattu, extensively broadened the students’ understanding of the importance of education. He explained that education does not only bring development to the community but also enhances the growth of individuals and their families. He highlighted the pillars of sustainable education as learning to know, learning to be, and learning to transform society. He emphasized the importance of positively transforming society and encouraged students not to allow life challenges to distract them from their educational goals. He stressed that challenges are inevitable, but focus and vision should remain paramount.
Presentation on Sub-theme One
The speaker on the sub-theme, “Education as a Bridge to Opportunities Beyond the Community,” Mr. Oyewumi Opeyemi, broadened the students’ horizons by presenting statistics on why developed countries such as Japan and Taiwan are leading globally. He attributed the gap between developed and underdeveloped countries to differences in educational standards. He emphasized that education goes beyond reading and writing, stating that educated individuals must be able to solve life challenges through the practical application of knowledge. He advised students to understand that the pursuit of education may not always be convenient. He also encouraged parents to provide equal educational opportunities for both male and female children. Using the analogy of a jar filled with stones of different sizes, he likened educated and problem-solving individuals to the larger stones that eventually rise to the top. He urged students to take their education seriously so they can overcome life challenges and rise to the top.
Presentation on Sub-theme Two
Another speaker on the sub-theme, “Education as a Tool for Community Advancement,” Mr. Hennuho Rasaq Omitogun, stated that it is impossible for any community to advance without education. He emphasized that without the ability to read and write, it would be difficult to document ideas and plans for community development. He encouraged students from Obalaja Community to take their studies seriously if they desire to see the community become the much-envisioned “Small London,” as consistently advocated by Mr. Segun Johotho Asokere. He stressed that genuine community advancement can only be achieved by well-educated indigenes, as outsiders cannot effectively champion the community’s development.
Vote of Thanks
In his vote of thanks, Mr. Kehinde Sao Asokere appreciated all invited guests for sacrificing their time to grace the occasion. He appealed to the students to emulate the good attitudes of their teachers and desist from making jest of them. He encouraged students to seek mentors and wished them success in their academic pursuits.
Dignitaries Present includes:
Baale of Obalaja Community,
Chief Hunpe Kosu David,
Members of the Obalaja Council of Chiefs,
Chairman, Obalaja CDA,
Mr. Taiwo Zinsu Asokere (ably represented by Mr. Kehinde Sao Asokere),
Barrister Sunday Jattu,
Legal Practitioner,
Mr. Oyewumi Opeyemi,
Award-Winning Teacher,
Pastor Michael Hunpe, Pastor, Redeemed Christian Church of God, Mr. Abiogba Ojo, Proprietor, Mrs. Ruth Hunpe, Entrepreneur and other host of community dwellers.
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