It was an unusual display of recognizing Excellence as a Non Governmental Organisation, Corps D’ Progressives on Saturday conferred Award on some Icons that have used their different offices to contribute to the development of Education in Kogi State.
The conferment of the Awards was part of the activities to mark the 25th Anniversary of the NGO and Public Lecture with the theme: “The Place of Education in Unlocking Possibilities” held at Tafari and Suites, Okene-Kabba Road in Adavi Local Government Area.
Among those who were lucky to bag the Awards and Cash reward, a development that is first of its kind in the history of Award Conferment in Kogi and Nigeria are; Kogi State Commissioner for Education, Hon. Wemi Jones, Vice Chancellor, Confluence University of Science and Technology Osara, Prof. Abdulrahman Asipita Salawu and Vice Chancellor, Prince Abubakar Audu University Anyigba, Prof. Marietu Tenuche.
Also conferred with the Award of Excellence are; Rector, Kogi State Polytechnic Lokoja, Prof. Salisu Usman Ogbo, Special Adviser on Education to the Governor, Hon. Abdulmalik Abdullahi, Auditor General for Local Government, Hon. Yakubu Siyaka Adabenege and the Special Adviser on Media to the Governor, Hon. Ismaila Isah among others.
The Ohinoyi of Ebira Land, Alh. Ahmed Tijani Anaje in a remarks to the Occasion, expressed satisfaction with the current attention given to the Education sector under the present administration.
Represented by the Ohi of Adavi, Alhaji Mohammed Ireyi Bello, the Ebira paramount Ruler noted that the attention being given to the sector by the Government is commendable and a step in the right direction.
“You see, I’m one of those who have been complaining that the standard of education nationwide was declining. This is because I rose to reasonable level in Banking and I had some graduates working with me and I noticed the level of their output which gave me some worries. I think that is improving now.
“Take Kogi State for Example, we have three Universities, one in each Senatorial District and all of them have been accredited by the National Universities Commission (NUC). And we have some Secondary Schools that are being upgraded in terms of infrastructure and teachers availability. If the Universities are getting attention as well as the Secondary Schools, the standard of Education will definitely improve.
He praised the Leadership and members of Corps D’ Progressives for sustaining the ideals of the Association in the last 25 years.
The Vice Chancellor, Confluence University of Science and Technology Osara, Prof. Abdulrahman Asipita Salawu who was the Guest Speaker, while underscoring the necessity of Education, encouraged students to study beyond what they are taught in the classroom.
He stressed the need to adopt what he called 21st Century skill such as Communication and soft skills that are contemporary ways of learning.
Prof. Salawu however advised Government to develop data system for monitoring and evaluation of progress of Education and as well promote transparency as well as accountability in the management of schools.
He also enjoined the State Government to sustain the current funding of the Education sector, provide policy reforms and infrastructural development.
The Vice Chancellor, who identified education as the only catalyst for transforming Kogi State, commended the unity of purpose and love existing among the Association which has ensured the successes recorded in the more than two decades.
The National President of Corps D’ Progressives, Yunusa Jimoh said the Programme was not to celebrate past achievements alone, but to reaffirm the commitment of the Association to a future shaped by shared vision and enduring values.
“When we founded this organization a quarter of a century ago as the “Association for Youth Education Advancement our vision was both simple and powerful. To Build a Complete Man Over the past 25 years, Corp D’ Progressives has evolved into a beacon of hope and inspiration, setting a foundation for a brighter future for our community. Through our initiatives, we have continuously laid the groundwork for empowering individuals and serving as a model of progress and compassion.
“Throughout the years, Corp D’ Progressives has been a force for positive change. Our programmes have provided essential support to students from primary through higher institutions, empowered widows, and uplifted vulnerable men and women in Kogi Central.
“These initiatives have transformed lives, uplifted families, and strengthened the fabric of our society. We have worked tirelessly to build a more inclusive, prosperous, and sustainable future, with education as our central pillar As we mark 25 years of transformative impact, Corp D’ Progressives remains unwavering in our commitment to building the whole person through education.
