Ondo Govt Aide Defends Existing Institutions, Backs Call for Maritime Education in Ilaje
A Senior Special Assistant to the Ondo State Governor on Special Interest and Public Engagement, Apostle Temitope Dadeowo Olowofoyekun, has defended the continued presence of the Ondo State School of Nursing and the Ondo State College of Education in Ilaje Local Government Area, while calling for a more constructive approach to demands for specialised maritime education in the area.
Olowofoyekun, in a statement, said calls for the establishment of a Maritime University Institute of Oceanography in Ilaje should not be presented as an alternative to existing institutions, arguing that both initiatives could complement each other and expand educational opportunities for residents.
He noted that the Ondo State School of Nursing in Kofawe and the Ondo State College of Education in Aboto were contributing to human-capital development in the area and should be strengthened rather than dismissed.
According to him, Ilaje’s strategic location and marine resources make the demand for specialised maritime education legitimate, particularly in areas such as the blue economy, marine transportation, fisheries, oceanography and offshore activities.
He, however, pointed out that the Department of Marine Science of Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology, Okitipupa, already has a presence at Ugbonla, stressing the need to consider existing educational structures when advocating for new institutions.
The governor’s aide said there was nothing wrong with demanding additional educational institutions for Ilaje, but maintained that such advocacy should be based on facts and focused on practical solutions.
He also criticised what he described as personal attacks and disrespect directed at Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, saying political disagreements should not degenerate into insults against public officials.
Olowofoyekun said residents could criticise government policies and demand more development without questioning the intelligence or integrity of those in public office.
He urged stakeholders and residents of Ilaje to separate political differences from development issues and focus on attracting more educational opportunities, employment, infrastructure, healthcare investment and maritime-related development to the area.
“Rather than rejecting one educational initiative because we desire another, let us make a compelling case for both where the available evidence justifies them,” he said.
The governor’s aide further called on development advocates in Ilaje to acknowledge existing achievements, identify areas requiring improvement and propose workable solutions that would advance the interests of the people.
He stressed that the development of Ilaje should be treated as a collective responsibility, urging stakeholders to support beneficial initiatives while constructively demanding improvements where necessary.
Olowofoyekun is the Senior Special Assistant to the Executive Governor of Ondo State on Special Interest and Public Engagement.
