Kunle ADELABU
-As Ayangbure steals the show
His Royal Majesty, Oba Kabir Adewale Shotobi, the Ayangbure of Ikorodu , emerged the cynosure of all eyes at the grand finale of the maiden edition of the Oba Kabir Shotobi Table Tennis Championship which was part of the activities marking the 2019 edition of the World Teachers’ Day in Ikorodu.
Mr McAnthony Adebayo, a teacher from Maya Junior Secondary School, emerged the winner of the table tennis competition, beating his opponent, Adeoye Toba, a young teacher from Anwar-ul-Islam Primary School, Ijede , in two straight sets ; 11 – 6 and 11 – 2.
Oba Shotobi, who engaged the Agbaakin of Ikorodu Kingdom and former Commissioner for Information, Otunba Ayodele Elesho, in one of the novelty matches at the event, showed skills that proved that he was a fantastic table tennis player in his younger days.
The revered monarch took his opponent, who was unable to return any of his serves, to the cleaner while the spectators, most of whom were teachers, cheered him on.
Oladipupo Ojo of Lambo-Lasunwn Community Primary School beat Jinadu Moshoood in the Male category 3rd place match, winning two of the three sets.
While Jinadu won the first set 11 – 5, Oladipupo won the remaining two sets 11 – 5 and 11 – 2.
In the female category, Mrs Ajayi N.A of Ayangbure Primary School, Ikorodu, Mrs Sidikatu Aroyewun, a staff of the Local Government Education Authority (LGEA) and Mrs Oregbesan of Local Government Primary School, Majidun, emerged first, second and third respectively.
In his royal remarks at the event, Oba Shotobi felicitated with teachers in Ikorodu division and commended them for finding time to recreate and celebrate.
“I felicitate with our teachers in Ikoorodu division of Lagos State and globally on the occasion of the 2019 World Teachers’ Day.
“Although, the place of teachers is in the classrooms but it is very important for them to also recreate and celebrate themselves and that is what this celebration has offered you”.
He assured teachers in Ikorodu that he would continue to support them.
“I will continue to partner with teachers and give you my support in any form”, Oba Shotobi assured the teachers.
While welcoming the Tutor-General/Permanent Secretary (TG/PS), Education District II, Mrs Adenike Adekanye, the royal father assured her that the palace will embark on monitoring of the activities of teachers in Ikorodu and feed her back.
“Let me tell you that I have assured the TG/PS that I will be monitoring your activities and report to her. Starting from Wednesday when schools will be resuming after the Independence Day holiday, I will be paying unscheduled visits to schools across Ikorodu”, he stated.
Mrs Adenike Adekanye, the Tutor General/Permanent Secretary, Education District II, Maryland, expressed her joy over the hosting of the teachers by the royal father, describing the gesture as first of its kind.
“This is not a common thing that you see every day. This is quite surprising to me. It is not common to see a First Class Oba creating time for teachers and host them in his palace”, she stated.
“This gathering is meant to further show that teachers do not have to live their lives in the four wall of the classrooms all the time. There is always need for us to unwind and exercise to have a healthy living and high spirit”.
The Tutor-General charged the teachers to work in unity with their leaders and the community they work.
She also appreciated Ikorodu people for making teaching environment conducive for teachers.
Comrade Oluwafemi Fakolade, Chairman, Nigeria Union of Teachers, Ikorodu branch, while addressing the gathering, stated that the table tennis competition was named after Oba Kabir Shotobi because of the royal father’s support for the teachers.
He described the Ayangbure as a teacher-friendly Oba who is always ready to listen and give needed support.
Fakolade added that the maiden edition of the Oba Shotobi Table Tennis Competition was part of the activities marking the 2019 edition of the World Teachers’ Day in Ikorodu.
