The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Ogun State, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, has commended members of the Yayi Teachers support group for their steadfast loyalty and commitment to his political movement, assuring them that their sacrifices and support would be rewarded with improved welfare and educational reforms.
Adeola gave the assurance during an interactive meeting with Yayi Teachers, a support group comprising teachers from public and private schools as well as school proprietors drawn from the 20 local government areas of the state.
The meeting, facilitated by Hon. Olaseni Koiki, Director-General of Caucus 7202, the umbrella body of Yayi support groups, provided a platform for members to reaffirm their support for Adeola’s governorship ambition and present issues affecting teachers and the education sector in Ogun State.
Speaking on behalf of the group, State Coordinator of Yayi Teachers, Comrade Sunday Odunaro, lauded the senator for granting the association an audience, noting that members had long desired an opportunity to personally express their admiration and support.
Odunaro said the group had remained committed to Adeola’s aspiration since 2021 because of its belief in his leadership capacity and dedication to improving the lives of Ogun residents.
According to him, the association has continued to expand across the state through sustained mobilization of teachers and school proprietors into the Yayi Movement.
He appealed for logistical support to enhance the activities of the group, particularly the provision of a bus to facilitate coordination and movement across the state. Responding immediately, Adeola promised to provide the requested vehicle.
The coordinator also assured the APC candidate that members would continue to promote his vision and programmes through their extensive grassroots and media networks.
Other members of the association praised Adeola’s empowerment initiatives and developmental interventions, describing them as impactful and beneficial to many communities across Ogun State.
Speaking on behalf of members, Mr. Taiwo Olusola from Obafemi-Owode Local Government described Yayi Teachers as one of the most active and dedicated support groups within the movement, with a strong presence in both public and private educational institutions across the state.
He expressed confidence in the group’s capacity to mobilise support across all local government areas ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
During the meeting, members highlighted several challenges confronting teachers and the education sector, including the implementation of the Teachers’ Peculiar Allowance, improved welfare packages, salary adjustments, rehabilitation of schools, teacher safety, student discipline and reforms to the Contributory Pension Scheme.
They noted that pension-related issues remained a major concern among teachers and other public servants, particularly those nearing retirement, and urged Adeola to prioritise reforms capable of guaranteeing financial security and dignity for retirees.
The women representative of the association also appealed for opportunities for teachers to undertake pilgrimages after years of service and for policies aimed at protecting educators from harassment and intimidation in schools.
Responding, Adeola expressed appreciation for the loyalty and sacrifices of members, describing their support as genuine and consistent.
“I have been seeing your activities and support. Whenever I come across members of Yayi Teachers at events, I am always impressed. Today’s meeting is to appreciate you for believing in me, standing with me and campaigning for me even before the formal commencement of campaigns,” he said.
The senator described the gathering as one of the most rewarding meetings he had attended, noting that members had remained committed to the movement long before it became politically fashionable.
“You have been with us long before now. You did not give up. Rather, you continued to grow stronger. I appreciate that loyalty and commitment. You are not traditional politicians. You have shown genuine interest in our vision, and I will never take your support for granted,” he added.
Adeola assured the teachers that their concerns had been carefully noted and would receive due attention, stressing that education would be one of the cardinal pillars of his administration if elected governor.
He pledged to pursue comprehensive educational reforms and improved management of the sector, including the appointment of separate commissioners for Basic Education and Higher Education to ensure focused administration and better outcomes.
The APC governorship candidate further stated that the Yayi Movement had evolved beyond personal political ambition into a people-driven platform committed to the transformation and development of Ogun State.
He charged members of the association to sustain grassroots mobilisation efforts while assuring them that state resources would be prudently managed to improve critical sectors, particularly education.
The highlight of the meeting was the decoration of Senator Adeola as the Grand Patron of Yayi Teachers in recognition of his contributions to education, empowerment and human capital development.
