The Nation Newspaper

Tag: vision

  • New vision for varsity

    How do you make a great institution greater? For Prof. Chukwuma Ozumba, new Vice Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, it is consulting the various segments of the university community, understanding the problems and coming up with the solution. That is what Ozumba has been doing since his appointment on June 6.

    It was therefore, in continuation of this exercise, that he launched his visionary and strategic action plan with stakeholders to make the great UNN even greater in education, research, scholarship and human capital development.

    Because it was the first of its kind in the institution’s 54-year old history, the 3,000 capacity princess Alexandria Auditorium, venue of the event, was filled, with thousands outside.

    The large turn-out at the occasion by friends of the university, the alumni, patriots in the pursuit of academic excellence, all categories of academic and administrative staff, union leaders and students, despite the fact that the institution was not in session, did not come as a surprise. It was indeed a demonstration of solidarity to the new administration, which was quickly applauded by the VC and his three deputies. Apart from immediate members of the university community, the ceremony attracted captains of industry, traditional rulers, university administrators from within and outside the country.

    Prominent among them were former Senate president, Ken Nnamani, represented by Prof. Steven Dike, famous Catholic priest Prof Obiora Ike, new provost of the College of Medicine, Enugu-Campus of UNN, Prof.  Ernest Onwasigwe, the deputy president Enugu- Chamber of commerce, Rev. Ugo Chime, the doyen of economist,  Prof. Hyacinth Eme Ichoku of the University of Nigeria and Mr. Chinedu Onu. Former deans of Faculty of Health Sciences and technology Enugu- campus of UNN, Professors Obinna Onwujekwe and Ngozi Onyemelukwe and renowned radiologist Prof. Ifeoma Okoye, the Director Public Relations Unn,Mr. Omeaku, Dr. Sam Ibeneme and Dr. Bond Anyaehie, both of the College of Medicine, UNN, as well as doyen of law, Dr. Edith Nwosu.

    In his inaugural speech, the vice chancellor, Prof. Chukwuma Ozumba, said that his ideas of transforming the university to a 21st century institution were in the conception of the stakeholders, especially the principal officers of UNN, who had so happily identified with the strategic and roadmap vision of his administration. He made it clear that for the first time, the University was organizing an all-inclusive visioning/strategic planning session involving all stakeholders to produce a master plan that will be consistent with the vice chancellors dream.

    The Vice Chancellor explained that the aim of the strategic action plan was to stimulate the requisite change and become the nucleus of the matter and manner of his transformation initiative, hence, the plan would stand as a veritable contract between the university and its various stakeholders in the march to excellence in all its ramifications.

    According to Prof. Ozumba, “without sounding pedantic, I want to reflect on the meeting point between my administration and the evolution of the University of Nigeria. Before establishing the university, Dr Benjamin Nnamdi Azikiwe had ruminated on the modalities for the establishment of an institution that would be unique in all respects. Before applying for the post of vice chancellor of this great institution, Prof. Benjamin Chukwuma Ozumba, had cogitated on the problems of the university to ensure that, through the authority of the Almighty God, he will delve into the solution to these problems if he becomes the vice chancellor.”

    He continued: this all-inclusive visioning/strategic planning session is the brain child of the periods of rumination, cogitation and browsing. As psychologists say, our character is basically a composite of our habits because our character traits are consistent with our unconscious patterns of thought.

    Ozumba re-stated that his vision for UNN was to create a leading operational academic centre of learning with a global standard, adding that it should be the university that will see excellence in the eyes of the great philosopher, Socrates, as a habit and not an act.

    “In a nutshell therefore, the university should under my administration, offer quality academic and professional programs, develop a student- centred, intellectually stimulating and technologically advanced teaching, learning and research environment and serve as an intellectual and cultural centre for the promotion of new ideas.”

    On how to fund this gigantic vision, the university administrator noted that for this innovative spectacle to mature into fruition, his administration would not rely entirely on government, but would embark on an aggressive internally generated revenue base with mechanized farming as area of focus, even as he indicated that emphasis would not be on school fees.

    Earlier in a key note lecture, former senate president, Ken Nnamani, charged authorities of the University of Nigeria to re-invent those rare values that made the institution the envy of many in education, medicine and research in the early 70s.

