The leadership of St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Odo-Ona, Ibadan has agreed with the Oyo State government, to demarcate its cemetery from the premises of an adjoined public primary school, while it ensures burial activities do not disturb school pupils.
The decision was the church’s response to a recent request from the Executive Chairman, Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board, OYOSUBEB, Dr. Nureni Aderemi Adeniran during the week.
This came to the fore after a meeting held with the vicar of the church and other stakeholders, over the disturbing sight of burial grounds close to St. Paul’s Basic school building.
During the two-fold meeting held at the Board headquarters and subsequently at the church, Dr. Adeniran appealed to the leadership of the church to consider the commitment of the state government to ensure children get good education.
The Chairman told the church leadership that the gory site of burial grounds would have psychological effects on the children, if proper care is not taken.
He added that the present administration is not out to victimise any one, on religious sentiments, but to ensure the pupils in its care get proper education.
“Our duty as a Board is to ensure our children get the best of basic education under a serene and conducive environment”, Adeniran appealed.
Responding, the vicar of the church, Ven. Dr. Yemi Jesulola promised to execute the resolutions of the meeting, adding that it’s their joy to see the pupils succeed in future.
He promised the church authority’s utmost co-operation with the Board and the Oyo State government in ensuring pupils are taught under a conducive environment.
“We will continue to ensure that the pupils learn under a conducive environment. In fact, we laid down a rule that sounds of trumpets and drums must halt at the entrance of the church, during interments on weekdays, so that pupils will not be affected by the noise”, the priest said.
The Vicar noted that they hold the school in high regard, considering the fact that it was owned by the church, before its hand-over to the State government.