Multinational oil companies operating in these areas were also charged to channel more of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), functions to the development of education, so as to help reduce illiteracy and put an end to civil unrests in their operational areas, in line with the 4th Goal of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The Convener, Inter-Local Government Quiz and Essay Competition for Riverine/Rural Secondary Schools in Warri north, Warri south and Warri south west local government areas, Comrade Sheriff Mulade made the call on 3rd March 2021 during the competition.
While advocating for compulsory education, he said the southern parts of Nigeria may have done pretty well in child education, there is still a number of out-of-school children.
According to him, “you will agree with me that the prevalence of out-of-school children in the northern parts of Nigeria is alarming and this is already being encouraged in the southern region of the country.
“I sincerely appeal to those in positions of authority to do everything possible to sustain our childrens’ education, especially children from poor homes, as this will help to reduce the numerous vices we are currently grappling with in the society.
“The importance of education in the advancement of a nation cannot be over-stressed. The truth is that education is the bedrock and live wire of any country’s economy and civilization. Show me a nation that is backward in development and I will show you a nation that has little or no interest in the education of its people.
“If Nigeria, the most populous black country in the world hopes to meet up with the pace of global advancement in technology, as seen in civilized countries such as the USA, UK, Germany and Canada, then the country must be serious about the education of its citizens. Any nation that refuses to develop its education sector has sold its future to failure.
“As we continue with our efforts to sensitize, promote and create awareness on the importance of education, it is our hope that other well-meaning Nigerians will complement our efforts towards the development of our youths through various knowledge-based and competitive activities that will stimulate learning”.
The Chief Executive Officer, Centre for Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ), congratulated the three best schools that emerged as representatives of their local government areas in the contests, who would compete with other schools in the three Warri local government areas.
According to the Human Rights Activist, those competing are shining examples for others to emulate, charging them to always show good examples, and to constantly see themselves as beacons of hope to their mates and those behind them.
He lamented the absence of role models in the education sector among students and teachers who students and pupils look up to as inspirations.
“There are no role models in our educational system anymore. The reasons are clear; schools have been corrupted, so showing good examples hardly attracts any reward.
“I hereby charge all the participants to obey the rules of the quiz and essay competitions, as it was designed for equal representation and participation of schools across the three (3) LGAs.
“Futuremore, other schools will be part of the quiz and essay competitions. Therefore, I hereby announce to you that we have considered drawing more riverine/rural schools from Bomadi, Burutu and Patani LGAs, to be part of this educational programme in the 2022 edition.
While appealing to the state governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, and his South-south counterparts to focus more on education, he disclosed that part of the primary aims of Center for Peace and Environmental Justice is to promote educational awareness among the Riverine/Rural Communities, and also to assist the less privileged but highly intelligent students to pursue their education and career in life through scholarship support.