    Steven Dike, who represented Senator Ken Nnamani, recalled that after damaging his eyes in an accident in 1974, after surgery and sight restored at UNTH, surgeons at the United States of America where he had gone for follow up, expressed surprise that such world class surgery was done in Nigeria.

    “The most important asset Nigeria has is human capital and UNN has been richly blessed in several ways, but has seen trust betrayed of late, UNTH should not only maintain that standard but improve on it, he further remarked.

    He continued: to have all stakeholders of UNN gathered here today to move the institution forward means there is a renewed spirit under the leadership of Ozumba, we will get there, and collectivism is the only option.

    Also speaking, the national president of the UNN Alumni Association, represented by Dr. Florence Orabueze, carpeted the immediate past administration, saying that workers and students were in tears during the period. She said that God gave them Prof. Ozumba, as new VC, after they had declared prayers asking for a messiah to come and heal their wounds and reassured the VC of their support.

  • Bash Ali to Jonathan: save my vision

    Bash Ali to Jonathan: save my vision

    Nine months after the inauguration of the 17-man Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the Bash Ali Boxing Project, the World Boxing Federation cruiser weight champion has urged President Goodluck Jonathan  to allow his world title bout to be staged in Nigeria.

    In an open letter to the President, Ali lamented that since the setting up of the LOC, the committee has spent over N50 million on logistics.

    He said if the approved $1 million fee was not paid to the International Boxing Union (IBU) by October 31, Nigeria would lose the right to host the event as well as the profit that would have come from TV rights.

    Ali, 58, said the first LOC for the bout was constituted in 2006 to coordinate funding to host the first Guinness World Record fight to be staged in Africa, but this did not materialise.

    He said despite several meetings with officials of the National Sports Commission (NSC) to execute the project, his efforts were frustrated by the attitude of the officials.

    Urging the President not to allow his dream of inscribing Nigeria’s name in the annals of history to fizzle out, Ali said nine months after the inauguration and several meetings with some key bank officials, there was nothing to show for it.

    He said a bank official was demanding $10 mil1ion from the $30 million fight purse and $100 million cut from the pay per view (PPV) TV profit to make happy some government officials, who are angry that with me.

    Ali said: “The IBU has offered me 15 million euro to fight in Germany but I will not allow bad and corrupt government officials to drive me away and kill my dream for a better Nigeria.”

    Ali urged President Jonathan to pay the required fee and appoint a representative to take charge of the fight purse and the PPV TV profit.

  • My vision for Lagos PFN, by new helmsman

    THe newly elected chairman of the Lagos chapter of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Bishop Sola Ore, has said his administration will pursue unity among Christians.

    He spoke at a meeting of the new executive committee, which is due for inauguration on August 29 at the Fountain of Life Church, Ilupeju Lagos.

    Ore told the new executives that there was a need for Christians to come together and work towards advancing the body of Christ to make a meaningful impact in the country.

    According to him: “We want to build the body of Christ by fostering love among members.

    “We want to extend fellowship to members outside the fold. We really have to humble ourselves to do this.

    “We want to create a sense of belonging to everyone. There is no small church. We have growing churches.”

    Ore, who is also the General Overseer of Love Aglow Ministry, added that his administration will pursue a policy that will give every member a sense of belonging.

    He assured that “the new administration will empower grassroots ministers.

    “We will try to do something. Whatever we can do, we want to improve the minister himself. Information is empowerment. We need to educate our people.”

    He charged the new executive to be ready for service, saying “I want to appeal to you all get ready for real work. We have a responsibility to reposition the PFN in Lagos for greater service.

    “The past executive has worked a lot. We should help to build on what they have done and make our members feel a sense of belonging.”

  • Tinubu: His vision, battles and 2015 calculations

    Tinubu: His vision, battles and 2015 calculations

    All Progressives Congress (APC) National Leader Asiwaju Bola Tinubu is 62 years old this week. Group Political Editor EMMANUEL OLADESU writes on the political struggles and ideas of the acclaimed opposition leader.

    The National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) stands before the mirror of history as he celebrates his 62nd birthday. What is discernable from the mirror? He is a consummate politician, consistent democrat, tested and trusted leader, towering progressive arrowhead, seasoned administrator, financial surgeon, great organiser, powerful mobiliser, master strategist, defender of the oppressed, apostle of the rule of law, foremost philanthropist, and a citizen of the world.

