By: Tope OYEKAN

The Chairman, Iperu Remo Education Trust Scheme Management Board, Mofopefoluwa JOSEPH, FRM, has said that the board is fully determined and mainly committed to the development and empowerment of students in Iperu schools.

He stated this in his welcome address at the induction training programme organized for the Board's Schools Liaison Teams, held on Wednesday, 20th December, 2023, at the Akesan Iperu Club 1954 Hall, Iperu Remo.

According to him, the board in its effort at achieving its main target, shall focus on a comprehensive strategy that encompasses various aspects of education; viz, infrastructure development and skills acquisition.

He listed some specific projects and programmes which the board intends to execute, to include Bursary Awards and Scholarships, Infrastructure Renovation and Development, Retraining of Teachers, Excursion for Students and Teachers, Provision of School Materials and Supplies, Guidance and Counselling, Purchase of School Buses, Seminars and Workshops, Adult Education, Skills Acquisition for the Informal Sector and Vulnerable Youths, Hoisting a functional Website, and ensuring Accountability and Transparency.

He equally outlined some of the board's immediate needs which shall help in the effective discharge of its activities and realisation of its set objectives. Among these are; cash donations, office equipments, furnitures, operational vehicles, customised T-shirts, Computer Laptops and Desktops, Accounting Software Packages, Website Hoisting, Volunteers for Mentoring and Training.

The Chairman charged the team leaders and members to come up with new ideas that will help the board attain its goals faster and better, and that with necessary cooperation and support, a brighter future will be built for the people of Iperu.

"We want to reiterate our commitment to the mandate given to us, as we are determined to create opportunities for educational development and empowerment in Iperu", said the Chairman.

In his presentation during the induction programme, the resource person, who also doubles as a member of the board in charge of Mentoring, Training, and Educational Development, Prof. Adeleke OSHO, of the Redeemers University, Ede, highlighted the tasks expected of the teams to include, facilitating communication, coordinating educational programmes, supporting professional development of educators, gathering and provision of feedbacks, problems resolution, promoting collaboration among schools, and advocating for excellence, through the promotion of culture of continuous improvement and a commitment to high standards in teaching and learning.

The induction training was organised to equip the teams leaders and members in the following areas:

1. Continuity of the board's work with seamless operations.

2. To broaden the horizon of leaders in the board's administration

3.To shorten the work-time by taking advantage of past experiences.

4. To draw the attention of the leaders to importance of information technology in effective and efficient communication with citizens, residents, and other stakeholders, so as to achieve the board's development agenda of poverty eradication.

5. To expose the leaders to opportunities available to the Iperu community, and 

6. To map out the education board's plans in concrete terms with timeline.

Barr. Taiwo Fajimite and Mrs Kehinde Anifowose were nominated and unanimously appointed as the Teams Coordinator and Secretary respectively. 

Responding on behalf of the teams, Barr. Taiwo FAJIMITE, in his acceptance speech, counted himself fortunate for the honour. He promised to ensure that the goal of eradicating poverty in Iperu, through education is realized. 

Many members were also happy to be part of the team.

Highpoint of the event, was the donation of the sum of N1m (One million naira) only, to the Board, by a member of the team who prefers to remain anonymous. 

The board also wishes to acknowledge and appreciate the Chief Babajide OYETI-led  Iperu Development Association. for the release of a sum of #1m (One million naira), only being a Start-up Fund for its operations.

This is coming in response to the board's request for a Start-up Fund and Office Accomodation.

In fulfillment of its vision of educating the citizens and residents of Iperu Remo, in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG4), the board plans to have Special Trainings for the Vulnerable, Artisans, Traders, Business men and women, Farmers, Industrialists, Transporters, Mechanics, Technicians and Panel Beaters; Christian and Muslim Clerics, Traditional Religion Practitioners, Town Leaders and Ward Heads (Olorituns), Teachers and Politicians. 

The Board and Team Members who are both considered as the Educational Think Tank for Iperu, were advised not to be discouraged or distracted, by the negative comments or advice from people, but they should rather remain focused on the goal of eradicating poverty through education in Iperu, a goal that every board and team member is convinced that is achievable.

Subsequently, letters of introduction to the schools were given to the team leaders, while a feedback from the Liaison Teams is expected in the next forty five days.

The Executive Director of the board, Mr. Taiwo RAJI, FCA, presented the accounts of the board, while Prince Adegboyega AKINYEMI, the board member in charge of Administration, Finance and Scholarships Facilitation, expressed the board's appreciation to all the participants.

The board shall hold its second edition of the monthly Education Sensitization Talk on Wednesday, 24th January, 2024.

The event will hold st the Akesan Iperu Club 1954 Hall, and shall have as its Keynote Speaker, Mr. Tutu BURAIMO, FCA, MNI, former Managing Director of Carnaud Metal Box Toyo Glass; while Guest Speaker is the Honourable Commissioner for Education, Ogun State, Prof. Abayomi ARIGBABU.

In attendance at yesterday's induction training was the Chief Host, the Aro of Iperu, and President of Akesan Iperu Club 1954, High Chief Jide SOSAN.