Stamp out cultism in schools - Lagos' One Day governor pleads

By Our Correspondent

Lagos' One Day Governor, Miss Jemimah Marcus, has appealed to the government and other concerned stakeholders to stamp out cultism in schools across the country.

She made the plea on Monday at the Ministry of Education, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos, while on official visit to the ministry as part of her activities as the governor of the state for one day.

According to her, the effects of cultism on youths and the society at large were too bad and negative to be condoned.

Her words; "I thank the state government for sustaining this programme that it has not died. I also commend the state government for the EKOEXCEL initiative, digital training and learning. However, I am compelled to call on the authorities and those concerned that cultism in schools should be curbed before it gets out of hand.

"The Spelling Bee competition that produced me as a One Day Governor is a novel one. I would plead that the programme be returned to its annual nature to reduce the workload on staff and others," she said.

In his welcome speech, the Permanent Secretary, Mr Abayomi Abolaji, who stood in for the Commissioner, Mrs Folashade Adefisayo, said the provision of quality education is the priority of the state government.

" We not only ensure that our young ones get quality education and our schools operate as centres of learning. Lagos State is passionate about education and that is why the state pays the examination fees of students writing the WASSCE and NECO examinations. We also monitor private schools as well," he said.

The Director General, Office of Education Quality Assurance, OEQA, Mrs Abiola Seriki-Ayeni, said the spelling competition had been embedded in the education fabric of the state.

"It has been a privilege and honour to be in charge of the programme. It is huge and we are doing it to encourage our young ones . I thank the staff of OEQA for their support and I call on our  One Day Governor not to relent and strive harder.

 Let today be a day of reflection as she moves forward in life," she said.

Earlier, at a special executive council  session held at the Lagos Governor's Office, Marcus called on the Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, to update the cabinet on the COVID-19 situation in the state.

She later visited the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Kazeem Olanrewaju Alogba, and some other government agencies.

Marcus, a student of Angus Memorial Senior High School, Igbobi, emerged the winner of the 19th edition of the Spelling Bee Competition early in the year.