The Chairman of the Federal Civil Service Commission, Prof. Tunji Olaopa, has urged support for education as government alone cannot meet the challenges of the sector.

Olaopa made the appeal in Abuja on Thursday in an address as the Chairman of the 80th Fundraising Dinner for the Olivet Baptist High School, Oyo.

While noting that the school was in need of support for development, he acknowledged that the entire educational sector in the country was faced with the same fate.

He said: “To have been established in 1945 and to still retain some measure of its old glory, given what the lamentable fate of public schools in Nigeria, is no mean feat. In another breath, that the generations of we old students, that are here today, are alive to witness this momentous celebration of a school that has so greatly impacted our formative years and all we have become in life calls for reflection. A reflection on the clear fact that if Olivet had impacted us so profoundly, is it not evident that the school now needs us to give back to it, in measure that will impact at this its trying time, in a manner of speaking? And Olivet is not alone in this challenged state, as restoring the glory of the old famous schools nationwide including the more recent, the Unity Schools of FG Colleges and states’ model schools is now the concern of all stakeholders and policy makers. ”

According to Olaopa, public schools and indeed public education institutions are not just challenged, “they are failing on every education achievement parameter: content/curriculum and pedagogy; infrastructure/technology for learning and for school administration; funding and sustainability; quality assurance; teacher professionalism and teacher education; certification, relevance and employability. Indeed, a huge chunk of teachers in these schools are provided and sustained by PTAs, and government is making effort to formalise the recruitment of those who are qualified by government standard within the limit of availability.

” It is unhelpful to therefore keep heaping blame on governments. What the times and tides require is for all hands to be on deck, even as the need for policy innovation and creativity on the side of government cannot be overemphasized.”

While commending the Dr. Wale Okediran-led leadership for mobilizing the different sets and chapters to rise up to the task of lifting Olivet to greater heights, he urged those present at the event including guests, well-wishers and old students to donate gtenerously to the 80th anniversary fundraising.

” I can assure you that every kobo contributed will be justifiably and accountably utilised towards restoring the glory of OBHS, Oyo”, he added.

The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP), the main opposition group in Nigeria, has criticized the Federal Government for its perceived failure in addressing the country’s security challenges.

This condemnation follows the recent massacre of 40 farmers in Borno State by the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) on January 12th.

In a press release signed by CUPP’s spokesperson, Comrade Mark Adebayo, the opposition coalition described the incident as a tragic example of the government’s inability to protect its citizens.

CUPP highlighted the escalating insecurity across various states in Nigeria, with thousands of lives lost and millions displaced due to terrorist attacks and kidnappings.

The coalition accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of neglecting its duty to safeguard the nation’s security, despite significant investments in counter-terrorism efforts.

The statement called for a radical overhaul of Nigeria’s security architecture, emphasizing the need for a government that can effectively combat insecurity.

CUPP urged Nigerians to reject the APC in the 2027 elections, warning of dire consequences if the current administration remained in power beyond that year.

Comrade Mark Adebayo, the National Spokesperson for CUPP, expressed condolences to the families of the victims and called for a decisive action to restore peace and stability in the country.

The Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has called on Nigerians to join hands with governments at all levels to build a country where unity and peace would continue to prevail over division and silence the echoes of conflict.

Governor Abiodun made the call during the Special Church Service held to mark the year 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration at the Cathedral Church of St. Peter, Ake, Abeokuta.

The governor also called on the people to ensure that the legacies of the fallen heroes remain alive, saying that they fought for the territorial integrity of the country.

L-R: Akarigbo and Paramount Ruler of Remoland, Oba Babatunde Ajayi; Speaker, Ogun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Oludaisi Elemide; State Chairman, Nigerian Legion, Master Warrant Officer Orukotan Olumuyiwa (rtd); Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun; the Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Mosunmola Dipeolu; Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo and the Orimolusi of Ijebu-Igbo, Oba Lawrence Jaiyeoba, who represented the Awujale of Ijebu land, Oba Sikiru Adetona at the Special Church Service held to mark the year 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration at the Cathedral Church of St. Peter, Ake, Abeokuta, on Sunday.

“Today, let us pledge to honour their memory not only with ceremonies but with actions. Let us build a Nigeria where unity prevails over division, where peace silences the echoes of conflict and where the sacrifices of our heroes inspire us to serve one another selflessly,” he said.

Governor Abiodun added that the welfare of the families of the country’s fallen heroes shouldn’t rest solely on the shoulders of the Nigeria Legion alone, but should be a shared responsibility of the people of the country.

He added that their sacrifices should be enshrined in the heart of the country’s history and the fabric of the collective consciousness of the people.

“We must ensure that the legacies of our armed forces remain alive, enshrined in the heart of our nation’s history and the fabric of our collective consciousness.

“The Legion has continued to ensure that the families of our fallen heroes are well cared for. However, this responsibility should not rest solely on the shoulders of the Nigeria Legion alone.It must be seen as a collective duty, a debt that we all owe in honour of the memory of our departed men and women.

“As a nation, it is our moral duty to support and care for them, ensuring that their sacrifices are never forgotten,” he said.

While noting that the armed forces remembrance day isn’t just a day in the calendar, but a sacred moment to reflect on the sacrifices of the country’s fallen heroes and recommit ourselves to the ideals for which they stood, Governor Abiodun noted that their sacrifices were a testament to their patriotism, resilience and courage.

“They stood firm in the face of adversity defending the unity of our nation during times of war and unrest. They faced life threatening situations to ensure that the dreams of millions of Nigerians will not be extinguished.

“Their blood, sweat and tears have sown the seed of hope, peace and national pride, let us all take a moment to appreciate the families of this heroes; the unsung heroes who endured the pain of loss with unyielding grace,” he added.

The governor promised to continue to implement measures that would help cushion the bumps on the path of the economic renaissance of the country for all of its citizens and residents, adding that his administration would continue to support law enforcement agencies in the state.

In his sermon, the Rt. Rev’d Emmanuel Akinrodoye, the Bishop of Egba Diocese, the African Church, stressed the need for Nigerians to appreciate God despite the nation’s numerous challenges, saying it was only when they acknowledged God’s benevolence that He could heal the land.

He said it was imperative for Nigerians to remain prayerful especially for the families and the nation, be steadfast in faith, be united and extend hands of fellowship by using their gifts and resources to uplift others.

Bishop Akinrodoye called on the government to provide security agencies the needed resources to overcome insurgency that is troubling the nation, calling on Nigerians to show love to security personnel who are working round the clock to protect the nation as well as the families of those who paid the ultimate price for the peace of the nation.

Prayers were offered for the peace of the nation , Ogun State, the governor and families, while Governor Abiodun read from the book of Ephesians chapter 2 verses 1 to 10.