Kunle Adelabu
-Gives account of stewardship
The Chairman, Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT), Comrade Fakolade Oluwafemi Oluwaseun JP., has assured teachers in Ikorodu Local Government, that their welfare and overall well – being will continue to be topmost on the union’s agenda.
Fakolade, who also stated that his administration has changed the perception of teachers, also added that the current executives of the NUT Ikorodu branch, are poised at leaving the union better than they met it.
The lkorodu NUT Chairman gave these assurances in a statement on Monday, in commemoration of the 3rd year anniversary of the second term of his administration of the union.
He listed achievements of his administration in the last three years.
“Today (Monday) marks exactly 3 years that our mandate was renewed. To the glory of God, it has been three years of purposeful leadership, participatory governance, and above all, GOOD GOVERNANCE”, he said.
“Many are of the opinion that leaders don’t achieve in their 2nd coming. This we have proven wrong.
“We will continue to uphold the cardinal principles of our administration, which is centered around Welfarism. Teachers will always come FIRST in the running of our UNION. We are sincerely committed to the welfare and overall well-being of our teachers.
“We have successfully changed the fortunes of our Union for better. We have changed the mindset of teachers in respect of our union.
“WE HOPE TO LEAVE THE STAGE BETTER THAN THE WAY WE MET IT”, he emphasised.
He listed medical outreach, distribution of glasses to teachers; retreat in Badagry and adequate representation and solidarity for teachers among many others, as part of his administration’s achievements.
“It is expedient to reiterate the achievements of this administration in the last 3 years. The following are the achievements we have recorded so far.
“Free medical outreach for Assistant Head Teachers and Vice-Principals of all rimary and secondary schools in Ikorodu; distribution of over 500 free medicated eye glasses (JIGI FAKOO) to Principals, Head Teachers, Vice -Principals, and Assistant Head Teachers; medical outreach for teachers. Over 1000 teachers received FREE EYE GLASSES.
“FREE CATARACT SURGERY for 6 teachers; successful hosting of World Teachers Day; first of its kind in the anals of history of the world Teachers Day Celebration in Ikorodu, where teachers from all LCDAs were in attendance and hosting of the first BANQUET FOR TEACHERS. Over 500 teachers attended the dinner. It was a night of glamour and pageantry.
“Hosting of yearly Christmas Carol Service. We are a branch with a standard mass choir of over 6k Teachers’, teachers Retreat in Badagry (2023). This was the first vacation retreat for teachers in Nigeria, and 81 teachers participated in the 4 day retreat. lnduction programme for the newly employed teachers deployed to Ikorodu. We created a DEVELOPMENTAL PROGRAM where at least, one young teacher was co-opted into one of the adhoc committees”.
Fakolade also listed: Confirmation of Appointment Examination Tutorials. We are glad to inform that we have excellent record in assisting teachers prepare well for confirmation examination. Our last result in Ikorodu, was 100%; Hosting of Ramadan Lectures (consistently organised since 7 years ago). Fantastic relationship with MUTAN and the Muslim community in general; Adequate Representation and Solidarity Support at various centres for verification exercises, both @ LGEA and district levels and Regular School Visitation. Visiting schools gives us the opportunity to interact with teachers. We can confidently say that our visits have contributed to the growth and development in our schools.
Comrade Fakolade, in addition to achievements above, also stated that the union, under his leadership, has ensured that teachers are not engaged in loans that will turn into liability, ensuring peace and unity, and assisting teachers to procure international passports among others.
“As a branch which its members are so paramount to the Fakolade-led Executive council, we have taken aggressive steps in making sure that none of our teachers is engrossed in the shackles of any form of SHARK LOANS. This we did to forestall any financial embarrassment to any of our teachers.
“We had a series of tripartite meetings with AOPSHON, ANCOPSS, Subject and Religious Associations which, to a larger extent, have fostered peace & tranquillity in our schools, today.
“Assisting in the collection of international passports. We have assisted over 150 teachers in collecting INTERNATIONAL PASSPORT seamlessly. This we have done without collecting a dime from them.
“Retreat to Republic Du Benin ( 2024). As of today, 105 teachers have registered for the 2024 Teachers’ Retreat. We will be visiting PORT NOVO, GRAND POPO, COTONOU AND QUIDAH.
“NUT IKORODU CHESS CLUB- Understanding the importance of Chess to critical and creative thinking, NUT Ikorodu established a chess club for teachers. Through the gift of Chess, we distributed FREE CHESS BOARDS to 100 teachers.
“Successful Hosting of Sports Competition such as Oba Kabiru Adewale Shotobi Table Tennis Competition, Oba Ajibade Agoro Ayo Olopon Competition and Oba Abdul-Semiu Orimadegun Kasali Football Competition.
“Provision of Food Boxes ( rice beans, noddles, milk, etc, worth millions of naira) to the retirees. We take into cognizance the welfare of our retirees, because we shall retire someday too.
“In a space of 3 years, the above listed are some of progressive programmes that have been achieved and many are still coming”, he added.
Comrade Fakolade was full of appreciation to royal fathers in lkorodu division and elected representatives, including Senator Abiru,Rep Jimi Benson,Hon. AMA,Hon. Gbolahan Ogunleye and all the LCDA Chairmen, for their supports.
Likewise, he also specially mentioned the Tutor – General, Education District II, Mrs Anike Adekanye, Education Secretary, Ikorodu LGEA Mr Afolabi Amusa, former National President NUT, Comrade Michael Alogba Olukoya, NUT National Treasurer, Comrade Adesegun Raheem, and the leadership of NUT, Lagos State Wing, led by Comrade Akintoye Hassan, NUT leadership in Ikordu and the immediate past chairman, Comrade Oduguwa Lateef Babatunde, among others, for commendations.