    But, what will occupy his mind on his birthday, despite the festivities, is the plight of Nigerians who lack access to electricity, good roads, employment, health care system, security and other good things of life. Like the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, the Asiwaju of Lagos will be thinking about the problems of Nigeria and how to make life more abundant for the people.

    As the polity gazes at 2015, Tinubu has a mission to fulfill. Between 1999 and now, he has played the role of an indomitable opposition leader, firing shots at the centre for debasing the principles of true federalism. With the release of the APC manifestos Tinubu and his colleagues in the main opposition party are now pushing for power shift. The alternative ideas that he is canvassing are being tested in 16 states with measured success. For the fledgling federation to survive, the former Lagos State governor has maintained that the ruling party should take a break from governance at the centre next year.

    Many commentators have argued that Tinubu’s struggles and his compatriots’ battles for a better society can only be worthwhile, if there is a paradigm shift in governance at the centre. They also believe that, with uncanny courage, the soldier of democracy, who is endowed with mega capabilities to spearhead the legitimate agitations, can lead the progressives to explore the alternative route to solutions to the fundamental questions. The APC has declared that this exploration has become compelling, in view of the obvious poor performance of the Jonathan Administration. In the view of observers, the resolve, resilience and determination to get to the promised land must never fail the great leader in this challenging period.

    Yet, Asiwaju’s platform is on the weighing scale. Eyes are also on the politician, who a political disciple and Lagos State Commissioner for Housing, Hon. Bosun Jeje, described as a formidable leader and an oak tree offering shades to a vast progressive followership. How will the APC resolve the challenge of formalising its leadership at its inaugural convention? How will its presidential candidate and his running mate emerge? How can the party dislodge the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from power? Last year, the umpire bungled the Anambra State governorship election. Can the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) guarantee free and fair polls? More than the wining and dining, these are the issues that agitate the APC leader.

    Tinubu kicked off the liberation struggle from his Southwest base. Thus, he is not a prophet without honour at home. In 2003, he agonised over the loss of the region to the conservative interlopers. Except in Lagos, progress was at a standstill for the next four years. Tinubu successfully coordinated the battle for the restoration of progressive administrations in the five states.

    To displace the progressives from regional power, the PDP hawks penetrated the Alliance for Democracy (AD) and crippled the platform. That was when the pan-Yoruba socio-political group, the Afenifere, was in a serious crisis.The anti-Obasanjo leaders of the Action Congress (AC) were heart-broken. The old party, the AD, was in ruins. Tinubu, the lone AD governor, was troubled. The man of foresight, working in concert with like minds, spearheaded the establishment of the AC), which later metamorphosed into the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN). In 2010, the party reclaimed Ekiti and Osun states from the PDP. A year later, it dislodged the PDP from power in Ogun and Oyo states. The epic battle served as the bridge that connected the past to the present. The late Awo, Adekunle Ajasin, Abraham Adesanya and Ige had advocated that only rational governments reputed for progressive tendencies should steer the affairs of the Southwest. The dream was fulfilled, with the ascension of Kayode Fayemi, Rauf Aregbesola and Abiola Ajimobi to power in Ekiti, Osun and Oyo states.

    Tinubu grew up in a political family. Her mother, the late Alhaja Abibat Mogaji, the Iyaloja-General of Nigeria, was a popular politician and women mobiliser in the days of the Action Group (AG), the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) and Social Democratic Party (SDP). Little did he guess that he would later emerge as a political colossus. It can be said that he became a politician by accident. During the long military interregnum, some old politicians dragged him into the fray. When he crossed the bridge from the board room to politics, the promising auditor took the polity by storm. He started politics at the top, emerging as a senator in the Third Republic. The two worlds of business and politics moulded the character of the professional accountant-turned political megastar. In the board room, he was a shrewd businessman and core investor, manager of men and resources and a benevolent capitalist. But when he entered politics, be became a consummate activist, prolific analyst, strategic thinker, humanist, philanthropist, astute administrator, visionary leader, man of foresight, courageous fighter, a peoples’ politician and a soldier of democracy.

    Tinubu has a notion of power. To him, politics is a vocation and the scramble for power is only meaningful, if power, which, in his opinion, is never served a lacarte, is used to create a new lease of life for the generality of the people. Between 1999 and 2007, Tinubu used power to raise the status of Lagos State. His achievements are indelible. Indeed, he laid the foundation for the Fashola Administration.

