… As Education Commissioner declares Boot Camp open

Ekiti State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Olabimpe Aderiye, has urged students in the State to properly utilize the numerous opportunities provided to them by the State Government to build a bright future for themselves.

Speaking in Ado-Ekiti during the opening of the 2025 Safe Space Holiday Empowerment Boot Camp organized by the State Government, Dr. Aderiye said that the six-day programme is designed to empower the girl child, describing the Boot Camp as an avenue for character building and imparting life skills

Dr Aderiye who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr Mike Omolayo, said that the programme will engage participating students in interactive learning, to enable them have a productive holiday, and inspire them to start working towards the future.

She urged the participants to pay rapt attention to resource person that would deliver papers at the programme.

Earlier in her welcome address, the Project Coordinator of the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE), Mrs Yewande Adesua, explained that Safe Space programme focuses on educating students on personal hygiene, etiquette, and self-esteem, helping them prepare for the future while allowing them to express themselves freely.

She added that the participating students were drawn from 202 public secondary schools across the state stressing that the forum will enable participants to network, make friends, and build lasting relationships.

In her goodwill message, the Chairman of the Teaching Service Commission, Mrs. Rhoda Ojo, encouraged the girls participating in the programme to be courageous, exhibit good character, and engage in vocational activities that would enable them to excel in life.

Similarly, the Executive Chairman of Ekiti State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Professor Femi Akinwumi represented by the Board’s Director of Supplies, Mrs. Desola Adetayo, reminded the girls that they are privileged to be growing up in a technology-driven age, urging them to uphold good character wherever they find themselves.

Also in her goodwill message, the Director-General of Civic Orientation and Citizenship, Mrs. Olawumi Famuyiwa, emphasised that decency and discipline are essential to their life journey, as these qualities will attract the right people and opportunities

In her remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health and Human Services, Mrs. Olusola Gbenga-Igotun, advised the girls to be resilient, responsible, and respectful—not only toward others but also toward themselves in all aspects of life.