The Association of Retired Principals of Secondary Schools of Nigeria (ARPSSON), has urged the Federal Government to create a Ministry for the Elderly, in order to engage their wealth of experience in policy formulation, mentorship, educational consultancy and national reorientation programmes.
The Association Lagos State Chapter’s outgoing President, and its Chairman, Board of Trustees, Mr. Kolawale Sodeinde, made this call at the 2025 Biennial State Congress, held at Ronnie Dee Events, Agege, Ikeja.
He stated that the wealth of experience of the members, remains a valuable asset to the nation, adding that they stand ready to support government and community development efforts through mentorship, volunteerism and advisory roles.
“I wish to make a passionate appeal to our government at all levels to make better use of us, rather than allow the rich human capital within our Association to lie dormant.
“By harnessing the wisdom, training and integrity of retired Principals, the government can build a stronger bridge between generations; one that nurtures discipline, patriotism and service across our educational system and society at large,” Sodeinde noted.
The outgoing President also appealed for the creation of a Benevolent Fund within the Association’s at zonal and state levels to support members in times of need.
Speaking on the theme: “Family Role in Breaking the Chain of Drugs Addiction”, Sodeinde said: “The government can use us to gather drug addicts in the street to help them come out of drug addiction. Some of them started smoking because of indecision after school Cert.”
In his Lecture, former president of All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS), Dr. Isaac Olatunde Adetolu, highlighted the dangers of drug abuse, different ways of abuse, and family’s role in breaking the chain of drug addiction.
Dr Adetolu stressed that drug addiction is not just an individual problem but a family and societal crisis which requires a supportive environment and the family as the first line of defense and restoration for recovery.
He urged families to render emotional support and love, create a healthy home environment for drug addicts to help them come out of the addiction.
The event also witnessed the dissolution of its outgoing Executives, swearing in of new Executives, awarding of certificates to ARPSSON members of 70 and 80 years of age, and presentation of awards to over seven merited Awardees.