    Had Tinubu listened to his colleagues’ advice to shun politics, the story would have been different today. His former boss, Chief Pius Akinyelure, recalled that Tinubu was a workaholic Mobil treasurer, who never compromised the organisational goals of productivity, efficiency and office ethics. The chief from Ondo State had initially discouraged him from leaving his lucrative job. But, Tinubu insisted on moving on. Akinyelure only assured him that he was free to retrace his steps, if the political field proved to be hot.

    However, since 1989, when Tinubu placed his hands on the plough, he has not looked back. His senatorial form was obtained for him by his cousin, Alhaji Kola Oseni. In Lagos West Senatorial District, the technocrat deployed political prowess, mobilisation acumen, organisational ability, and masterful logic. During the senatorial screening, Tinubu, a green horn, scored the highest mark. He answered highly technical questions with immensurable wit from the panel headed by Chief Lanre Rasak. Old politicians on the panel, who had written off the new breed, had to change their mind. “We predicted that Tinubu will shake Lagos politics and it has been so”, recalled Rasak, who is now an APC chieftain.

    During the historic senatorial contest, Tinubu defeated the National Republican Convention (NRC) candidate, Mrs. Kemi Nelson, with a wide margin. He scored the highest number of senatorial votes in the country to represent the largest senatorial district. His compatriots in that turbulent Third Republic Senate of Dr Iyorcha Ayu and Ameh Ebute often marvelled at his sagacity. The Lagos West senator was a high flyer, tactician, and thorn in the flesh of the Babangida regime. He was on the firing line, challenging the regime to a duel. When the regime fell, the chain of events that followed aborted his career in the Senate.

    As a senator, he had objected to the annulment of the free and fair presidential election won by the SDP candidate, the late Basorun Moshood Abiola, the Aare Ona Kankanfo of Yorubaland. The poll was conducted on June 12, 1993. Tinubu joined the pro-democracy crusaders in their demand for the de-annulment of the credible election. He was an inspiring and principled fighter for justice anchored by the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO). His dedication, courage of conviction, untiring fighting spirit and financial backing for a noble cause sustained the crusade for justice. But, the battle was not totally won. The annulment was not reversed, despite the cries of despondency. But the military was forced out of power.

    During the June 12 crisis, which lasted between 1993 and 1998, several attempts were made against the lives of pro-democracy crusaders by the military. Their houses were razed. Tinubu, Prof. Wole Soyinka, and Gen. Alani Akinrinade went on exile. From there, he fired salvos at the military. He inspired many pro-democracy groups at home and abroad, whose activities led to the restoration of civil rule in 1999.

    In 1998, the former military Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, announced a transition programme. It was distressing to Tinubu that the symbol of the struggle, Abiola, was not released by the former military leader. He died in mysterious circumstances in detention. When Gen. Abdulsalami unfolded his transition programme, the radical wing of the political class was skeptic. There was division in the ranks of the pro-democracy movement. A section supported the transition. Another would not participate.

    When Tinubu returned to Nigeria, he told his supporters that he wanted to return to the Senate. But the Lagos-based Afenifere leaders of Ogun State origin, including Pa Adesanya, Chief Ayo Adebanjo and Sir Olaniwun Ajayi, preferred Tinubu to the late Mr. Funso Williams of the Network Alliance, who had the support the late Chief Ganiyu Dawodu, for the governorship. He emerged as the AD candidate and defeated the PDP flag bearer, Chief Dapo Sarunmi, at the election.

    Tinubu made history as the governor of the ‘Centre of Excellence’ for eight years. The shrewd administrator was on top of every situation. His attention was diverted by litigation over his university certificate. But, he triumphed over his foes. The former governor jerked the internally generated revenue from the N6,000 monthly to billions. Tinubu fought the infrastructural battle in the city state. He constructed roads, built hospitals and schools, created opportunities for employment and sanitised the transport sector. The judiciary reforms he introduced were legendary. When his term was about to expire, he groomed a competent successor. Also, Tinubu said that the continuity of the development agenda was important. The former governor created additional 37 councils in Lagos State. The move was resented by the Federal Government. When the Lagos State allocation was seized by the Federal Government, his creative engineering paid off. The state survived because it relied on its internally generated revenue. This is a lesson Lagos State will continue to treasure. Today, he is perceived by the governors of the Southwest as a role model and pride of the region. His sphere of influence cuts across the 16 states, which are the strongholds of the APC.

