Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has restated the state government’s ban on the use of public school premises for social functions, warning that any head of school that flouts the directive would be heavily sanctioned.
The ban, according to the Governor, is to preserve and protect facilities in the public schools and make them conducive for learning.
Oyebanji bemoaned how facilities in schools were being destroyed by people who hired them for social engagements, like burial parties, wedding receptions saying such a trend could destroy the functionality of public schools if allowed to continue unabated.
The Governor stated this at his Ikogosi Ekiti home town, on Saturday, during the 2024 Ikogosi Day celebrations and launch of N1 billion Development Fund, which was attended by high-profile dignitaries across the nation.
Addressing the gathering, Governor Oyebanji said his government owes the people the onerous duty of preserving their investments in education and infrastructures, adding the step was taken to ensure that education is not destroyed on the altar of dispensing patronage to people.
Oyebanji stressed that the Ikogosi Day celebration was held at a private field and not on school premises in compliance with the ban on the use of public school premises.
He said, “We were to hold this function within the premises of Baptist Primary School, Ikogosi, which is a public primary school, but I said no, that this place, which is a private place should be used.
“This is a signal to those who will be calling me and sending text messages that they want to use government schools for social functions that there is a ban on it and I am restating this here today.
“We have a duty to make our schools safe and well protected. I want to charge all the chairmen of the local governments and heads of schools to enforce this. You must make sure that the use of public schools for burial, weddings and other social functions is stopped.”
In an apparent reference to the suspension of an erring official over the matter, the Governor said the government is prepared to sanction more violators of the ban order.
Commenting on the current economic situation in the country, Oyebanji urged well-meaning indigenes to reach out to the poor, to cushion the effect of the current hardship on them, adding it is expedient to exhibit love to neighbours at this crucial time.
The governor appreciated those who contributed to the development of the town through financial and material donations, stressing that the gestures have further reinforced the spirit of love and unity among Ekiti citizens.
Further in his message of hope, Oyebanji was emphatic that his government won’t be distracted in the bid to spread development to all the communities, as demonstrated in his commitment to increasing infrastructures and public utilities.
Speaking at the occasion, the Regent of Ikogosi Community, Princess Omobola Adepoju, applauded Governor Oyebanji, for his love for humanity, especially Ekiti people, Ikogosi inclusive, saying she was proud of the governor’s accomplishments in the last two years.
