Newscenter Media News 
The Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Monisade Afuye, has appealed to school administrators to partner with Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s government in advancing girl-child education, academic excellence, and talent development policies across all public schools.
In a statement issued by her Special Assistant on Media, Victor Ogunje, Afuye described sports as a veritable avenue to develop the talents of the productive population, bringing them out of obscurity and poverty into stardom and wealth in the modern era.
The Ekiti State number two citizen gave the charge in Aramoko Ekiti, Ekiti West Local Government Area, during the annual Inter-House School Competition held at Saint Joseph’s Christ Apostolic Church Nursery/Primary School on Wednesday.
In honour of the Deputy Governor, who is an alumnus of the school, the institution designated the “Green House” in her name and conferred an award of excellence on her for being an accomplished alumna who has elevated the school’s status.
Speaking at the sporting fiesta,Afuye applauded the school for instilling a culture of moral and academic excellence during her time there between 1966 and 1971, describing those moments as indelible in her educational journey.
She appealed to parents to prioritize the education of the girl-child, stressing that any discrimination based on gender is a crime against God and humanity that would not be tolerated by Oyebanji’s government.
Highlighting the significance of sports in national unity and human capital development, Afuye noted that sports has become a money-spinning venture capable of creating wealth, which explains why Governor Oyebanji is investing heavily in the sector.
She added that the Governor is currently building a multi-billion Naira indoor sports complex in Ado Ekiti to nurture young and talented athletes in diverse sporting activities.
“This investment aims to produce youths who will launch Ekiti’s name onto the world stage in sports and carve a niche for the state as an enclave where talent development has gained traction and attracted government focus,” she said.
“I still remember with fondness how this school trained us to be academically sound and morally upright wherever we go. This remains my guiding principle to this day. I thank God for where I am today.
“I urge our parents not to discriminate against the girl-child in terms of educational attainment. There is nothing our boys can do that girls cannot do better.
“As you encourage academic and moral excellence, you should also encourage sports. Parents should support the governor’s vision for sports and not discourage children interested in sporting activities from pursuing paths that can improve their lives and earn them national and global recognition.”
The school’s Headteacher, Mr. Olaniran Adetifa, appreciated Governor Oyebanji for providing additional classrooms to enhance comfort for pupils and teachers.
Adetifa noted that the school has been designated as a pilot school by the state government in Ekiti West Local Government but still requires facilities such as an entertainment hall, school bus, and sports equipment to fully assume its new status. He appealed to alumni to assist in achieving these goals.
Ekiti Deputy Gov canvasses improved girl-child education, sports in schools