Ekiti Govt Backs Civic Education, Commends NILDS for Promoting Democratic Awareness

The Ekiti State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting civic awareness and democratic values among young people to raise responsible and informed future leaders.

The State Commissioner for Education, Dr Olabimpe Aderiye, stated this in Ado-Ekiti during the 11th National Secondary School Quiz Competition on the Legislature and Democracy, organised by the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS).

Aderiye, represented by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mr Bayode Ogunmola, commended NILDS for sustaining the initiative, describing it as an important platform for deepening students' understanding of democracy, governance and the legislature.

She said the programme aligned with the state government's commitment to equipping students with not only academic knowledge but also the values and civic understanding required to contribute meaningfully to society.

The Commissioner said an informed and civically conscious young population was essential to sustaining peace, orderliness and good governance.

Aderiye urged the participating students to take advantage of the competition to broaden their knowledge of democratic principles and the workings of government.

She encouraged them to remain good ambassadors of their schools and the state, stressing that exposure to civic education would prepare them for responsible leadership and active citizenship.

Earlier, the Director-General of NILDS, Prof. Abubakar Suleiman, represented by Mr Ibrahim Suleiman, said democracy could only thrive when citizens, particularly young people, understood the roles and responsibilities of democratic institutions.

The director-general said the legislature, as the people's assembly, required an informed citizenry that understood its powers, functions and limitations.

Suleiman described the competition as a deliberate investment in the future of Nigeria's democracy.

He noted that participating students had, over the years, gained knowledge of law-making, representation and the importance of the rule of law.

Six secondary schools participated in the competition: Banji Akintoye Model College, Ado-Ekiti; Alamoye Comprehensive High School, Aramoko-Ekiti; St. Mary's Grammar School, Ikole-Ekiti; St. Michael Secondary School, Ifaki-Ekiti; Ujilogun High School, Ilupeju-Ijan-Ekiti; and Irepodun Community High School, Ikere-Ekiti.

The schools performed creditably and received cash prizes and other gifts at the end of the competition.

Also present at the event were Mrs Agbebunmi Oluwakemi; the Tutor-General, Central, Mrs Beatrice Adebayo; the Tutor-General, South, Dr Taiwo Olaniyan; the quiz master.