BY IDOWU ADEBOMI
The National Orientation Agency has called on Ekiti state governor, Biodun Oyebanji to ban graduation and sign out parties across the various institutions in the state.
The Director General of the Agency, Mallam Lanre Isa Onilu made this call in Ado Ekiti, Ekiti state capital on Thursday during a Press Conference/Stakeholders forum on a nationwide sensitization programme on federal government policies, upholding cultural and societal values which was cartegorized under five cardinal points.
Isa Onilu who was represented by the Ekiti NOA Director, Mrs Kemi Akomolede said the nationwide sensitization was necessary as the NOA is the medium through which the citizens and the government can interact and take the feedback to the policy makers.
The 5 points discussed include; National value, Re-Orientation for students of secondary schools and tertiary Institutions, National campaign on flood mitigation, National Enlightenment Campaign in government policies and activities, National Campaign on National Identity Project and National Symbols and National Security awareness campaign.
The DG while commending the state governor, Biodun Oyebanji appealed that an executive order be given such that will prevent sign out parties amongst tertiary Institution students as well as stop all forms of graduations ceremonies for primary and JSS3 pupils maintaining that such funfair has only put unnecessary financial burdens on parents and guardians.
” We call on our good governor to emulate other states that have banned all forms of graduation ceremonies for kindergarten pupils, Nursery pupils to JSS3. We particularly frown at the extortions and we are also worried about the spate of indecent acts and criminality which has bedeviled sign out parties of secondary and Tertiary students.
We also call on the parents, Ministry of Education and Teachers to ensure that the students are monitored and their excesses curtailed Mrs Kemi noted.
She also called on Ekiti residents to be alert and be security conscious as well as ensure that waste are not dumped illegally in the gutters to stop flood ravagin the state.
In his speech the Oluyin of Iyin Ekiti Oba Adeniyi Ajakaiye represented by High Chief Tope Aluko appreciated the NOA, security agencies for the good job but noted that the federal government should help the agency to fulfil its obligations by providing more financial support to the agency especially to the grass roots.
” We as traditional rulers know the good job the NOA is doing but they need more funds to carry out their duties effectively, i think the agency is underfunded and i appeal to the federal government to help them more financially”
High Chief Aluko also called on school proprietors to stop extorting parents in the name of textbooks and parties.” Textbooks used by children should not be changed overnight seniors should be able to pass the ones they used to their junior ones” he concluded.
Participants while making their contributions agreed with the government policies especially the NELFUND student grants which they said lack of information has denied many students from accessing it.Stakeholders at the event include representative of the Student body, NSCDC, Police, Religious Bodies, Corporate bodies, Artisans, Market women, Royal fathers and others.