A non-governmental organization, Corps D’ Progressives, has been commended for being a beacon of hope and for supporting the education of the less privileged in central senatorial district of Kogi State in the last twenty five years.
Speaking at the 25th anniversary of Corps D’ Progressives at Tafari Hotel and Suites in Adavi local government on Saturday, Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, His Royal Majesty Alhaji Ahmed Tijani Anaje commended the leadership and members of organization for sustaining its ideals the last quarter of a century.
Represented by the Ohi of Adavi His Royal Highness Alhaji Bello Mohammed Ireyi, the monarch charged them to commence another stage of planning for another 25 years.
Ohinoyi also charged parents and guardians to prioritize the education of their children to enable them have a brighter future.
He added that education is the best legacy parents can bequeathed to their offspring that will remove them from shackles of poverty.
“Education is the only thing that makes the future bright, life and successes is about establishing plan and pursuing it vigorously even in the face of challenges. I am urging the association to commence another stage of planning for the next 25 years,” he advised.
While expressing satisfaction with the attention given to education sector under the immediate past and the present administrations, the Ohinoyi averred that the standard of education has started improving in the state.
The State Commissioner for Education, Hon Wemi Jones, who represented Governor Usman Ododo at the event, promised to engage the leaders of Corps D’ Progressives to see how government can get involved and support their initiatives.
Hon Jones noted that “Corps D’ Progressives initiative predates the state government’s initiative in the education sector. While the government started in 2020, Corps D’ Progressives have been doing it since 25 years ago which is quite inspiring.
“We will try to replicate what Corps D’ Progressives is doing across every part of the state.”
Earlier in his address, the President of the association, Mr Yunusa Jimoh, stated that the organization was founded a quarter of a century ago as “Association for Youth Education Advancement” with a vision to build a complete man that will contribute meaningfully to the society.
Jimoh said as Corp D’ Progressives mark 25 years of transformative impact, they remained unwavering in their commitment to building the whole person through education.
“Through our initiatives, we have continuously laid the groundwork for empowering individuals and serving as a model of progress and compassion. Throughout the 25 years, Corps D’ Progressive has been a force for positive change and our programmes have provided essential support to students from primary through tertiary institutions, empowered widows, and uplifted vulnerable men and women in Kogi central,” he stated.
He said looking forward to their next chapter, the group seeks to expand its scholarship programmes, launch digital library project, introduce mentorship and school adoption initiatives and establish community resource centres.
The pioneer president of the association, Hon. Ismaila Isah commended members of Corps D’ Progressives for sustain the ideals that held them together for 25 years.
He recalled the association’s humble beginning and expressed joy with what it has achieved over the years.
“We have graduated into awarding bursary and scholarships to deserving indigent members of the society, especially students who are talented but somehow disadvantaged in terms of having monetary power to acquire higher education. We have done this consistently.
“We have also been partnering schools and providing them with instructional materials. We have been able to support about 15 libraries,” he said.
Delivering the anniversary lecture titled ‘The Place of Education in Unlocking Possibilities for Human Capital Development in Kogi State’, Prof. Abdulrahman Salawu noted that Corp D’ Progressives had over the last 25 years been a beacon of hope, tirelessly working to promote education and human capital development.
He said education is crucial for human capital development because it enhances cognitive skills and knowledge, develops problem-solving and critical thinking abilities, fosters creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship, promotes social mobility and inclusivity.
Prof. Salawu, who is the current Vice Chancellor of Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH) Osara, Kogi state, noted that education is the key that unlocks the doors of opportunity, empowering individuals to reach their full potential and contribute meaningfully to the development of their communities and the nation.
“Through your various initiatives, you have equipped countless young minds with knowledge and skills and instilled in them a lifelong love of learning.
“As we look to the future, the role of education in unlocking human capital development becomes even more critical.
“In today’s rapidly evolving world, knowledge and skills are our most valuable assets. By investing in education, we are investing in the future of our state and nation,” the guest lecturer stated.
