On Friday, October 3, 2025, pupils of Baptist Primary School, Ile-Oluji in Ondo State leaped for joy as the National Association of Seadogs (a.k.a. Pyrates Confraternity), El Paso Sso Deck in collaboration with Longhorn Deck marked International Literacy Day with the distribution of school bags and other learning items.
With the theme “Promoting Literacy in the Digital Era: Bridging the Gap Through Mass Literacy,” the El Paso Sso Deck, covering Ondo and Ekiti State in collaboration with Longhorn Deck USA used the occasion to encourage pupils to prioritize education.
In his address, the NAS Zonal President, Mr. Ehije Imadojemu, represented by his First Mate, Mr. Bamidele Ahmed, stressed that literacy is more than the ability to read and write.
He described it as the foundation for producing impactful leaders, shaping good citizens, and empowering young minds to distinguish right from wrong.
Underscoring the association’s commitment to fostering literacy nationwide, he affirmed that, “Education is the first step to becoming better citizens.”
The pupils listened intently as the deck Second Mate, Mr. Eyitemi Egbi delivered an inspiring lecture on the significance of education.
He described literacy as “the keystone of all success” and praised teachers as the unsung heroes of society. Drawing from his background in Biology Education, he emphasized that the ability to read and write is indispensable for anyone who aspires to lead tomorrow.
A brief history of the association was presented by the Deck’s former Cap’n , Mr. Shina Oguntomi, who traced NAS legacy of service and advocacy for education.
He noted that although some Nigerians still misunderstand the term “confraternity,” the National Association of Seadogs is rooted in human advocacy and community service, not secrecy. “What drives us is the vision of a just and peaceful society,” he emphasized.
Oguntomi explained that the event was inspired by the need to “catch them young” and instill in pupils the value of literacy as the bedrock of a successful nation.
He also urged parents and schools to complement classroom learning with moral guidance at home and to embrace partnerships that can help children grow into responsible leaders of tomorrow.
The Headmaster of the school appreciated the gesture and appealed for further support in renovating classrooms, tiling floors, acquiring tools for clearing the school environment, and most importantly, providing a school bus to ease transportation for pupils.
Responding on behalf of the association, Mr. Oguntomi assured that the school’s requests, as raised by the Headmaster, would be carefully considered, promising that the group would play its part in addressing them.
In an exclusive interview, Mr. Adeniji J.A., Director of School Services at the Ile-Oluji/Okeigbo Local Government Education Authority, emphasized the importance of partnerships such as this.
Representing the Education Secretary, he noted that while the government has been providing classrooms, textbooks, and instructional materials through programmes such as UBEC, private interventions remain vital.
“The government cannot handle everything alone. What I witnessed today is highly commendable, and I encourage this association to continue reaching as many schools as possible,” he said.
Also speaking in support of the initiative, Mr. Olujimi A.J. praised the association for its structured efforts toward bridging the literacy gap. “If initiatives like this continue, students, communities, and the nation as a whole will find an enabling environment for learning,” he remarked.
Over 50 pupils received gifts ranging from school bags, pens, and books to food packs. A pupil, Onome Joseph, who won a special prize for answering a question correctly, said: “I like the event; it was useful to me and my schoolmates. With this, I will take my education seriously and become a better leader in the community.”
The Head Boy, Igbẹkẹle Joshua, added: “Now some of us whose bags were torn have new ones to keep our books. The discussion today was very impactful, and I am very, very happy.”
International Literacy Day is marked every 8th September as established by UNESCO, in 1966 to highlight the importance of Literacy as a fundamental human right and a cornerstone for dignity, empowerment, and sustainable societies.
For the children of Baptist Primary School, Ile-Oluji, the day was more than just a celebration of International Literacy Day; it was a day of hope, encouragement, and renewed belief that education remains the light guiding them toward a brighter future.
