Kunle Adelabu
The Ayangbure of Ikorodu, Oba Kabir Shotobi, and Adeboruwa of Igbogbo, Oba Semiudeen Kasali, have expressed their support for Comrade Fakolade Oluwafemi to return for another term as Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Ikorodu branch.
Fakolade and the executive members of his administration were elected on May 25, 2017 for a four year term and are entitled to another term.
The royal fathers who have been identifying and monitoring the activities of the union, while examining the performances of its leadership, expressed their satisfaction and support.
The two royal fathers’ public declaration of support for Fakolade drew prolong and loud shout of endorsement from teachers present at the event organised at Methodist Primary School, Ikorodu to celebrate this year’s World Teachers’ Day.
Oba Shotobi declared Comrade Fakolade as his son in whom he is well pleased and solicited for support for him from teachers in lkorodu towards getting another term to enable him continue what he termed “his good work”.
“I congratulate our teachers and thank them because without them, we cannot get to where we are today. I thank them for being there all the time.
“It is important that we recognize and appreciate good work.
“We were here last year and were conducted round this complex (the newly commissioned Gym/Cooperative House) while it was still under construction, but today, I can see a beautiful edifice with fine touches”, Oba Shotobi recalled.
“I know that you have expended a lot of money to complete this project and it also means that our teachers are well to do.
“This feat is achieved through efficient management of the NUT led by our Chairman, Comrade Fakolade Oluwafemi. He has been making use of your contributions very well and using knowledge and wisdom to manage the entire teachers in Ikorodu Division”, the royal father said.
“With his achievements enumerated, especially cars that will be given to teachers, he deserves another term. Gone are the days when our teachers used to ride Rally bicycles.
“I want to urge beneficiaries to endeavour to repay back the money for the car that they are being provided with as agreed with the union.
“I thank the Chairman for the initiative of assisting teachers with cars which they will be paying for in installment.
“Since this is the Chairman’s first term, I believe there is room for a second term and I am saying that he (Fakolade) is my choice for another term”, Ayangbure of Ikorodu declared.
The royal father solicited for support from the teachers for the continuation of the Fakolade administration.
“He (Fakolade) believes in you (teachers) and he believes that it is only your votes that gave him the present mandate and that it is also your votes that can give him re – election. I enjoin you all to support him for another term.
“I am not a politician and also I am not campaigning for him, but according to a Biblical passage, I am restating and assuring you that this is my beloved son”, Oba Shotobi re-emphasised.
Oba Shotobi also thanked the Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo – Olu, for attaching importance to the welfare of workers in the state which according to him, has prevented any industrial dispute in the state.
“On this note, I must commend our Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo – Olu, for attaching importance to the welfare of teachers and paying them as at when due which is why we have not witnessed any protest.
“I have seen private institutions marching to the palace that their employers failed to pay them, but that is not your case.
“Despite the creation of more employment opportunities for teachers by the Governor this year, there has not been protest or agitation on social media that they are not being paid.
“I want to thank him (Gov. Sanwo – Olu) on your behalf for paying your monthly salary as and when due which enabled you to contribute towards the construction of this edifice (the newly commissioned Gym/Cooperative complex).
Adeboruwa of Igbogbo, Oba Semiudeen Kasali, while also announcing his support for Comrade Fakolade and his team, said that:
“I congratulate and commend the Chairman (NUT) and his team. Like the saying goes, “You don’t change a winning team”, the royal father said.
“We need a performing manager to progress and advance”, Oba Kasali added.
“We were here for last year’s celebration and we will always identify and pray for you teachers. We are nothing without teachers. They are the foundation of everything.
“We are prepared to support you”.
He charged teachers to continue to show dedication and commitment to their work.
“Let us continue to do what is right at all time so that our conscience will be clear”.
