In a heartfelt welcome address at the Bi-Annual ANCOPSS South West Bloc ELOOOO meeting held on Thursday, January 30, 2025, at the Aquinas College Auditorium in Akure, Ondo State, Comrade Ghan-Ebi Sone, the President of the Ondo State Chapter of the All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS), expressed immense gratitude to all the distinguished attendees, especially the revered leaders of ANCOPSS at the South West BLOC of Nigeria..
Comrade Sone opened the event by extending a warm welcome to the esteemed gathering in the “Sunshine State” — a land he described as not only rich in resources but also in intellectual prowess, unity, and progress. His address set the tone for an inspiring day of collaboration and thought leadership in the pursuit of educational excellence.
Comrade Sone’s speech recognized and appreciated key leaders who have been pivotal in the growth of the state’s educational system. Special mention was made of His Excellency, Governor Orimisan Lucky Ayedatiwa, for his visionary leadership that continues to transform Ondo State’s education sector. Alongside him, Sone welcomed Deputy Governor Dr. Olajide Owolabi Adelami, former Commissioner for Education, Hon. Laolu Akindolire, and Permanent Secretary Mrs. Folashade Abimbola Adegoke, whose collective efforts have ensured the successful implementation of key educational reforms. The presence of these leaders demonstrated a shared commitment to uplifting education and ensuring that every student in Ondo State has access to quality learning.
The event also saw the recognition of past leaders who have laid a solid foundation for ANCOPSS in Ondo State. Among those honoured were Pastor Abraham Mojisola Ojetunde, the charismatic South West Bloc leader, and Pastor Adebayo Ajimuda, the former president of ANCOPSS Ondo State, now serving as Tutor-General of Ondo North Zone, who laid the foundation of ANCOPSS in South West Nigeria. Their leadership and dedication have been instrumental in shaping the educational landscape in the region, and Comrade Sone expressed heartfelt appreciation for their contributions.
He also acknowledged the presence of various education stakeholders, including representatives from JAMB, NECO, WAEC, and TRCN, whose roles are vital in the progress of secondary education.
In the preamble to the meeting, Comrade Sone highlighted the history and objectives of ANCOPSS, emphasizing that the organization is a professional body, not a trade union, with a clear mission to foster qualitative secondary education through active engagement with the government. Established in 1957 with only 32 principals, ANCOPSS has grown into a formidable force advocating for the welfare of principals and students alike.
The ELOOOO meeting, which represents the states of the South West Nigeria — Ekiti, Lagos, Oyo, Ondo, Osun, Ogun — serves as a platform for discussing educational policies, sharing best practices, and finding solutions to common challenges facing the region’s educational systems.
Comrade Sone also took the opportunity to commend the Ondo State government for its remarkable strides in transforming education in the state. Under the leadership of Governor Aiyedatiwa, key initiatives have been implemented to improve the quality of education. These include an increase in the annual bursary for students, especially those with disabilities, regular payment of WASSCE registration fees, extensive school renovation and reconstruction projects, and teacher recruitment and training. Furthermore, the governor’s commitment to staff welfare, infrastructure development, and leadership growth for principals was also applauded.
In addition to recognizing the achievements of the state government, Sone presented several requests aimed at further enhancing education in Ondo State.
These requests included sponsoring ANCOPSS members to attend international conferences, increasing the recruitment of teachers and non-teaching staff to better support schools, and offering professional development opportunities. He also proposed that more incentives be provided to outstanding teachers and principals, such as annual awards, to motivate them and enhance their performance. Furthermore, Comrade Sone called for the expansion of the Tutor-General positions from three to nine and the formal gazetting of these positions, which would offer greater legal recognition and support.
Comrade Sone concluded his address by expressing sincere gratitude to the standing committee of Ondo State ANCOPSS and all colleagues for their continuous support, cooperation, and financial backing, which have been instrumental in the success of this symbolic ELOOOO meeting. He wished all delegates fruitful discussions and invoked blessings upon the meeting. In closing, he reaffirmed ANCOPSS’ mission to build leaders who will, in turn, build future leaders, while reinforcing the organization’s commitment to the ongoing advancement of education across Nigeria.
ELOOOO meeting was not just a celebration of achievements but also a call to action with strong leadership, collaborative efforts, and a focus on continuous improvement, ANCOPSS is well-positioned to remain a central force in driving educational reforms in Ondo State and beyond.
