Alake decries high rate of school drop-outs

The Alake and paramount ruler of Egbaland, Oba (Dr) Adedotun Gbadebo, has decried the high rate of school drop-outs in the country, especially the girl- child.

The traditional ruler submitted that anyone who could not acquire tertiary education in the present day Nigeria could not be regarded as being educated.

The chairman of the 2013 Lisabi festival committee, Chief Francis Sotunde, who represented the traditional ruler at a press conference to herald activities marking the 27th edition of the festival in Abeokuta, on Tuesday, disclosed that the success or otherwise of the girl child had a great effect on the nation’s economy.

The Alake emphasised the need for Nigerians to accord more prominence to the education of the girl child.

He assured that all the six local government areas in Ogun Central Senatorial District would contribute meaningfully to the cause.

The traditional ruler enjoined graduates to engage in self-employment so as to reduce the rate of unemployment in the country.

He revealed that peace had returned to Egbaland after all the four major traditional rulers decided to bury their differences.

He stated that women in the town would float a public mobilisation tour to sensitise citizens over the cause.

According to him, “Kabiyesi observed this year that the education of Egba sons and daughters is lagging and if we continue like this, it won’t be long that we run out of educated girls.

“That is why we are calling on all parents to please do something about the education of their wards especially the female ones.”