    In politics and private life, Tinubu is reputed for philanthropy. He is a cheerful giver, benefactor and godfather to the oppressed, like his friend, the late MKO Abiola. But more than that, Tinubu is a detribalised apostle of national unity. Rewards for politics and community service have come in various dimensions. He has received many honorary chieftaincy titles. They include the Asiwaju of Lagos, conferred on him by the late Eleko of Lagos, Oba Adeyinka Oyekan, the Jagaban of Borgu Kingdom, the Aare of Ile-Oluji and the Aare Ago of Egbaland.

    As the polity prepares for the next year’s elections, attention is focussed on Tinubu and the APC. It is now the fastest growing party. The APC is in control of 16 states. In these states, the governors are performing. In 2015, it hopes to form the government at the centre to replicate these achievemnts. This is Tinubu’s priority.

    Paying tribute to Tinubu, former Lagos State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs Prince Rotimi Agunsoye described him as a mentor and role model to many politicians. He said the APC leader spearheaded the return of the Southwest to its glorious past, adding that the region is now better under the APC governments. Agunsoye also said that the former Lagos State governor deserves commendation for his patriotism, love for Nigeria and push for change at the centre at a time the polity is fed up with the inept Federal Government. Also, he hailed his commitment to the resolution of the national question, noting that he has championed the crusade for true federalism, decentralisation of power, state police and good governance. “Our leader, Asiwaju Tinubu, is the opposition leader today. I believe that he and his colleagues in the apex leadership of the APC will lead the party to victory in 2015,” he added.

    Lagos APC chieftain Olajide Jimoh, described Tinubu as “the Tutor-General of Nigerian politics”. “He has raised many leaders who are serving society at various tiers. He is a leader who does not discriminate. He has a milk of human kindness”, said Jimoh, who is the Chairman of Yaba Council.

    Lagos State Special Duties Commissioner Dr. Wale Ahmed also paid tribute to Tinubu, saying that he is a lover and developer of talents. He recalled that the former governor set up a cabinet of talent in Lagos State, which was second to none in the country between 1999 and 2007. “Tinubu has proved himself as a nationalist fighting for true federalism and entrenchment of due process,” he said. Urging him not to relent on raising the fundamental question, the commissioner emphasised that the national question cannot be resolved without social and political agitation.

    The House of Representatives member from Ikorodu, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, described Tinubu as a caring and compassionate leader. He also praised him for mentoring the youth. The lawmaker said many leaders of the Southwest owe their rise to power to the indefagigable leader. Tinubu deserves applause for political mentoring, she said. Mrs Dabiri-Erewa also hailed Tinubu for initiating the idea of regional integration, which may return the Southwest to its glorious days. Mrs Dabiri-Erewa said Tinubu played a great role in her emergence as a legislator. She said: “When I signified my intention to go to the federal parliament, there were some opposition to my bid. But he was discreet as a leader. He observed that, if I had been able to perform well as a broadcaster, I would surely do well on the House. I am happy that I have not disappointed him and other leaders.” The legislator said that the task before Tinubu is that of leading the APC to victory in 2015.

    Taraba State APC leader Senator Joel Ikenya described Tinubu as an electoral reform curator, adding that he is passionate about the sanctity of the ballot box. He said: “Many people follow Asiwaju because he has the qualities of a leader. He is forthright, sincere, dedicated and committed to the cause of the common man.”

    Lagos APC stalwart and Chairman of Amuwo Odofin Council Hon. Ayodele Adewale lauded the disposition of Tinubu to the youth. He pointed out that, as a leader, he has given opportunities to many youths to excel. “He has interest in the younger generation. That is why he always give opportunities to youths and women to participate in politics and contribute their quota to development. He is a leader who is building other leaders for the purpose of the future,” Adewale added.

  • ‘Remain steadfast with your vision’

    ‘Remain steadfast with your vision’

    Renowned art scholar Prof Yusuf Grillo of the famous Yaba Art School has urged organisers of the yearly Life In My City Festival’s to remain steadfast with the vision. The festival, he said, should remain a platform for promoting awareness of cultural and environmental issues through art and a means of youth empowerment. He said holding a travelling exhibition of works that made it to the grand finale to cities, such as, Lagos and Abuja would boost the festival’s stature.