ANCOPSS South West BLOC (ELOOOO) Meeting and Send-Off Ceremony of Past Leaders
*Strengthening Education for a Brighter Future*
The ANCOPSS South West BLOC meeting and send-off ceremony of past leaders was a momentous occasion. The event brought together esteemed individuals who have significantly contributed to the growth and development of education in Nigeria. The ceremony was attended by Leaders of ANCOPSS at the South West BLOC of Nigeria.
*Special Recognition*
The event honoured outstanding leaders who have laid the foundation for ANCOPSS in the South West Zone of Nigeria. Among those recognized were:
– *Pastor Abraham Mojisola Ojetunde*: Former President, ANCOPSS Oyo State Branch; former BLOC Treasurer, ANCOPSS South West Zone; former BLOC Chairman, ANCOPSS South West Zone
– *Pastor Akinropo Emmanuel Ijaodola*: Former President, ANCOPSS Osun State Branch; former BLOC Treasurer, ANCOPSS South West Zone; former BLOC Chairman, ANCOPSS South West Zone
– *Mr. Morakinyo Oludare Shoriola*: Former Secretary, ANCOPSS Ogun State Branch; former BLOC Secretary, South West Zone; former National Ex-Officio 3, ANCOPSS National
– *Mr. Ski Ade Akinlayo Oluseyi*: Former Secretary, ANCOPSS Oyo State Branch; former BLOC Secretary, ANCOPSS South West Zone
– *Prince Victor Oludiran Amele*: Former President, ANCOPSS Ekiti State Branch
– *Mr. Omodara Oluremi Jacob*: Former Secretary, ANCOPSS Ekiti State Branch
– *Comrade Onipede Taiwo*: Former Secretary, ANCOPSS Lagos State Branch; former BLOC Secretary, ANCOPSS South West Zone
– *Mrs. Olukowade Adekemi Kehinde*: Former President, ANCOPSS Ekiti State Branch
– *Pastor Adebayo Sanmi Ajimuda*: Former President, ANCOPSS Ondo State Branch
– *Mr. Onafisoye Waheed Ajani*: Former Secretary, ANCOPSS Osun State Branch
*Current South West BLOC Leaders*
The following individuals currently hold leadership positions in the South West BLOC:
*State Presidents*
1. *Comrade Olushola Abayomi Masheyi*: Current President, ANCOPSS Lagos State Branch; Current ANCOPSS South West BLOC Chairman
2. *Mr. Adekoya Adeniyi Edward*: Current President, ANCOPSS Ogun State Branch; Current ANCOPSS South West BLOC Vice Chairman
3. *Princess Esther Awoyemi*: Current State President, ANCOPSS Osun State Branch; Current ANCOPSS South West BLOC Treasurer
4. *Mr. Aderemi Adesina*: Current State President, ANCOPSS Oyo State Branch
5. *Dr. Oke Akinbode Olumuyiwa*: Current State President, ANCOPSS Ekiti State Branch
6. *Comrade Than-ebi Sone*
*State Secretaries*
1. *Dr. Adebayo Famakinwa*: Current State Secretary, ANCOPSS Ondo State Branch; Current ANCOPSS South West BLOC Secretary
2. *Mr. Fakiyesi Adebayo Sunday*: Current State President, ANCOPSS Ekiti State Branch
3. *Prince Abiodun Oladunjoye Iyun*: Current Secretary, ANCOPSS Lagos State Branch
4. *Mr. Omololu Dele Fleming*: Current State Secretary, ANCOPSS Oyo State Branch
5. *Mr. Osiname Olubunmi Oladapo*: Current State Secretary, ANCOPSS Ogun State Branch
6. *Elder Emmanuel Olufunso Jegede*: Current State Secretary, ANCOPSS Osun State Branch
Ondo ANCOPSS Prestigious Awards were presented to distinguished individuals who have made significant contributions to education in Ondo State. The awardees include:
– His Excellency, The Executive Governor of Ondo State, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa
– *His Excellency, The Deputy Governor of Ondo State*
– Hon. Kolawole Ologede, Chairman, House Committee on Education, Ondo State House of Assembly
– Hon. Laolu Akindolire, Former Hon. Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology
– Bayo-Philip, Head of Service, Ondo State
– Mrs. Folashade Adegoke, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Science & Technology, Ondo State
– Mrs. Matilda Morayo Bayo-Philip, Administrative Secretary, Teaching Service Commission, TESCOM, Headquarters, Akure
– Dr. Akindele Ige, Director of Schools, Ministry of Education, Science & Technology, Ondo State
– Omoregha Gideon Ogooluwa, Quickens Computer Limited
– Dr. Imoukhuede Abiodun Adetokunboh, Principal, Ifon Comprehensive High School, IFON).