The Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, has urged teachers across the state to embrace purposeful teaching, describing them as critical stakeholders in shaping lives and nurturing the potential of future generations.
Speaking on Saturday at the Teachers Conference 2026, Ogun State Edition, held in Sagamu, Salako-Oyedele said teachers occupy a unique position as the first identifiers and nurturers of children’s talents, stressing that their influence extends beyond the classroom.
The conference, organised by the Sparkle Foundation in partnership with Alpha Global, had the theme, “Teaching with Purpose: Equipping Educators and Raising Change Makers.”
The deputy governor said teaching plays a vital role in shaping minds, building character and creating opportunities for learners, noting that teachers also serve as counsellors, motivators and role models.
She challenged educators to carry out their responsibilities with compassion, competence and good character, adding that children often develop positive values by observing the conduct of their teachers.
Salako-Oyedele also reaffirmed the commitment of the administration of Governor Dapo Abiodun to improving the education sector through sustained reforms, investments and strategic partnerships aimed at enhancing learning outcomes and supporting teachers.
She said, “Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun’s administration has continued to prioritise reforms and investments that strengthen the education sector, improving learning outcomes and support for teachers. Our commitment is to ensure that our children, whether in urban centres or rural communities, have access to quality education that prepares them for life.”
Commending the organisers of the conference, the deputy governor reminded teachers that classrooms are places where destinies can be transformed, urging them to make lasting impacts on their pupils through purposeful teaching and positive relationships.
In her presentation, the Chief Executive Officer of Alpha Childcare and Alpha Chains Limited, Mrs Caroline Popoola, encouraged teachers to adopt creative teaching methods, inspire curiosity among learners and maximise available resources to improve learning.
Earlier, the Chief Executive Officer of Sparkle Foundation, Mrs Olasinbo Ojuroye, described teachers as the driving force behind societal transformation, saying every change maker is shaped by an educator who teaches with purpose.
She said the foundation had supported more than 5,000 pupils with educational materials, including uniforms, school bags and books, while also providing solar powered Information and Communication Technology facilities in selected schools.
Ojuroye added that the foundation had trained students in vocational skills such as poultry farming, tie and dye, and desktop publishing as part of efforts to empower young people through education.
