Gbenro Adesina/Ibadan

The Oyo State Government has rewarded 26 pupils from various schools who have represented the state in various National competitions for being good ambassadors.

According to a statement signed by the Information Commissioner, Toye Arulogun, The state Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Professor Adeniyi, who presented the gifts to the 26 pupils for their excellent performances in Mathematical Association of Nigeria, MAN, Science Teachers Association of Nigeria, STAN, and Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, competitions on Wednesday in Ibadan stated that there is no amount of time, energy and money that can be regarded as too much to expend on Education.

According to the commissioner, “Education as we all know is a veritable tool and instrument to alleviate and subsequently banish ignorance and poverty, whatever is devoted to education therefore multiplies in turn”.

Professor Olowofela reiterated that the Ajimobi led administration would not relent in its effort to turn around education in the state, saying that government’s policies such as stoppage of mass promotion of students, promotion based on 80percent class attendance and above average performance, inauguration of Schools’ Governing Boards, SGB, for effective control and teaching, massive renovation of schools and supply of science equipment would help to save education from its present dismal position.

The commissioner appreciated the contributions of the various stakeholders in complementing the efforts of the State Government to improve the quality of education in the state and consequently congratulated the awardees for their steadfastness and determination which has enabled them to excel amongst their peers.

In her remarks, the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mrs. Aderonke Makanjuola commended the awardees for making the state proud and stated that the reward of excellence would assist in stimulating other pupils in their studies.

In another development, stakeholders in the transport sector in the state have been admonished to cooperate with the Vehicle Inspection Officers, VIO, in order to enjoy smooth operations of their duties and enhance the internally generated revenue.

The Commissioner for Works and Transport, Honorable Wasiu Dauda gave this charge during the stakeholders meetings with members of the transport Unions and Vehicle Inspection Officers held in Saki and Oyo towns respectively on Wednesday.

Addressing the mammoth crowd that attended the stakeholders’ meetings, Honourable Dauda reiterated that the Ajmobi’s administration has the welfare of its citizenry at heart, hence, the execution of various developmental projects and provisions of social amenities in the state.

He therefore urged the stakeholders to obtain necessary vehicle documents, register their vehicle duly, avoid reckless driving, renew their vehicular license and comply with the rules and regulations, saying that defaulters of road regulations and laws will be dealt with according to the degree of their offences as ignorance is no excuse in law.

The commissioner appealed to the transport Unions not to see the VIOs as their enemies but cooperate with them as they are government agents, adding that any officer that collect unapproved charges should be reported immediately or handed over to the security agents.

In their separate remarks, the State Chairman National Union of Road Transport Workers, Oyo East and Road Employers Transport Association of Nigeria, Saki West Alhaji Azeez Gbadamosi and Alhaji Muraina Ekuntakoro respectively pledged their unalloyed supports to the state government and expressed their readiness to support the activities of the VIO’s to boost the IGR of the state.