Kunle Adelabu
Safe for the government directive preventing social gathering, the executive council of the Nigeria union of Teachers NUT), Ikorodu chapter, led by Comrade Oluwafemi Fakolade, JP, would have rolled out the drums to celebrate its 3rd year anniversary which has been nothing but remarkable in terms of performances.
However, as a way of marking the auspicious occasion with modesty, Comrade Fakolade has unveiled the achievements of the administration which has been impacting positively on the union, teachers and Ikorodu community in general.
On Monday, May 25, 2020, the current Ikorodu NUT executive council clocked three years at the helms of affairs the noble union.
The union, through its several initiatives, has been setting the pace for other chapters of the union across the country.
In a release signed by Comrade Fakolade, a copy of which was sent to THE IMPACT, the Chairman stated that his administration has achieved six out of its 7-point agenda that it campaigned on.
Fakolade, who stated that he has led the union in achieving greater things outside his electoral promise, also added that the seventh of his administration’s agenda would be achieved in the next seven days from the day his administration clocked three years.
“Exactly three years ago, we were voted into the office by the good teachers of Ikorodu. It has been God all the way coupled with support from all and sundry.
“As at today, we have achieved 6 out of the 7-point Agenda. The 7th point will be ready in less than 7 days.
“We have gone further to achieve many programs outside our agenda. It was indeed an open ended agenda. We can confidently say that we have touched and still touching lives”, he stated confidently.
“When I looked back at that special day, 25th May, 2017, my beloved exco and I have every reason to thank God. We made up our mind from that day to raise the bar and to take governance to teachers. These we have done with utmost sense of humility and responsibility.
“Permit me to tender our unreserved apology to whoever we must have offended in the course of discharging our duties. It was not a deliberate nor calculated attempt to spite anyone. We remain committed to the tenets of our great Union”, he said.
“Let us all quickly take a cursory look into what we have achieved in three years:
“Establishment of Cooperative Society which is the fastest growing Cooperative society with over 1,500 members with a strong capital base and lowest interest rate of 4% for loan and 2% for commodity. You can assess your account via our website–www.nutikoroducoop.com.
“Construction of a Twin Building which has a Gym& Spa and Cooperative Office. By his grace, we shall commission the House this year 2020”, he assured.
“Empowerment Programs through which we trained teachers in production of liquid and bar soap, House paints, Hair cream, Shoes and Bag as well as Make up business.
He also stated that his administration has improved the welfare of teachers in Ikorodu by providing them with social packages and intervened in cases of those that are critically ill.
According to Fakolade, “household items were also provided for members at affordable and lowest interest rates. It was pay with ease program”.
On Health, the NUT Chairman stated that:
“We conducted test for teachers on Eyes, Blood Pressure (BP), Sugar level, BMI, Breast & Cervical Cancer test at no cost. These tests were carried out by experts from the United Kingdom (UK).
“There was also distribution of free eye glasses tagged ‘Jigi Fakoo’, to over 500 teachers and eye drops for individuals with lesser medical issues.
“We are the first local government in Nigeria to organize Health Insurance for teachers in 2018. We have stepped it down because of LASG Health program which is compulsory for all”, he stated.
Comrade Fakolade also said that his adminitration has been caring for the widows among the NUT members.
“Putting smiles on the faces of widows was a program we are always proud of. 140 widows were given food items and a psychologist from LASUTH delivered a powerful lecture during the event.
“We made it a tradition to always celebrate the retirees among us during the ‘World Teachers Day Week’. This we have done consistently in the last few years”, he added.
In sport, the union organized events like Table-Tennis, Football, Scrabble, Ludo, Chess for teachers.
“We hope we can commission the Gym soon as there would be a collapsible swimming pool for teachers”, he said.
He also listed the establishment of the NUT Computer Center which is almost ready for operations and annual celebration of World Teachers Day, which has been highly rated compare to the one celebrated in other parts of the country, among the achievements of his administration.
The union has also been embarking on regular visits to schools. According to Fakolade, “the cardinal principle of our administration is to bring governance closer to the people. We do visit schools on regular basis”.
In the area of promotion exercise for members, he stated that the union has been providing moral supports for teachers during Structured and Oral trainings.
These among many others are achievements listed by the Comrade Fakolade in the last three years of his administration.
“There are other non-physical achievements that cannot be stated here”, he said.
While thanking God for the successes in the last three years, Fakolade also appreciated some sister’s associations and others for their supports and cooperation.
“We confidently say Thank God. He has been the brain behind all the achievements in 3 years.
“This piece remains incomplete without recognizing the efforts of all teachers, Branch Executive Council, immediate Past President NUT Nigeria, Leaders, Elders, ANCOPSS, AOPSHON, Subject Associations, State NUT, Christian Fellowship, MUTAN, Royal Fathers, Political Leaders, TG/PS Education District 2, Education Secretary Ikorodu LGEA, Retirees, Police, DSS, Man. ‘O’ War, Onyabo, Captains of Businesses, Community leaders, Print and Electronic Media, Beacon and All Afenifere”.
