The Lagos State Government is set to reintroduce scouting activities in its primary and secondary schools across the 20 local governments and 34 LCDAs.
The Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr Jamiu Alli-Balogun, stated this on Monday shortly after he was inducted as the executive member of the Scout Association of Nigeria, Lagos State Council.
He was decorated and inducted together with the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mr. Abayomi Abolaji, at a brief investiture ceremony held at the Lagos Resource Centre, Ojodu.
Speaking further, the commissioner said he is excited that he joined the association, which he was unable to join when he was in secondary school over four decades ago.
He promised to be committed and fully active in the activities of the association and to undergo all necessary training that would aid his optimal performance.
He recalled that the organisation was very vibrant in those days, particularly in public schools nationwide, but is now no longer active in schools.
He disclosed that the state ministry of education would set up a committee and liaise with the local government and educational districts across the state to fine-tune the best way to re-awake and rejig the group in schools.
He said if the students are now fully involved in scouting activities, the Safe School Initiative project would be substantially enhanced in the state.
“And once the students are dedicated and committed, it means the issue of insecurity in schools will be half solved,” he added.
“So, we will ensure we do all we can under the ambience of the law to bring life back to scouting in our schools,” the commissioner emphasised.
In his own remark, the permanent secretary of the ministry, Mr Abayomi Abolaji, disclosed that he made an attempt to join the organisation during his secondary school days 42 years ago, but to no avail.
He said that was why he considers his investiture now as an executive member of the association a fulfilment of his 42-year-old dream, adding that he is particularly happy about the development.
He pledged to live by the oath taken and contribute substantially to the progress of the association even after his retirement from government service.
Speaking earlier, the commissioner of the Scout Association of Nigeria, Lagos Council, Mr. Olohuntoyin Adebesin, gave insight into the activities of the association.
According to him, scouting is life, and the organisation is open to every interested person, including students across ages, religions, ethnicities, and social statuses.
He said that the activities of the organisation are no longer visible in schools, unlike in the olden days, and that students are affected a lot by that development, hence its revitalization.
While thanking both the commissioner and the permanent secretary for accepting their roles, Adebesin pointed out that the association is expecting so much from the duo.
He said scouting plays a pivotal role in society as the organisation enables young people to gain essential life skills such as leadership, teamwork, time management, problem-solving, and effective communication.
He noted that programmes of scout associations put more emphasis on citizenship training and community service projects, services at national, state, and community events, and providing first aid in case of disaster, among others.
He added that unlike the other voluntary organisations and even the government security agencies, only members of the association are treated as global citizens.
He said the people of Lagos State should expect better service delivery from the association in and outside schools.
He listed some of their challenges, including funding, a lack of vehicles to move around, improper coordination, and so forth, appealing to the commissioner to help look into the matter.
ALSO READ THESE TOP STORIES FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE
