The challenges of child upbringing in today’s digital age took centre stage at the 27th valedictory service and graduation ceremony of Jextoban Secondary School, Ibafo, Ogun State. Speaking at the event, the Chairman of the school’s Board of Governors, Emmanuel Ojo, stressed the need for stronger collaboration between parents and schools in raising responsible children amid growing societal complexities. “Child upbringing in this digital age calls for cooperation between parents and the school. Both parties must share the same core values to avoid working at cross purposes,” Ojo said. He emphasised that families play the most crucial role in shaping children’s behaviour, with schools serving as support systems. “We believe that if our nation is going to be upright, the process must start from homes, then the schools and the various religious organisations to which the children are exposed, because charity begins from home. “I am happy to inform this congregation that we have been exceptionally lucky to have a crop of well-behaved, disciplined, hardworking students in this school, and this reflects their home upbringing. “We have also enjoyed tremendous cooperation and support from most of the parents of our graduating students. This sort of constructive collaboration has created a conducive learning environment for our students.” Addressing the graduating class, Ojo urged them to remain focused and resilient in the face of life’s inevitable trials. “My parting words of admonition to you are that you should remain focused, resolute and dare to be a Daniel. Whereas the society into which you are going is fraught with many challenges and temptations, I can assure you that you are sure to succeed if you hold on to and build upon the values and virtues you have imbibed while in Jextoban. “Try to identify your God-given talents and develop them to the fullest. No one should write himself or herself off. I want to assure you that even in this climate, you can make it. “Believe in yourself, see every trial or test as a stepping stone rather than an obstacle. The people who try to solve societal problems will always make it big because there is no gain where there is no pain,” he added. He also warned the students against negative peer influence and urged them to be agents of positive change. “In your equation of success, do not omit the God factor. Try to brighten up the world around you. Watch the company you keep and do not follow the multitude to do evil. You have a name to protect and always remember the son or daughter of whom you are, and the school that you have attended.” The Proprietress, Adunola Ojo, also charged the graduating students to uphold the core virtues in which they had been groomed. She said, “You have been nurtured in the values of integrity, self-discipline, tolerance, fairness, and impartiality in moral judgement. Uphold these virtues wherever life takes you.” Abegunde Elizabeth was named the best graduating student and valedictorian. In her address, she thanked the school for building students morally and spiritually. “I won valedictorian, but throughout my years here, I’ve always excelled in science subjects and external competitions like the Wisdom House Competition and Mass Olympiad. Jextoban is more than an academic institution; it is a God-fearing community that builds us morally and spiritually,” she said. Keynote speaker at the ceremony and former Managing Director of Ecobank Nigeria, Patrick Akinwuntan, called on parents to reclaim their vital role in raising well-rounded children for the good of both family and society. “Our children belong not only to their families but to the country and humanity. What they do affects us all,” he said. Akinwuntan challenged the traditional definition of education as solely academic, insisting that schools must also serve as centres for character formation. “Schools are more than physics and chemistry classrooms. They are crucibles where character is forged—integrity, ethics, compassion, loyalty. This is the foundation upon which all knowledge must be built.” He also shared what he described as a blueprint for true success, centred around relationships, humility, and service. “Success is not about wealth or titles. It’s about impact—your ability to contribute to others and illuminate the path ahead. Remember, lighting someone else’s candle never dims your light. “Humility is crucial. Nothing we have comes from us alone. Be grateful to your parents, teachers, and all who have walked this journey with you. Above all, praise God for making this moment possible.” He concluded by urging the students to trust in God’s purpose for their lives. “God has crafted a unique plan for each of you even before you were born. Move forward with relentless courage and big dreams. Never give up. Shine boldly, serve humbly, and carry your values proudly—it is the legacy of true success,” Akinwuntan added.

The Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission, Dr. Aisha Garba, has declared that Nigeria’s education sector is facing a “crisis of great magnitude,” requiring the concerted efforts of all stakeholders to ensure quality basic education for children. Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting co-hosted by the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and UBEC in Abuja, Garba highlighted the dual challenges of the country’s massive out-of-school population—recently estimated by UNESCO at 20 million—and the growing learning crisis, where children enrolled in schools fail to acquire basic literacy and numeracy skills. According to a statement on Friday, the meeting brought together top education policymakers from all 36 states alongside technical experts and development partners from the World Bank, European Union, and UNICEF. In her opening address, Garba warned that the future of millions of children and the nation’s overall development were at risk, emphasising the urgent need for synergy among stakeholders. As part of efforts to address the crisis, she unveiled the HOPE-EDU programme, a major government initiative developed in partnership with international donors. “Through the HOPE-EDU programme, a $552 million partnership between the Federal Government of Nigeria, the World Bank, and the Global Partnership for Education, we are responding with the urgency this crisis demands. “This bold, strategic, and multisectoral initiative is designed to address foundational learning gaps and reduce the number of out-of-school children through coordinated, state-led action”, she announced. Speaking further, she said, “Our country is facing an education crisis of great magnitude. Millions of Nigerian children remain out of school, while many of those enrolled are not acquiring the foundational literacy and numeracy skills essential for lifelong success. “These gaps are not just academic—they represent lost opportunities, widened inequality, and weakened national development. The time has come to change this narrative.” Garba noted that the aim of the meeting was to move beyond dialogue and develop concrete, evidence-based strategies to rescue a generation of learners. The workshop served as a platform for state officials to review existing policies and explore the potential for scaling up successful interventions, including the use of educational technology. The Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmed, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to transforming the education sector. She emphasised that President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda is already guiding policy actions across relevant ministries and agencies. Roundtable sessions at the dialogue featured robust discussions, with state commissioners and SUBEB chairpersons directly engaging with development partners to identify persistent challenges and explore new solutions. Organisers expressed hope that the meeting would spark the creation of a permanent support hub, giving education officials continuous access to data-driven strategies and successful models to drive and sustain reform. Stakeholders at the event agreed that the dialogue marked more than just another meeting—it was a crucial turning point in efforts to reclaim the promise of education in Nigeria.

