Former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Olowu of Owu-Abeokuta kingdom Oba Prof Saka Adelola Matemilola and other stakeholders have pledged their commitment to promotion of Mass Literacy activities, so as to compliment the efforts of government at all levels in reducing the disturbing rate of out of school children and high percentage of illiteracy in Nigeria
Obasanjo was speaking on Monday at OOPL in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, during stakeholders engagement meeting and his investiture as Grand Patron of Nigerian Non-Governmental Association For Literacy Support Services (NOGALSS), alongside Olowu who was inducted as member of the association's Royal Fathers Council of Elders For A Literate Nigeria and former member of the Ogun State House of Assembly and Oganla of Owu-Abeokuta, Hon. Johnson Olu Fatoki (National Patron) amongst other inductees (board of trustees),as part of activities organized to mark the 2024 International Literacy Day
He expressed his readiness to lead the crusade in promoting policy reforms that prioritize non- formal education and make it as part of Nigeria's educational policy framework, considering the importance of education to the growth of the nation
Similarly Oba Matemilola and the Amayanabo of Twon Brass , a former governor of Old Rivers State, King Alfred Diette-Spiff who is the Chairman of Council of Elders in their separate acceptance speeches, assured the association of the commitment of other members of the newly inducted members, Royal Fathers Council, Council of Elders and Board of Trustees to work as a team and mobilize the needed resources for the Mass Literacy activities of NOGALSS across the country
Earlier former governor of Zamfara State, a member of Board of Trustees, Alhaji Mahmoud Shinkafi had requested for the support of the former president who is seen as an ambassador of the association to lead its advocacy campaign to make adult and non- formal education an integral parts of education policy framework in the country
The association also requested the support of Obasanjo in hosting an annual summit focusing on literacy and non- formal education to share best practices and mobilize resources for non-formal education in the country
Shinkafi who expressed confidence in the leadership style of Obasanjo in actualization of NOGALSS agenda of building a literate, educated and empowered Nigeria, called for his backing at improving literacy rates in rural communities through 'Community -Based Education Initiatives in addition to 'Mentorship and Capacity Building' programmes to enhance the capacity of leaders of the association to ensure effective discharge of various initiatives
Also speaking, the Minister of State for Education, Hon.Yusuf Tanko Sununu who commended the association for the choice of the former president as its Grand Patron considering the introduction of the Universal Basic Education programme which provided access to education for millions of Nigerian children, said that the Federal Government was committed to sustenance of its National Policy on Education which recognizes the importance of mother tongue, saying government is working on capacity of teachers teaching local languages while developing learning materials that reflect rich diversity of Nigeria as a country
Sununu who was represented by Deputy Director (NGOs) Federal Ministry of Education, Mrs Morenikeji Akinrinola added that government through its Agency, the National Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult and Non-formal Education (NIMEC) was working seriously to eradicate literacy and provide Non-Formal and Continue Education within the context of Lifelong Learning for sustainable development in the country
"Therefore, let us seize this opportunity to invest in multilingual education, recognizing it as a pathway to mutual understanding, unity and more peaceful and prosperous Nigeria" the Minister charged Stakeholders
National President of NOGALSS, Comrade Noah Emmanuel speaking at the event said that Obasanjo was being inducted as Grand Patron along with other inductees of the association in recognition of his numerous contributions to the education sector, particularly Mass Literacy
"The strengthening of the National Mass Education Commission (NMEC) during your tenure further demonstrated your commitment to lifelong learning.Through NMEC , adult literacy and vocational training programme were expanded , providing alternative pathways for individuals to acquire the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in a rapidly changing world"
"Your efforts extended beyond our borders,as you forged global partnerships and collaboration with international organizations like UNESCO to advance the cause of education not only in Nigeria but across the Africa continent. Your unwavering support for non-formal education has inspired many and continues to guide our work today", he stated
"Today,we present an opportunity to further your legacy by establishing the Chief Olusegun Obasanjo Literacy Legacy Fund to be domiciled with UNESCO and manage by NOGALSS and other relevant Stakeholders as shall be approved by you for proper management, accountability and global credibility", he added
Other inductees include Alhaji (Dr) Ali Umar MISAU as member of NOGALSS Council of Elders For Literate Nigeria, Pastor Israel Olajumoke (Board of Trustees member), Eze (Dr) Cyril Uwaoma (Board of Trustees member) and Engr. Michael Friday (Board of Trustees member)
The Ogun State chapter of the association led by Hon.Olawale Shodeinde was inaugurated as part of the activities for this year's Literacy Day celebration
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