For building a multi-million naira block of classrooms for the Estate Primary School in Ikorodu as part of the corporate social responsibility of his company, the Publisher of Oriwu Sun, Chief Monzor Olowosago, has continued to receive accolades and awards from not only teachers and parents in Ikorodu but also from other organisations.
The latest of these awards came from the Local Government Education Authority (LGEA) when on May 31, 2018, members of the Local Government Education Forum turned up in their numbers to honour Chief Monzor Olowosago for his contributions to the growth and development of education at the grassroots and for supporting learners to raise their hope for the future.
The parents and teachers targeted the Local Government Education Authority Annual Merit Award for the honour. The event, which took place at the Methodist Primary School Hall, Ikorodu was witnessed by more than five hundred (500) parents and teachers swarming around the Publisher, dancing, throwing banters and appreciating him with group photographs.
It was a moment standing ovation for this iconic Publisher of Oriwu Sun newspaper when he stepped out to receive his award. He was not only showered with encomiums but also prayers by teachers and non-teaching staff. And this was what they told him: “By looking after other people’s children, God would take care of your own children wherever they may be.”
The Publisher, in his response, showered praises on the Education Secretary, Mr. Taiwo Oduloye, a friend of long standings for deeming it fit to honour him alongside his teachers and friends all over the division.
Monzor praised the leadership qualities of Mr. Taiwo Oduloye for his steadfastness in bringing quality education to the primary schools in the division. For himself, Chief Monzor Olowosago said that as long as he is alive, he would continue to support humanity and educational institutions. Other awardees of the day were, Executive Secretary, Mr. Taiwo Oduloye, for his immense support and good leadership in education sector.
The Chief Learning Officer of Kith and Kin Schools, Asipa Kaoli Olusanya, was also given an award which was received on his behalf by his representative.
Others, who received the awards, included the Ikorodu North Head of Department, Education, Mr. Balogun J.O.; Chairman, School Based Management Committee, Ikorodu chapter, Rotarian Nurudeen Oduntan , among others.
Earlier in his speech, Mr. Taiwo Oduloye shed light on the reason for the awards, which was “to recognize and reward outstanding teachers, non-teaching staff and people who have excelled in their endeavours in various LGEAs within 2017-2018 academic session. According to him, :hardwork and strict compliance to job assignment were the major considerations for the award of Excellence.
He commended the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, and his Deputy, Dr. (Mrs.) Idiat Oluranti Adebule, for the development of schools in the State by providing infrastructure and ensuring academic excellence. He pointed out that this year alone, the Governor has built primary schools in the division including a block of thirteen (13) classrooms at Abule-Eko, ………….Primary School, Isawo, where he built a block of twenty-one (21) plus one classrooms at Local Government Primary School, Isiwu; a block of thirteen (13) plus one classrooms at Omolayo Community Primary School, Agbede.
Others were, a block of thirteen (13) plus one classrooms at the Federal Low-Cost Housing Estate.
Aside from renovating many other schools in the state, he particularly praised Governor Ambode for upgrading the members of staff of the LGEAs in the State to grade level 17, thereby putting them at par with the mainstream civil servants/teachers at the secondary school system.
He, therefore, enjoined LGEA staff members to continue to work harder and support the administration of Ambode.
Mr. Oduloye pointed out that there are 62 primary schools of 1,053 teaching staff and 468 non-teaching staff members for 62,633 pupils in the LGEA
The Education Secretary did not forget to appreciate the Executive Chairman, Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Dr. Ganiyu Sopeyin whom he said had effected complete physical and structural change of the Board, as well as repositioning it for more effective leadership and growth which has resulted in the success stories of schools, LGEAs and the Board itself.
He also appreciated the immense contributions of all the six LGA/LCDAs in Ikorodu division towards education upliftment.
Speaking also, Chairperson, Planning Committee of the event, Mrs. Odunsi F.A, explained that the day’s award was not only centred on academic performance but also on general morale.
She then thanked all the eminent personalities for their unfeigned support and monumental donations towards the success of the event.
Other features of the event included presentation of commendation letters to Head Teachers whose pupils attained 100 percent pass in the last external examinations in the State. Prizes/certificates were also presented to the Best LGEA staff; Best Head Teacher.