By Bodunde Tenabe, Ondo city
In a significant development, Chief Victor Tombari Gaidom KSC, newly appointed Chairman of the Governing Council of the National Institute for Educational Planning and Administration (NIEPA), paid a familiarization visit to the institute’s corporate headquarters on Thursday, April 2, 2025.
Upon arrival, Chief Gaidom was warmly received by the Acting Director-General and Chief Executive of NIEPA, Dr. David Shofoyeke who provided a comprehensive briefing on the institute’s mission, vision, objectives, achievements, and challenges. He highlighted NIEPA’s progress in capacity building for education sector workers and its impact on the national education system. Dr. Shofoyeke also sought Chief Gaidom’s intervention in addressing the institute’s challenges, leveraging his wealth of experience to drive growth and development.
During his visit, Chief Gaidom, a former Works Commissioner and Chairman of Gokana Local Government Area in Rivers State, as well as former Acting National Chairman of the APC, toured the institute’s facilities extensively. He held consultative meetings with the expanded management team, comprising the Registrar and Secretary to Council, Dr. Festus Olaolu, Institute Bursar, Mrs. Lolade Shittu, the representative of the Ag. Librarian, Mr. Adeniyi Adetunji, and the Head, Council Affairs of the institute, Mrs. Folayemi Kiladejo, and other heads of department.
Chief Gaidom also paid a courtesy visit to the palace of the Osemawe and Paramount Ruler of Ondo Kingdom, Oba Dr. Victor Adesimbo Kiladejo Jilo III, CFR where he outlined his restoration and revitalization mandate for the institute. The Oba expressed his confidence in Chief Gaidom’s ability to turn NIEPA’s fortunes around, stating, “We are delighted to receive you, Chief Gaidom, and we are confident that your wealth of experience and leadership acumen will be instrumental in transforming NIEPA into a world-class institution. We pledge our support and cooperation as you embark on this noble endeavour.”
In his remarks, Chief Gaidom described himself as a goal-getter and achiever who always strives to leave a place better than he met it. He expressed his commitment to working with the institute’s management and staff to drive growth and development, leveraging his experience in leadership and governance.
The visit was also attended by notable personalities, including the Chairman of the APC in Ondo State, Engr. Ade Adetimehin, and his deputy.
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