Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has said one of the priorities of his administration is to ensure that no child of school age is denied access to quality education in the state.

The governor also revealed that no fewer than 80,000 children of school age have returned to school since he stopped the payment of 3,000 fees in schools across the state.

Makinde, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Media, Dr Sulaimon Olanrewaju, made these assertions while speaking as the Chairman of the occasion during the launch of a book titled “Defying Expectations: My Story of Perseverance From Conductor to Journalist,” authored by Oyo State Correspondent for Daily Post Newspaper, Mr Musliudeen Atanda Adebayo.

The event, which coincided with the 40th birthday of the author, was held at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Secretariat, Iyaganku, Ibadan, on Sunday.

Makinde, while addressing the gathering, said that he is determined to ensure that no child of school age in the state is denied access to quality education, noting that he was ready to support the author and all other talented individuals in the state to achieve their dreams.

Makinde, who added that the book is a worthwhile manual to teach the younger ones and encourage them that they can get anywhere with determination.

He described the author as a humble, hardworking, and determined individual who does not see difficulties as problems but as stepping stones.

He added that Musliudeen Adebayo’s story complements his administration’s focus, which aims to promote quality formal education in the State.

The governor added that the stoppage of 3,000 school fees in public schools on assumption of office has helped over 80 thousands out-of-school children return to school.

He noted that he has embarked on another phase of rehabilitation of 205 schools in the state, adding that about 20,000 teachers were employed in the state towards helping children from grass to grace.

“The governor is determined to ensure that no child in Oyo State is denied access to quality education. That is why the government is creating opportunities for people to thrive. The governor will support Musliudeen and other people in his category. The governor is taking Oyo State from poverty to prosperity.”

Ogundoyin, while speaking, maintained that the event is a powerful testament to the vision and resilience of the author. He described his story as a reflection of the story of many Nigerians who rose to greatness from humble beginnings.

Chief Executive Officer of Eternal Home Cemetery, who doubles as mother of the day, Dr. Adebukola Kadiri, while speaking, encouraged underprivileged children never to give up on their dreams but to embrace the values of hard work, perseverance, and determination.

Kadiri joined other dignitaries at the event to encourage struggling children not to lose hope, emphasizing that with prayers, diligence, and perseverance, they could achieve greatness.

She warned against engaging in get-rich-quick schemes, stressing that such paths often lead to untimely death or social insignificance.

“Musliudeen could have diverted his attention to distractions like internet fraud and other unlawful activities, but he chose the path of education and hard work, and today, he is reaping the rewards. With the situation in the country, though it is not ideal for the struggling child, the God factor and tenacity make any dream possible.”