By Saheed Ibrahim

Ondo State Commissioner for Education, Science, and Technology, Olaolu Akindolie, has reiterated the state government’s commitment to the welfare and well-being of teachers in the state.

Akindolie gave this reassurance at the commissioning of the new secretariat of the Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools (ASUSS), Ondo State Chapter, at Imafon.

Represented by Pastor Lekan Adesida, the Commissioner stated that the state government is doing everything possible to ensure the welfare of teachers is adequately addressed.

In addition to promptly providing benefits for the teachers, he mentioned that the government has continued to rehabilitate school buildings and provide necessary facilities where needed.

Akindolie congratulated ASUSS and urged members to work together to complete the edifice for their benefit and that of the association.

In his speech, the Chairman of ASUSS, Comrade Balogun Tajudeen, said the new secretariat symbolises the collective effort, dedication, and unwavering commitment to the advancement of education in the Sunshine State.

“This building is more than just a structure; it is the embodiment of our dreams and aspirations. For years, tutors in this state have yearned for a place we can call our own, a place where we can come together to deliberate on issues that concern us, and a place where we can plan and execute our vision for the future of education.

“Today, as we stand on the threshold of this new chapter, we celebrate not just the completion of Phase 1 but the beginning of a journey towards greater unity, strength, and purpose within our Union.

“This building will serve as a hub for educational development, a place where ideas are birthed, and solutions to our challenges are found,” he said.

Tajudeen commended the tireless efforts of the building committee (both past and present), the executive council of the Union at all levels, and everyone who contributed to the realisation of the project.

“As we commission this building today, let us remember that this is just the first phase. As you can see, there is still much work to be done, and I am confident that, with the support of the state government, continued contributions from our members, and all stakeholders in the education sector, we will soon see the completion of the entire project.

“We are dedicated to uplifting the standard of education and ensuring that our tutors are empowered to deliver quality education to our students.”

He praised the vision of the immediate past Chairman of ASUSS, Dayo Hanney Adeiyi, for initiating the building project.

Tajudeen extended his appreciation to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for his continuous support of educational development in Ondo State.

The Administrative Secretary of the Ondo State Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM), Mrs Morayo Bayo-Phillip, expressed delight at seeing the teaching profession grow in the state. She praised the cooperation among the teachers and assured them that promotion letters would be issued in January every year without delay.

In his goodwill message, the Trade Union Congress (TUC) Chairman in Ondo State, Comrade Clement Fatuase, expressed gratitude for the project and prayed for God’s support to complete it.

He mentioned that the TUC supports Governor Aiyedatiwa not because of his name, but because of his care and achievements in Ondo State.

The President of ANCOPPS in Ondo State, Comrade Bisi Jimbola, said the event represented the celebration of the commitment and resilience of ASUSS members, urging the teachers to cooperate to ensure the building is completed.

The immediate past Chairman of ASUSS, Comrade Adebiyi, expressed appreciation to the teachers and executive members for their support in the construction of the building.