Lagos Teachers Explore Badagry Tourism Potentials

AgegePulse Magazine

The Tutor-General/Permanent Secretary, Education District 1, Mrs. Titilayo Margaret Solarin has averred that those in the teaching profession deserve a step higher than their students in terms of exposure, adding that it was impossible for teachers to give what they do not have to pupils.

Solarin stated this when she led the staff of Government Junior College Agege, on a "Mid-Term Excursion/Retreat Programme" in Badagry town recently, pointing out that the choice of Badagry was because of its rich historical background and tourism potentials that serve as point of references to teachers during some of their interactions with students.

She described the idea of the retreat as a very laudable one, noting that it is important to be sensitive to the social and relaxation needs of staff in order to ensure that they continue to give their best to their students.

The Tutor-General expressed the hope that by the time the teachers return to school, they would have been better refreshed to give their best for the benefit of the students as well as the school as a whole.

Explaining that it was imperative for the teachers to keep abreast of developments around them and most importantly be familiar with some historical sites in the State, Solarin maintained that such knowledge would make teachers easily transfer their experiences of the monuments when teaching their students.

She commended the Principal of Agege Junior Government College for pioneering the initiative, describing the idea as highly remarkable and worthy of emulation by other Principals within the District and the State at large.

On her part, the Principal of Government Junior College Agege, Mrs. Bolanle Olusola Alamu, explained that the excursion and retreat were conceived as a noble idea to motivate teachers.

According to her, "we are just making efforts to key into the various creative and innovative reforms in the State's education sector, especially the call by the State Government to fashion new approaches to learning for better service delivery and results in our schools.

 "My intention for organising this retreat was to further solidify the interest and confidence of the teachers in the teaching profession so that they can continue to give their best to the service. I believe that what is good for other professionals is also ideal for teachers" she asserted.

Mrs. Alamu expressed the hope that the teachers would, henceforth, approach their jobs with much passion and vigour going forward, saying that the presence of the Tutor-General/Permanent Secretary of the District was a morale booster and source of encouragement to the participants.

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Cancer and HIV/AIDs awareness: LASG seeks private sector partnership

The Lagos State Government has identified the need to explore the private sector involvement in its drive to increase public awareness on Cancer and HIV/AIDs as part of efforts to stem the spread of the deadly diseases.

The Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Pharm. Uzamat Akinbile-Yussuf, said that there is a need for the Private Sector and Non-Governmental Organizations to continually support and partner with government in the area of research and public education of these common diseases in the society.

Speaking at an awareness outreach on Breast, Cervical Cancer Screening and HIV Testing and Counseling for Youth in Apapa-Iganmu Local Council Development Area of the State, Akinbile-Yussuf added that the obligation of raising awareness about the potential killer diseases should be collectively pursued and not to be left to government alone.

She lamented that presently, there are no sufficient awareness and knowledge on the causes of breast cancer among young people, stressing that the level of awareness about the signs to look out for when undergoing breast cancer examination should be improved upon.

She said although the state government is aware of the heavy burden the diseases places on victims, the increment in awareness at all public and professional places will go a long way in reducing the spread with the assistance of other health intervention programmes in the state.

She added that research from the private sector will assist the government make adequate provision particularly on breast and cervical cancer awareness campaigns and also make some informed decisions.

The Commissioner urged youths and residents of the area to utilize the free screening, testing and counseling made available for them by the State government

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Hakeem Muri-Okunola appealed to Lagosians to show affection to friends and relatives who are affected by any of the diseases, saying the diseases could be life-threatening at some stages.

He said the screening is in continuation of the global wakeup call for everyone to embrace seeking medical assistance when necessary.

Muri-Okunola advised the people to avail themselves with good health through eating a balanced diet; regular exercise and early detection to reduce chances of being infected with cancer, urging them to also raise awareness in their environments.

The Speaker, Lagos State Youth Parliament, Hon. Seriki Muritala who spoke on HIV prevention and care enjoined patients of the disease not to lose hope but should seek counseling from certified counselors in all government-owned hospitals in the state.