Identical twins Karen and Sara Holmgaard combined for the Everton goal as they held hosts Manchester City to a 1-1 draw in the Women's Super League at Joie Stadium. Kerstin Casparij opened the scoring for City in the 13th minute, bundling in Lily Murphy's header after getting to the ball ahead of Everton keeper Emily Ramsey. The Dutch full-back celebrated by holding up a City shirt with Mary Fowler's name on the back following her team-mate's recent ACL injury. But Everton entered the break on level terms thanks to a link-up between the 26-year-old Holmgaard twins. Karen, who started a WSL game for the first time this season season, leapt highest at the back post to head home Sara's lofted delivery and the pair ran straight to each other and celebrated together joyfully. The Danish sisters nearly replicated their goal in the second half, but Karen could not keep her header down. Champions League football already looked out of reach for City before Sunday's fixture, but their draw means Manchester United need just three points from their remaining three games to guarantee a top-three finish. Everton, meanwhile, remain eighth - level on points with West Ham in seventh. Fowler was the latest player to join City's extensive injury list, with her fellow forwards Vivianne Miedema, Lauren Hemp, Aoba Fujino and Khadija Shaw all currently ruled out. In their absence, Kerolin Nicoli was deployed as a lone striker and the Brazilian constantly threatened Everton's goal with her pace and tricky feet in the first half. After providing the cross in the build-up to City's opener, she had a tame effort saved by Ramsey before blazing over the bar from close range. But Everton, who were without key striker Kelly Gago, slowly grew into the game and Karen Holmgaard pounced on her sister's cross to head into an empty net after keeper Khiara Keating had left her goalline and failed to collect. Kerolin's presence dwindled in the second half and City, although they dominated possession, could not find a way through a resilient Everton backline. Casparij looped a header on to the roof of the net, while Ramsey parried away an effort from Kerolin and caught a fierce strike from Jess Park. It has been a disappointing return to City for interim boss Nick Cushing, who has won just two his seven games in charge and been knocked out of both domestic cup competitions, and the Champions League, since replacing the Gareth Taylor last month.

The SG Holdings Foundation has reaffirmed its commitment to contributing meaningfully toward Sustainable Development Goal 3, which is focused on Good Health and Well-being by 2030, recognising the essential role of the private sector in advancing public health outcomes and supporting global development efforts. The foundation, in a statement through the leadership of philanthropist and chief executive of SG Holdings Limited, Deji Somoye, on Monday, said, “As Nigeria strives to meet the Universal Health Coverage targets and SDG 3 by 2030, it has become increasingly clear that the private sector must lend a hand to government efforts to reach that goal. “Nigeria’s most underserved health challenges don’t make headlines. They don’t trend on social media. But they keep millions of families locked in cycles of poverty and pain,” Somoye said. He said rather than chasing optics, the foundation has quietly emerged as a model for what truly impactful Corporate Social Responsibility can and should look like; one rooted in compassion, sustainability, and dignity for every Nigerian life. “We are not waiting for perfect systems before acting. “Healthcare is one of those needs that cannot wait. Beyond outreaches, the SG Holdings Foundation has tackled issues often ignored due to their complexity or lack of media appeal,” he added. According to Somoye, in 2018, the foundation sponsored hernia surgeries for 200 patients in Ogun State, targeting a condition that is treatable yet financially out of reach for many. “More recently, in 2023, the foundation donated 100 wheelchairs to rural and peri-urban health centres across Odeda, Obafemi-Owode, and Abeokuta, beyond enabling mobility but dignity, inclusion, and systemic equity. “Healthcare should not be a privilege limited to a few. Through the SG Holdings Foundation, we are committed to supporting the health and well-being of vulnerable populations across Nigeria. “SG Holdings Limited, as a responsible private sector organisation, is doing just that, particularly in remote locations across the country,” he stated. He noted that founded as the social impact arm of SG Holdings Limited, the foundation has demonstrated a sustained commitment to healthcare access and equity, especially within underserved regions of Ogun state. “These are not just one-time gestures but are part of a broader philosophy that sees health as both a human right and a national asset. “In Ijemo, Abeokuta, the SG Holdings Foundation executed a large-scale free medical outreach deploying a team of 50 healthcare professionals to serve over 600 residents. “The programme delivered diagnostic tests, eye screenings, medication, and wellness education free of charge. “For a region where primary care is often inaccessible, the outreach was more than a medical service; it was a public health intervention,” he stressed. Somoye added that as Nigeria grapples with widespread health inequities and resource limitations, the foundation stands as proof that the private sector can step into the breach not just with resources, but with empathy and sustainable strategies for impact.