— New 10-Point Plan Aims to Revitalize District's Education Sector

Abeokuta – Senator Shuaib Afolabi Salisu is being lauded for redefining legislative representation through direct community engagement, a sentiment strongly expressed by Chief Tunji Falola, Chairman of All Baales in Ogun State. Chief Falola’s commendation was made during the second day of a two-day Capacity Building Session with Traditional Rulers in the Ogun Central Senatorial District, an event personally hosted by Senator Salisu.

The summit, organized by Senator Salisu—who represents Ogun Central and chairs the Senate Committee on ICT & Cybersecurity—convened coronet kings, all Baales in Ogun Central, and other key stakeholders. The gathering facilitated strategic discussions focused on governance, community development, and sustainable leadership, with a significant emphasis on comprehensive education reform.

A pivotal outcome of the summit was the adoption of a ten-point communiqué, mirroring a similar initiative previously embraced by Egba traditional rulers. This ambitious plan seeks to reposition education within the district by directly addressing critical areas such as curriculum relevance, fostering increased community participation, enhancing security within educational institutions, and improving access to vital funding.

His Royal Majesty, Oba Saka Adeola Matemilola, the Olowu of Owu Kingdom, formally presented the communiqué. In his address, Oba Matemilola urged traditional rulers to transcend their traditional ceremonial roles and actively engage as partners in governance. “The time has come for our royal fathers to move from ceremonial roles to become active agents of change in the education space,” Oba Matemilola declared.

Key resolutions outlined in the communiqué include the establishment of dedicated monitoring teams to oversee educational progress, the launch of proactive mentorship initiatives tailored for students, and the promotion of vocational training programs specifically designed to align with current labour market demands.

Senator Salisu underscored the indispensable role of traditional institutions in shaping and implementing education policies. He stated, “Our royal fathers are closer to the people than anyone else. Their involvement in education policy, implementation, and oversight will bring about the change we all desire.”

 The Senator further pledged to replicate Governor Dapo Abiodun’s successful education reforms—including advancements in digital learning, crucial school renovations, and comprehensive teacher training—at the federal level. Additionally, he committed to facilitating easier access to the National Education Loan Scheme and other vital funding opportunities for indigent students.

The summit also benefited from the profound insights of Chief Biodun Lashile, the Orunto of Owu. Chief Lashile advocated strongly for curriculum reforms that prioritize technical and vocational education, coupled with a robust commitment to research-driven policymaking.

The assembled stakeholders collectively agreed on several actionable points, including:

 * Strengthening community-led education monitoring through the formal establishment of Ogun Central Education Vanguards.

 * Actively engaging Egba indigenes, including those in diaspora communities, to effectively address existing funding and infrastructure gaps within the education sector.

 * Convening an Ogun Central Educational Summit specifically dedicated to tackling systemic challenges within the district’s educational landscape.

 * Addressing youth unemployment, which was identified as a significant barrier to educational attainment and overall progress.

 * Introducing innovative teacher incentives to improve retention rates and enhance motivation among educators.

 * Establishing structured mentorship programs that effectively connect students with inspiring role models.

 * Providing continuous training for traditional rulers to enhance their capabilities in governance and effective policy engagement.

Senator Salisu reiterated his steadfast commitment to grassroots-driven governance, asserting, “Education is the foundation upon which we can build a more prosperous, peaceful, and productive Ogun Central.”

The impactful event concluded with a unified call for sustained collaboration among all stakeholders, aiming to bring about a truly transformative change in education across the senatorial district. This engagement marks a significant and progressive step in legislative-community partnership, effectively setting a robust blueprint for participatory governance within Ogun State.