Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has reiterated his administration’s commitment to ensuring that no child is denied access to quality education, emphasizing that over 80,000 children have returned to school since the removal of the N3,000 school fee.
Speaking through his Special Adviser on Media, Dr. Sulaimon Olanrewaju, Makinde made the declaration at the launch of a memoir titled “Defying Expectations: My Story of Perseverance From Conductor to Journalist”, written by Daily Post correspondent, Mr. Musliudeen Atanda Adebayo. The event, held at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Secretariat in Ibadan on Sunday, also marked the author’s 40th birthday.
Makinde praised Adebayo’s story as a reflection of the transformational power of perseverance and formal education, stating that it aligns with the government’s broader vision of lifting Oyo State from poverty to prosperity through educational access and empowerment. “This book is a powerful tool to encourage our youths to dream big and work hard,” he said.
The governor also announced ongoing efforts to rehabilitate 205 schools and the employment of 20,000 teachers to support education across the state. “No child will be left behind in our journey to build a better future,” he added.
The event was attended by a host of dignitaries, including the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, represented by his media aide, Alhaji Oyekunle Oyetunji; Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, represented by Comrade Femi Awogboro; and the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin, represented by Chief Solomon Ayoade.
In her remarks, the CEO of Eternal Home Cemetery and mother of the day, Dr. Adebukola Kadiri, encouraged disadvantaged children not to give up on their dreams. “Musliudeen could have taken shortcuts, but he chose education and perseverance. His story is proof that hard work pays,” she said, warning youths against engaging in fraudulent activities.
The guest lecturer, Dr. Bayonle Busari, addressed the theme “Redirecting Youthful Energy towards Positive Self and National Development.” He stressed the role of education in youth empowerment and national progress. “Education builds critical thinking and resilience, vital for success in today’s world,” he noted.
Book reviewer, Professor Rahman Akinoso, praised the 166-page memoir as a compelling and accessible account of perseverance through hardship. He recommended its adaptation for school use, with fictionalized names for ethical compliance.
NUJ Chairman, Alhaji Ademola Babalola, commended the author for chronicling his journey from working as a bus conductor at CMS Park in Lagos to becoming a respected journalist. “Musliudeen is an inspiration to many in our profession. His determination and resilience are unmatched,” he said.
In his address, Adebayo expressed gratitude to God and urged both state and federal governments to adopt his memoir for use in secondary schools. “I hope this book inspires others to overcome adversity, just as I did,” he said.
The event was graced by Islamic clerics, journalists, educators, family members, and members of professional associations, all celebrating a remarkable life journey that underscores the value of education, faith, and persistence in the face of adversity.
