… As Principal Balogun Commends Gov. Oyebanji for Prioritizing Workers’ Welfare
By Daniel Abe
In a remarkable leadership initiative aimed at promoting academic excellence and encouraging future leaders, the Principal of Ekameta High School, Epe-Ekiti, in Ijero Local Government Area of Ekiti State, Mr. Ayo Balogun, has temporarily vacated his office for a student, Miss Esther Onifade, who presided over the affairs of the school as One-Day Principal.
The initiative, the first of its kind in the school and across the local government area, was designed to motivate students, rekindle academic excellence and reward outstanding academic performance.
Miss Onifade was selected in recognition of her remarkable scholastic achievements and consistent excellence in various academic competitions where she represented the school.
The 16-year-old student, who is also the Senior Prefect Girl of the school, has distinguished herself through discipline, leadership and academic brilliance.
Speaking during the programme, Mr. Balogun explained that the One-Day Principal initiative was conceived as part of efforts to nurture leadership qualities among students and expose them to the rudiments of administration.
According to him, the programme offers beneficiaries the opportunity to not only strengthen their learning capacity but also gain practical insight into public and institutional leadership.
“This idea has been in my mind for a long time, and I thank God that I was able to implement it before my retirement. It has been made possible by the conducive academic environment provided by His Excellency, Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji,” he said.
The principal commended the Ekiti State Governor for prioritizing the welfare of workers, particularly teachers, through the prompt payment of salaries, bonuses, as well as regular training and retraining programmes.
Mr. Balogun urged teachers and school administrators to continually adopt innovative strategies that would inspire students to study harder and attain greater academic heights.
Addressing fellow students, Miss Onifade emphasised the importance of hard work, discipline and the fear of God in achieving personal and academic goals, encouraging her colleagues to remain focused and committed to their studies in pursuit of excellence.
Overwhelmed with joy, she expressed gratitude to the school management, particularly the principal, for the rare honour, describing the initiative as a motivation to strive for greater achievements.
One of the teachers, Mrs. Christianah Dapo-Oke, lauded Mr. Balogun for his creativity and innovative leadership style, calling on other school principals to emulate the initiative.
During her tenure, the One-Day Principal performed several official duties, including meetings with staff, inspection of classrooms, interaction with students and occupying the principal’s office.
Miss Onifade, who hails from Otun-Ekiti in Moba Local Government Area of the state, aspires to study Medicine in the future.
