Ondo NAPPS Sensitizes Members On Climate Change, Celebrates 2023 Day in Grand style

By Dupson Collins, 12th October, 2023

The 2023 National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools(NAPPS) Day was celebrated amidst pomp and pageantry as members attended the ceremony across the 18 Local Governments of Ondo State.

The NAPPS DAY was held at Akure Township Stadium on Thursday, 12th October, 2023 adding colour to the ceremony with a grand March Pass.

The theme for this year ceremony was Tagged, “Sustainability for Tomorrow’s Generation: NAPPS United for Climate Action”. The Association used the occasion to sensitise its members on the effect of climate change and ways to mitigate it.

The Day’s lecture was delivered by Prof. Olusegun Olusola of Biochemistry Department from Adekunle Ajasin University Akungba Akoko who took time to explain climate change as well as action plan towards it’s sustainability.

in his welcome address, the President of NAPPS in Ondo State, Rev. Dr. Joseph Aderanti Gabriel (JP) said the day is significant as it is yet another reminder of its commitment as a body to a better future.

Speaking on the theme, Rev. Aderanti said it is call to action which could not have come at a better time than now when the world is facing unprecedented environmental challenges.

According to him, NAPPS has always been at the forefront of shaping education in Nigeria, and will continue to extend the commitment to shape a sustainable future among others towards attaining a planet that is habitable and prosperous for generations to come.

While noting that Education is not merely about classrooms and textbooks but also about preparing students to be responsible global citizens who understands the critical importance of environmental conservation and climate action.

Rev. Aderanti urged members as educators to take seriously their duty of moulding the minds of tomorrow’s leaders by instilling values, responsibility, empathy, and a deep understanding of the environment noting that the change that is desired by all can be inspired in the students as change-makers who will drive sustainable practices and protect the planet.

He also spoke on the need to organize eco-friendly school programs, integrate climate education as part of school curricular activities, and to collaborate with local communities to drive environmental initiatives stressing that by doing so, members of the association would not only be fulfilling their educational mission but also contributing to a greener and more sustainable future.

Giving his remarks, the National President, NAPPS, Chief Yomi Otubela, FCMA while applauding members at various levels for their staunch commitment, and passion towards the realization of the goals and objectives of the association, acknowledged that climate change, apart from its impact on the environment, is also disrupting national economies and affecting lives as well as costing people, communities, and countries dearly.

Chief Otubela who said it has become crucial for students to learn the principles of green entrepreneurship, further assured that the association will continue to bring the needed awareness to stakeholders as part of efforts to unite in addressing the challenge and mitigate the impact.

In a short address delivered by NAPPS Southwest President, Comrade Deji Olatona, he also reiterated the importance of the celebration urging all stakeholders to take seriously the issue of climate change noting particularly that despite global economic downturn, a continuous drive for sustainable practices will pave way for future generation

He admonished Private Institution to continue to play the critical role of building resilience by exploring strategies for adapting to changing circumstances, ensuring uninterrupted quality education and creating enabling environment for innovative funding approaches as well as climate education integrations which are key areas needed to achieved the desired result.

Comrade Olatona also used the opportunity to note that NAPPS Day celebration has become part and parcel of NAPPS, Nigeria, not just as a routine celebration but a momentous one with so many prizes going along with it in some states.

The climax of the event is the grand march pass by members as well as some students from across the local government areas of the state.

In attendance also was the representative of the State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Hon. Femi Agagu.

Earlier in his address, the State Treasurer and Chairman of the Planning Committee, Pastor Dr. Ebenezer Akintomide while also restating the significance of the celebration said the projection is to celebrate the day in a bigger way by next year.

He also thanked members for turning out in large numbers for the celebration.

In a chat with newsmen, the immediate past president of the association, Chief Olufemi Ijidakinro while commending the leadership in the state for putting up a colourful and a very successful event further restated that the issue of climate change is not something to joke about.

He also admonished schools to take home the lesson of not cutting down trees but planting trees among others to attain a sustainable environment.

Also speaking, the Organizing Secretary of the Association, Dr. Chief Oyegoke Samuel Ayodele restated the need for government to continue to appreciate members of the association for engaging lots of individuals who could have ended up roaming the streets in search of jobs.