Shine in the Midst of Darkness- Founder, NAPPS Ondo State

While attending the presentation of the Manifesto of Hon. Olusanya Oluwatoyin Emmanuel, the Proprietor of Olubade Educational Academy contesting for the position of NAPPS Chairman at the NAPPS Secretariat, Igbatoro road, on the 18th of May, 2021, the event was graced by notable leaders amongst whom were Chief Mrs Ruth Edun popularly known as Mama Edun the Pioneer Founder of NAPPS and Hon. Raji Sikiru, Former NAPPS Chairman and former Special Adviser to the Ondo State Government. In his presentation, Hon. Raji Sikiru addressed the Requisites for a Functional Association. He mentioned the necessary tools needed for an association with common purposes and interests to grow. Also, he identified the causes of poor association and gave possible solutions that will aid development.

Amongst the problems were issues of exploitation of members, non protection of general interest, lack of job security, inequalities, lack of transparency and accountability amongst past leaders, restriction of information, lack of policies, rules and regulations to mention a few. Hon Raji emphasized the need for eradication of godfatherism in the association. In his words,” it is not right for leaders to pick successors without considering the interest of members. It is not the duty of the incumbent to nominate a successor”. All these were identified as issues facing NAPPS, Akure South division. During the course of discussion, Hon. Raji called for delegation of powers, considering the joint interest of the general populace over selfish interest, appointment of tribunal to look into election related issues, having a fair ground for contestants, effective transparency and accountability, free flow of information and a democratic system that must reign supreme.

Mama Edun as she is fondly called also identified various issues in the association and encouraged cordial relationship among members and leaders irrespective of religious differences. She charged private school owners to work with a vision which is to uphold the talents buried in every child. Proprietors should be a source of inspiration to children. She related the place of an educationist to that of a man of God. In her speech, she encouraged AGAPE love amongst the association, the need for seminars and workshops to enlighten members, payment of teachers salaries to enable welfarism, eradication of immoralities amongst Proprietors, teachers, and students. Emphatically, she identified the need for Proprietors to work towards paying teachers a substantial amount of money as salaries which will be able to cater for their needs. She charged members of NAPPS to be the “light in the midst of darkness”. On a final note as regards the upcoming election, she said, “ I am not campaigning for anybody, let people do the voting and let the winner win”. She believes a leader should be answerable for himself.