As part of the efforts to appreciate the contributions of academics and educationist to education in Nigeria, Education Legends and Leaders Awards (ELLA) on Tuesday, 29th November, 2016 conferred excellence awards of several categories on some Education Legends.
ELLA 2016, which is the maiden edition of the annual event was organised by Education Initiative of Nigeria (EIN) Education Services ,to recognise and honour deserving personalities who have contributed immensely to the promotion of education in Nigeria. The award ceremony was also designed to appreciate proprietors of Private Schools who have established and maintained high standards in their institutions for a long time.
In his welcome address, the CEO of EIN, Mr Adebare Egunjobi, stated that the award ceremony was to recognise outstanding contributions of educationists to education, adding that the awardees were carefully selected on the basis of merit.
Mr Egunjobi, who is also the Chairman, Central Planning Committee of ELLA 2016 noted that Proprietors of Private Schools in Oyo State have contributed in no small measure to raise the standard of education in the state. There thus the need to honour their meritorious services.
In his opening address, the Chairman of the occasion, Mr Femi Adesina noted that education is the backbone of every functional society. He said “removing education from any society spells doom to such society.” He also encouraged students who were present at the occasion not to compromise on education but to take it seriously so as to have a brighter future.
During the awards ceremony which was held at Trenchard Hall in the University of Ibadan, 18 education icons were honoured in the categories of Living Legends Award, Pillars of Education Award, Heroes of Education Award, Education Excellence Award, Inspiration Award, Role Models Award.
The 18 awardees are; Chief Emiola Adesina, Proprietor of Subola Memorial Nursery and Primary School, Agodi, Ibadan; Mrs Doreen Yvonne Odugbesan Founder of Rosegate Nursery and Primary School, Bodija, Ibadan; Rev. Dr. Mike Oluniyi, Founder of Epic Group of Schools at Ijebu Ode and Lome; Alhaja Simbiat Bayonle Oguniran, Proprietor of Al Hayyu Group of Schools; Chief (Dr) Lawrence Olumide, Proprietor Founder of Paragon International Group of Schools; Mrs Olufunso Adegbola; Founder of The Vale College, Iyaganku GRA, Ibadan; Evang Mrs Iyabo Ayelaagbe, Founder of Greater Love Group of Schools, Iseyin; Pastor Muyiwa Bamgbose of School on Air; Rev. Ajiboye Oyeyode Moses, Proprietor of Christlead Group of Schools.
Other awardees at the event include; Pastor Mrs Adeboye, Founder of ABI International School, Bodija, Mrs Oluwakemi Salako, Founder of Kindercare Schools and The Crown College, Ibadan; Dr Mrs Adefunke Ekine, Founder of Graceful Oaks Nursery and Primary School, Ashi, Ibadan; Pastor Joshua Olaoluwa, Propietor of Josabig Group of Schools; Mrs Elizabeth Otuyalo, Propietor of The Olives School, Ibadan; Engr. Solomon Olagbaju, Founder of D-Way Group of Schools, Apete, Ibadan; Mrs Adejare Adesina, Owner of Adesina College, Ibadan; Mrs Rachael Babatunde, Owner of Triumph Group of Schools; Rev Chaplain Abraham Adeoye.
The recipient of the Living Legend Award, Chief Emiola Adesina, in his acceptance speech on behalf of other recipients, appreciated the efforts of EIN and Mr Egunjobi in putting together an award ceremony to honour deserving educationists. He expressed profound gratitude for the honour conferred on him and others. He prayed to God that the event will continue in this stride so as to encourage others who are committed to nurturing young minds.
In his closing remarks, Mr Egunjobi appreciated all awardees for honouring the occasion. He challenged operators of private school to spare a thought for students in public schools. He also solicited the support of the awardees to help launch his campaign initiative to train public school teachers which will kick off by February, 2017.
ELLA 2016 which was sponsored by MTN, Evans Publishers, Straight Gate Publishers and Heritage Bank was graced by personalities such as ; State President , National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), Mrs Tolulomo; State President , All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPS), Pastor Babajide; Representative , World Organisation of Early childhood Education (OMEP); Mrs Segun Dipe and a representative of League of Muslim Schools Proprietors Worldwide (LEAMPS).
Also present at the event were students of Primary and Secodary schools founded by the awardees.
