…Olowu, Fatoki Others Receive Honours
Daud Olatunji
On the occasion of International Literacy Day, former President Olusegun Obasanjo has pledged his full commitment to advancing literacy in Nigeria through the Nigerian Non-Governmental Association for Literacy Support Services (NOGALSS).
Obasanjo made this promise during a ceremony held at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta, where he was officially invested as the Grand Patron of the organization.
Joining Obasanjo in receiving honours were prominent figures such as the Olowu of Owu, Oba Prof. Saka Matemilola, who was inducted into the Royal Fathers Council of Elders for a Literate Nigeria, and the Oganla of Owu, Hon. Johnson Olu Fatoki, who was named National Patron.
These appointments, along with several others, signal a robust commitment to tackling illiteracy in Nigeria.
In his acceptance speech, Obasanjo expressed gratitude for the recognition and assured attendees of his unwavering support for NOGALSS’ mission.
“For me, this is a total commitment,” Obasanjo said. “I thank you for honouring us, particularly here at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library. I see your passion and commitment, and it is infectious.”
Obasanjo emphasized the importance of dedication by sharing an anecdote about a pig and a chicken, highlighting the difference between partial and total commitment.
He likened his commitment to the pig’s role in providing breakfast, where the pig’s contribution was total, while the chicken’s was only partial.
“For you, chicken, it is a partial commitment, but for me, it is total,” Obasanjo quipped, reinforcing his pledge to fully support NOGALSS’ literacy initiatives.
NOGALSS National President, Comrade Noah Emmanuel, in his address, applauded Obasanjo’s enduring contributions to education, not just within Nigeria but across the African continent.
Emmanuel highlighted Obasanjo’s efforts to form global partnerships, including collaborations with UNESCO, to advance literacy efforts.
“Your Excellency’s contributions go beyond our borders as you have forged global partnerships to advance education not only in Nigeria but across Africa,” Emmanuel stated.
He went on to announce the launch of the Chief Olusegun Obasanjo Literacy Legacy Fund, a new initiative aimed at bolstering NOGALSS’ literacy programmes.
He said the fund, which will be managed by UNESCO in collaboration with NOGALSS, is designed to ensure transparency, accountability, and global credibility in its operations.
The National President also recognized other honourees at the event, celebrated their roles in the fight against illiteracy.
“Illiteracy is more than just the inability to read or write,” Emmanuel said.
“It is a profound impediment to personal growth, societal development, and national security.”
He appealed to Obasanjo to lead a renewed and vigorous campaign for a literate and educated Nigeria, emphasizing the critical role of NOGALSS and its network of NGOs and civil society organizations in fulfilling this mission.
Minister of State for Education Hon. Yusuf Tanko Sununu, represented by Mrs. Morenikeji Akinrinola, Deputy Director of NGOs at the Federal Ministry of Education, highlighted the role of multilingualism plays in fostering peaceful coexistence.
“Nigeria is a nation rich in linguistic diversity, with over 500 languages spoken across various communities,” Akinrinola said.
“By promoting multilingual education, we nurture a generation that appreciates the beauty of different languages and the values embedded within them.”
She further emphasized that multilingual education not only enhances academic performance but also fosters confidence and a sense of identity among young learners.
The Ministry of Education, Akinrinola noted, is committed to aligning its policies with this vision by supporting mother-tongue instruction at the foundational level while encouraging proficiency in other local and international languages.
Guest lecturer, Professor Modupe Adelabu, former Deputy Governor of Ekiti State, delivered a speech on “Promoting Literacy in Multilingual Nigeria for National Unity and Peacebuilding.”
Adelabu emphasized that literacy is not just a tool for education but also a means of fostering unity, preserving cultural heritage, and driving economic growth.
“If a child can learn their mother tongue alongside another language, they can trade and communicate anywhere in this country,” she said.
Adelabu also pointed out that effective planning and implementation are essential for literacy programmes in a diverse linguistic environment like Nigeria’s.
“If you do not plan your work well, your work will plan for you,” she warned, citing the importance of well-thought-out policies in achieving meaningful literacy outcomes.”
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