Senator Salisu Redefines Representation Through Grassroots Education Summit with Traditional Leaders
Abeokuta – The Chairman of All Baales in Ogun State, Chief Tunji Falola, has praised Senator Shuaib Afolabi Salisu for transforming legislative representation through direct community engagement. Chief Falola made the declaration during the second day of a 2-Day Capacity Building Session with Traditional Rulers in Ogun Central Senatorial District, hosted by Senator Salisu.
The event, organized by Senator Salisu—who represents Ogun Central and chairs the Senate Committee on ICT & Cybersecurity—brought together coronet kings, all Baales in Ogun Central, and key stakeholders for strategic discussions on governance, community development, and sustainable leadership, with a focus on education reform.
A major outcome was the adoption of a ten-point communiqué, following a similar move by Egba traditional rulers a day earlier. The plan aims to reposition education in the district by addressing curriculum relevance, community participation, security, and funding access.
His Royal Majesty, Oba Saka Adeola Matemilola, the Olowu of Owu Kingdom, presented the communiqué, urging traditional rulers to transition from ceremonial roles to active governance partners.
“The time has come for our royal fathers to move from ceremonial roles to become active agents of change in the education space,” Oba Matemilola stated.
Key resolutions include:
- Establishing monitoring teams to oversee educational progress.
- Launching mentorship initiatives for students.
- Promoting vocational training aligned with labour market demands.
Senator Salisu emphasized the critical role of traditional institutions in shaping education policies, stating:
“Our royal fathers are closer to the people than anyone else. Their involvement in education policy, implementation, and oversight will bring about the change we all desire.”
He pledged to replicate Governor Dapo Abiodun’s education reforms—including digital learning, school renovations, and teacher training—at the federal level. Additionally, he committed to facilitating access to the National Education Loan Scheme and other funding opportunities for indigent students.
The summit featured insights from Chief Biodun Lashile, the Orunto of Owu, who pushed for curriculum reforms emphasizing technical and vocational education, as well as research-driven policymaking.
The stakeholders agreed on several action points, including:
- Strengthening community-led education monitoring through *Ogun Central Education Vanguards*.
- Engaging Egba indigenes, including diaspora communities, to address funding and infrastructure gaps.
- Convening an *Ogun Central Educational Summit* to tackle systemic challenges.
- Addressing youth unemployment as a major barrier to education.
- Introducing teacher incentives to improve retention and motivation.
- Establishing structured mentorship programs with role models for students.
- Continuous training for traditional rulers on governance and policy engagement.
Senator Salisu reaffirmed his commitment to grassroots-driven governance, stating:
“Education is the foundation upon which we can build a more prosperous, peaceful, and productive Ogun Central.”
The event concluded with a unified call for sustained collaboration among stakeholders to transform education in the senatorial district.
This engagement marks a significant step in legislative-community partnership, setting a blueprint for participatory governance in Ogun State.
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