    Prof Grillo said it would be impossible for Life In My City to grow to its full potential without the involvement of the art community in Lagos.

    He praised the French Embassy and the Alliance Francaise for the support given to the festival since inception, noting that the standard of works on display each year is impressive.

    Prof Grillo, represented by Mr Dapo Adeniyi, spoke while opening the Lagos leg of Life In My Life City’s exhibition at the National Museum, Onikan.

    It was the first time in the seven-year history of the festival an exhibition of some of the best of art works by young Nigerian artists from Lagos zone was held in Lagos.

    Among guests at the exhibition were the Consul General of France in Nigeria, Mr. Francois Sastourne, the Director General of the Alliance Francaise network in Nigeria, Christine Deuve and and Curator of the National Museum Lagos, Mrs Edith Ekunke. Others were art lecturer and critic Akin Onipede of the University of Lagos and the delegation from the Life In My City, Enugu including the Art Director of the Festival Ayo Adewunmi and Kelvin Ejiofor, its Executive Director.

    The exhibition featured a selection from over 50 entries, which made it to the second stage of the competition in the Lagos area. Ato Arinze, a member of the jury that presided over the selection said ‘the Lagos committee had quite a challenging experience in the jury process during which each of the works passed through two selection procedures.’

    He added that ‘it was a great experience for the young artists in Lagos and the panel of jurors’ noting that ‘we are looking forward to a greater outing next year and of course to the grand finale in Enugu in October.’

    Mr. Sastourne also expressed the conviction that the Lagos exhibition would be much bigger next year because the Alliance Française in Lagos is now in a much better position to give the Lagos zone the support it needs to grow the entries and hold exhibition in Lagos.

    In the past because of logistic difficulties in Lagos, the Alliance Française could not support the two-stage process leading to an exhibition. Entries from Lagos which were adjudged good enough after the first stage had to be sent to Allaince Française in Ibadan for exhibition. It is therefore a very significant step forward for Life In My City that this year exhibitions were held in Lagos and Ibadan alongside ten other centres around the country.

    Mr Sastourne commended the high standard of the works on display and assured that the support of the French Embassy for the steadily growing festival through its cultural arm and the Alliance Française network would continue. He confirmed that he and his team would be in Enugu for the grand finale.

    Similar exhibitions were held in other zones including Ibadan, Kaduna, Abuja, Jos, Owerri, Port Harcourt, Uyo, Calabar, Auchi and Enugu. With Lagos where the first winner of the festival’s overall prize came from in 2007 contributing all of 15 finalists to the grand finale exhibition this year, observers believe that this year’s festival will be truly remarkable.

    Sources in Enugu indicate that members and workers in the Local Organising Committee in Enugu are on their toes following the arrival of very exciting finalists from the zones. The theme of this year’s festival is Out of the frame, out of the box.

    Between 100 and 120 works from young artists not older than 35 years of age from all over the country will be on display at the grand finale week ending with a gala and award night on Saturday, October 12 at the Nike Lake Resort Hotel, Enugu. Diamond Bank is the major sponsor of the Life In My City Art Festival.

  • Man of vision, character, says Kalu

    Man of vision, character, says Kalu

    A former Governor of Abia State, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, has described the demise of Alhaji Lamidi Onaolapo Adesina as a huge loss to the country.

    Kalu, in a statement yesterday, said Adesina will be missed for his noble contributions to the socio-economic and political development of Oyo State and Nigeria.

    The statement, signed by Oyekunle Oyewumi, said Kalu described Adesina as a visionary leader who saw beyond his leadership of Oyo State when he was governor.

    Oyewumi quoted Kalu as saying: “When Lam, as we fondly called him, was the governor in Oyo State, the projects he undertook were not only geared towards developing a state he was passionate about, but situated within the context of developing the country as a whole.

    “In choosing the projects he undertook, especially roads, he looked at it from the context of its benefit to Oyo State and Nigeria at large, especially for itinerant traders who made use of the network of roads within his state and connecting roads to other parts of the country in moving around their goods.

