The Owamiran of Esa-Oke in Osun State, Oba Adeyemi Adediran, has expressed concern over the poor state of public schools in his community.
His remarks came as the children of the late Pastor Ezekiel Daramola unveiled a renovated four-block classroom building at The Apostolic Primary School, Esa-Oke.
Speaking during the handover ceremony on Thursday, Oba Adediran revealed that he had already reached out to the State Universal Basic Education Board to report the poor condition of the schools. He noted that many public schools in the area were in dire need of repair, urging the state government to take swift action.
“I have contacted SUBEB to complain about the situation, and I was asked to provide pictures and video clips of the structures. Many of our public schools are in a deplorable state, which is not a proper way to honor the memory of late Bola Ige,” Oba Adediran said.
The monarch commended the Daramola family for their generosity and called on other well-meaning individuals to follow suit, acknowledging that the government alone cannot handle every community’s needs.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Esa-Oke Central Union, Mr Yinusa Bamigboye, explained that the union collaborated with the Daramola family to renovate the dilapidated structure after waiting for government intervention for years.
Bamigboye also highlighted the community’s ongoing efforts to improve education, noting that 51 teachers had been recruited for both primary and secondary schools in Esa-Oke with the support of the community.
He called on philanthropists and other indigenes to contribute to initiatives aimed at enhancing the quality of life for residents.
Speaking on behalf of the Daramola family, Mr Olugbenga Olaleye, said that their father, the late Pastor Daramola, lived a life dedicated to service, a legacy that continues to inspire his children. Olaleye assured that the family would remain committed to contributing to the community’s development and addressing public needs.
In her remarks, Mrs Toyin Babaniyi, who represented the Osun State Commissioner for Education, praised the Adeleke administration for prioritising quality education.
She also noted that many of the concerns raised regarding the state of public schools were already being addressed by the government.
Babaniyi, who also serves as Chairperson of the Local Government Education Board in Obokun Local Government Area, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving educational infrastructure across the state.