About the Event
HISTORIC VISIT OF HIS ROYAL MAJESTY KING ALFRED PAPAPREYE DIETTE-SPIFF DF, CFR, GSSRS, JP TO NOGALSS NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS ABUJA
Abuja, June 13, 2024 – The Nigerian Non-Governmental Association for Literacy Support Services (NOGALSS) proudly hosted His Royal Majesty, King Alfred Papapreye Diette-Spiff DF, CFR, GSSRS, JP, the Amayanabo of Twon-Brass in Bayelsa State, on his inaugural visit to the NOGALSS National Headquarters in Abuja. His Majesty's maiden and triumphant visit, in the company of Elder Statesman Major Gen. Ibrahim Bata Malgwi Haruna (rtd.), who is also a member of the NOGALSS Council of Elders for a Literate Nigeria, was a resounding success, marked by the presence of numerous distinguished and resourceful personalities.
His Royal Majesty and his entourage were elegantly received by NOGALSS National President, Comrade Noah Emmanuel, along with the Vice Chairman of the NOGALSS Board of Trustees, Mrs. Faustina Egbunike, Board of Trustees Members, Executive Secretary of NMEC, Prof. Simon Ibor Akpama, Executive Secretary of NCCE, Prof. Paulinus Chijioke, UNESCO Head of Office and Representative to Nigeria, Mr. Abdourahamane Diallo, Secretary General of NATCOM UNESCO, Dr. Idowu Olagunju, Director of the Department for Mass Education, Hajia Hajarat Alayande, Chairman NOGALSS Cooperative Advisory Board Dr. Martin Ighohivwi, Her Royal Highness Hajia Hannatu Gimbiya Nga, Wife of the King of Garki, NOGALSS National Adviser, Hon. Rosemary Ojochenemi Osikoya, National Officers, NGOs, and Gentlemen of the Press.
Welcome Speech by NOGALSS National President:
In his address, the National President of NOGALSS, Comrade Noah Emmanuel, expressed profound appreciation for His Royal Majesty's commitment and availability to leverage his extensive experience to eradicate illiteracy in Nigeria. He highlighted the unprecedented nature of this Assembly of Elders, stating, “No one is too big to be a member of this NOGALSS Council of Elders for a Literate Nigeria.” He further noted that the committee's membership includes Former Presidents of Nigeria, Prominent Traditional Rulers, State Governors, Senators, Members of the House of Representatives, Outstanding Industrialists, Philanthropists, Clergy, and Academia.
Comrade Noah Emmanuel commended the Chairman of the Council of Elders for this groundbreaking initiative, highlighting that it is the first time in the world that elders in a nation have come together to assist the government in improving the educational level. He emphasized that the President of Nigeria, His Excellency Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu, would be pleased and supportive of this great initiative. The President introduced the NOGALSS Council of Elders for a Literate Nigeria, explaining the rationale behind its establishment to address the educational challenges facing the nation through high-level advocacy and resource mobilization. He provided an overview of NOGALSS’s structure and achievements, stressing the organization's role as the apex body uniting various NGOs and PVOs dedicated to literacy, education, and empowerment in Nigeria. He also outlined current initiatives and expressed hopes that the Council would engage in high-level advocacy, facilitate resource mobilization, and work closely with the highest levels of leadership to further NOGALSS' mission.
Response by His Royal Majesty, King Alfred Papapreye Diette-Spiff DF, CFR, GSSRS, JP:
His Royal Majesty responded affirmatively, promising that all of NOGALSS’ aspirations would be addressed from the highest levels of leadership. He emphasized the importance of Cultural Education and advocated for making French a compulsory subject in Nigerian institutions to foster bilingualism. He remarked on the missed opportunities due to the lack of French language skills and highlighted the necessity of Career Education in Schools to guide young individuals in their career paths early in life. His Majesty stated, "It takes a genius to discover a genius," underscoring the need to nurture potential from an early age.
The presence of His Royal Majesty and other distinguished guests at this event signifies a major step forward in our mission to enhance literacy and education in Nigeria. Through high-level advocacy and strategic partnerships, we aim to address the challenges of illiteracy from the highest levels of leadership. This visit sets the stage for greater resource mobilization, networking, and policy influence to support our literacy initiatives.
The event was indeed a memorable moment symbolizing a significant step towards a Literate, Educated, and Empowered Nigeria.
