The Deputy Director NOA and the Head of HRM, Oyo State Directorate, Dr Ruth Awosanmi has situated the place of integrity building, self discipline and strong will in building a strong footed society that the future requires.
Making this known on Radio Nigeria Ibadan today as she represented the Oyo NOA state director, Oyebisi Aderogba Akanbi in a colourful celebration hosted by Radio Nigeria Ibadan in celebration of the International Day of the African Child, with the theme: “Planning and Budgeting for Children’s Rights: Progress Since 2010. Focusing Sex Education for Teenagers.
The gathering availed eminent dignitaries, which includes educators and students, to reflect, learn, and take action in honour of African children’s rights, leadership, and future.
In her keynote address, deputy director HRM, Dr. Ruth Awosanmi took the attendees to a brief historical and memory lane on the historical foundation of the event. She highlighted the Soweto Uprising of June 16, 1976, in which 176 students were killed during a peaceful protest against apartheid education policies in South Africa which brought global attention to police brutality and became a catalyst for change.
Dr. Awosanmi who underscored the significant role young people played in the anti-apartheid struggle as she emphasized that “waiting for others to act weakens personal responsibility” also harped on the need for integrity building and the capacity to be a good role model, she stated that “The downfall of a nation occurs when its elites engage in immoral behaviour which of course will impact on others tomorrow. “If you cheat now, you will lead corruptly tomorrow. It all begins with personal integrity.”
She also decried the proliferation of mobile phones and its negative distractions, threatening learning and cultural identity “Friends cannot resolve curiosity,” she said.
“We need guidance from elders, teachers, and parents. Self-control, discipline, and integrity are the pillars of personal and national development.”
Dr Awosanmi also swivelled attention on the National Identity Project, which she noted is “a vision to reshape and redefine the global perception of Nigerians, as focused, honest, and excellent individuals. She therefore encouraged students to be exhibiting moral uprightness, shun examination malpractice, and see education as a weapon of transformation.
The ceremony which had
Oloye Saheed Oladele, CEO of Erudite Group (Father of the Day), also paraded other special guests like Rev. Niyi Dawonsi, Deputy Director of Programmes, Radio Nigeria, Rev. Dr. Esho, Deputy Director, Admin, representing the FRSC Zonal Director.
Dr. Ruth Awosanmi, Deputy Director, HRM, representing Mr. Akanbi, Oyo State Director of the National Orientation Agency.
Hon. Olubisi Oluranti Michael, Member, Ogbomoso North State House of Assembly, and others threw lights on sexual education, danger of pornography self-awareness, and other interesting topics that could enhance educational development.
The celebration also featured presentations by students from various schools, including St. Teresa’s College, cultural displays, prayers, the national anthem, and a spirit of unity.
This year’s event reinforced the need to protect African children’s rights and identities and the burden of leadership on Nigeria, as a leader on the continent carrying the responsibility of cultivating disciplined, informed, and visionary future leaders.
