Kidnapping: Secondary school managements condemn ransom payment

KEHINDE EMMANUEL,ILORIN
Managements of secondary schools in the country have urged the federal government not to encourage payment of ransom to kidnappers to secure release of abductees.
Speaking at a media briefing to mark 70th anniversary of Titcombe College, Egbe, Kogi state in Ilorin on Thursday, chairman, Central Planning Committee of the school, Chief Olatunji Arosanyin, said that payment of ransom could increase cases of student abduction in the country.
Chief Arosanyin, who said that well-to-do family could pay ransom, asked rhetorically, “where would less privileged family get money to secure their children’s release?”
He described the payment of ransom as worshipping kidnappers, and condemned the payment, saying that the more money is given to kidnappers, the more they kidnap.
He called on government to provide opportunity that will occupy youths, just as he canvassed free education and use of technology in schools.
Arosanyin also said that old students of the school are set to lay foundation of an ultramodern ICT Centre-Computer Based Test (CBT) Centre; launch of Titcombe College Endowment Fund, awards of honour and book launch, motorcade, courtesy visits, road shows, novelty match, and Alumni variety night as part of the 70th anniversary programme.
“The college was established in January 1951 by the Sudan Interior Mission (SIM). The College is named after Reverend Tommy Titcombe, who was a dogged and hard working missionary that did a lot in Egbe and its environs. Recall that this area was once part of Kwara state before it was carved out to become part of Kogi state”, he said.
Arosanyin also called on government across the country not to allow old generation schools to become unattractive for admission seekers.
Arosanyin said it is worrisome that the schools which had produced many great people in the country and internationally are no longer appealing to candidates seeking admission or their parents
Arosanyin said glory of the old schools can be restored by concerted efforts of the goverment, old students associations and other stakeholders
He called for support of other stakeholders for the old students of the Titcombe College to restore the glory of their Alma Mater.
Arosanyin disclosed that the 70th anniversary would be marked with a series of programmes between 14 and 16 May.
Arosanyin disclosed that former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (rtd) is one of the invited guests that would grace the occasaion alongside numerous old students of the college that are now eminent personalities in the country.
He assured that adequate security arrangements have been made for the safety of invited guests and members during the ceremony.