• Calls For Revival of Home Grown School Feeding Initiative
Oba (Prof.) Saka Adelola Matemilola, the Olowu of Owu-Abeokuta kingdom, has made a strong case for the reintroduction of history into the Nigerian school curriculum.
He emphasized the importance of teaching accurate historical narratives from a local perspective, particularly for the Yoruba people.
Oba Matemilola said during a press conference at his Oke-Agowu Palace on Wednesday, heralding activities marking the second anniversary of his coronation and 60th birthday.
According to Oba Matemilola, much of the history taught in Nigerian schools has been shaped by colonial narratives, often misrepresenting significant events and figures.
He cited the example of Mungo Park being credited with the “discovery” of the River Niger, a narrative that overlooks the indigenous knowledge and experiences of the region’s inhabitants.
“The return of history to schools as part of our curriculum is crucial. The history we were taught in the past, often written by colonialists, included narratives like Mungo Park discovering the River Niger. We need to include our own history,”
“The fact is, history is often written with a bias, whether inadvertent or deliberate. So, when we write our own history, we can tell our story as it truly is, and that’s the most important thing for us,” he added.
In addition to his advocacy for the return of history to schools, Oba Matemilola also highlighted the efforts of the Olowu Scholars Foundation in promoting education among the youth.
The foundation has facilitated scholarships for 17 students currently studying in various tertiary institutions across Nigeria, including Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Federal University of Oye Ekiti, and Owu Polytechnic, Wasinmi, Ogun State.
The Olowu also disclosed that the foundation has funded registration fees for both the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) for 60 scholars from four schools in Abeokuta.
He said this support has yielded impressive results, with 19 students scoring 200 and above in the UTME, seven scoring above 250, and five scoring above 300 marks.
“I found out that at least a quarter of those who no longer attend school, especially in primary school, is due to a lack of meals. That’s how bad things have become. I do not know exactly why the government stopped the programme here in Ogun State, as I understand it’s still being implemented elsewhere,”
Oba Matemilola said, expressing concern over the suspension of the Home Grown School Feeding initiative during the press conference.
Furthermore, Oba Matemilola advised traditional leaders to maintain a non-partisan stance and avoid making reckless statements.
He emphasized that staying away from political disputes could help traditional rulers earn respect from politicians and the government.
The Olowu announced a lineup of activities to mark the second anniversary of his coronation and his 60th birthday, including the conferment of chieftaincy titles, a symposium at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL), and a grand celebration at Oba Odeleye Park, Ori-Omi. As part of the celebrations, talented players discovered during the recent “Olowu Football Competition,” held in partnership with former Super Eagles Coach Bonfrere Jo, would receive scholarships to further their education, combining sports with academic pursuits.
