By Oluwatomisin Amokeoja

A Professor of Political Science at the University of Ibadan (UI), Adigun Agbaje, yesterday stressed the need for Nigeria to take due account of history for a headway out of its myriad of challenges.

Agbaje spoke at the Young Men Christian Union (YMCU) 80th-anniversary lecture held at the Cathedral Church of St. Jude, Ebute Meta, Lagos.

In the lecture titled: “Nigeria at a time like this: The Promise, Lesson and Challenge”, he urged the citizenry to avoid getting overwhelmed by “the pessimism that arises from our everyday experiences.”

“When you hold on to optimism, you are able to challenge the present circumstances and move on to glory,” the don expressed.

Harping on the need to make a critical appraisal of Nigeria’s past, he lamented that “we have failed to look at our past which is a vital resource to take positive action.”

He went down memory lane on the quality of life while growing up, specifically mentioning good roads, clean water, accessible health care system and excellent transportation system.

He expressed optimism that Nigeria will get back to the good old days.

“If something has happened before, it means that it can still happen again,” Agbaje said.

Doing a comparative analysis of the old and present Nigerian political party system, he registered his displeasure at “political parties now lacking substance.”

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He opined that Nigeria is a nominal federation lacking key elements of an actual federation, citing a “culture of impunity and centralisation of power.”

He urged the citizenry to avoid getting divided along ethnic and religious lines, stressing that the nation’s strength lies in its diversity.

Agbaje said: “We have challenges but in that lie the promise of a bright future. Our human resource capital is unbelievable. Every corner of the world you turn to, you find Nigerians everywhere excelling. Our students graduate from our decrepit universities and go abroad to succeed.

“People are surprised at how Nigerians succeed everywhere which indicates that there must be a better future for us as a nation. In recent times, our youths have collectively emerged as one of the bearers of a positive Nigeria. A new culture is evolving. A culture of enquiry, asking questions which strengthen the possibility of a better future.”

He called for full participation of all Nigerians to drive the desired change while also making a strong case for strengthening institutions that would not incentivise youths to crime, but vilify criminals.

YMCU Chairman Lanre Idowu disclosed that the anniversary continues on Saturday with a Bible quiz programme to be followed by a memorial service in honour of late members on Sunday by 1 pm.

Idowu, a veteran journalist and supervising trustee of the Diamond Awards for Media Excellence (DAME), also announced a Thanksgiving service and a launch of another edition of ‘Watch and Pray’ which tells the Union’s history, will hold on August 29.

The anniversary lecture was well attended by past chairmen and executives of YMCU, including Chief T.O Adeboye, Mr and Mrs Bode Akin Bankole, Rev Ebenezer Sorewa, Prince W.A Adesanmi, Mr Gbenga Obifarinde and Mr Adedoyin Owolabi.