    “There is no doubt that his intellectual capacity stood him out when he was in government.”

    Kalu described Adesina as a great mind and one committed to justice and fairness on both national and international issues.

    He sympathized with his family, the Oyo State Government and prayed God to grant his soul eternal rest.

  • Akeredolu’s vision on education

    Akeredolu’s vision on education

    EDUCATION makes the difference. Always. Especially applied knowledge, in all areas of human endeavour. Countries such as China (fastest developing economy), India (best in medical tourism and ICT),Cuba(with the most computer literate citizens) and even neighbouring Ghana which has since become a destination of choice for the children of Nigeria’s nouveau riche, have shown what quality education could do for its people. It was for the singular purpose of the focus on education that the defunct Western Region administration of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo first gained international attention back in the sixties. But we must ask ourselves what exactly that government did right? It was the first and still remains the only one in the country to have earmarked 26 per cent of its annual budget as earnings from cocoa to fund it. Thus, it fulfilled the benchmark set by the United Nations Organisation, as monitored by UNESCO.

    Based on this premise, the gubernatorial candidate of the Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, Barrister Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, has made public his party’s manifesto in the critical area of educational development. Worried about the parlous state of education in the country and more so in Ondo State, with the national embarrassment of increasing failure figures at external examinations such as those conducted by WAEC,NECO and JAMB Akeredolu, has affirmed that his administration will make a paradigm shift. In that wise, education will be made free and compulsory at the primary and secondary school levels. All public schools will be restored to their former glory.

    To achieve his noble vision in this direction, emphasis will be placed on sustainable infrastructural development and training of teachers in all schools across the three Senatorial Districts of the state. He posited that unlike Mimiko who spent a whopping amount of over N600 million on one mega school, such huge sum would be equitably distributed to build solid structures for the public schools. It goes beyond mere fanciful school buildings to having well-equipped libraries, laboratories as well as the provision of state-of-the-art computers to pupils and students across the state. Only recently, Ekiti state, one of those under the ACN party was voted as the most ICT compliant amongst, the states. This will serve as an inspiration for us.

    Furthermore, unlike the Mimiko administration which refused to employ one single teacher over the past three and half years, Akeredolu’s ACN-led government is going to channel much resources towards human capacity building. The teacher-to-students’ ratio as recommended by the UNO is far from being attained in the state. Therefore, more qualified teachers will be employed. And he affirms his commitment to the payment of the minimum wage, as a booster to increase performance.

    In a similar vein, the querulous issue of underfunding in all the tertiary institutions of learning including Universities, Polytechnics and Colleges of Education will be resolved. Of utmost significance to Barrister Akeredolu is the review of curriculum in such citadels of knowledge. This will be done to meet the challenges of the 21st Century. The salutary aim is to ensure that more graduates from Ondo State are not only employable but be gainfully employed through its forward-looking entrepreneurship scheme. The cardinal objective is also to make each graduate from the state to imbibe the attributes of critical thinking, initiative and effective communication skills.

    Not left out in the determined drive to make the state the reference point in education as it was in the sixties, development will be holistic. Therefore, other institutions of learning such as schools of Nursing and Vocational schools are accorded the desired attention in terms of funding, provision of durable infrastructure and staffing.

    Besides, the focus will be on applied scientific knowledge. On 5 that score, Information, Communication, Technology(ICT) shall form the solid plank upon which the administration will base development. Ondo State wishes to create its own Silicon Valley, comparable to what exists in the United States. If it could be done there, who says it cannot be replicated here or even done better? To give light to this lofty dream, efforts are afoot to have credible data on Ondo State indigenes in the Diaspora. The aim of course, is to get them back home to use their wealth of experience to industrialise their homeland. With a clement economic climate this will be made possible, through well structured Public Private Partnership, PPP.

    The vision is to establish modern and well equipped TECHY VILLAGE (TV) in each of the three Senatorial Districts. There will be a synergy between technical colleges, local artisans and the TVs to update their knowledge. The government will encourage these artisans to take part in the execution of its projects. Several of them will gain easy access to soft loans spread over a reasonable period of time to actualise their dreams. Different vocations will be accommodated in this all-embracing attempt to free Ondo people from the clutches of the unjustifiable poverty foisted on them by the directionless government of Mimiko.

    To increase their daily income such artisans in the state will be encouraged to take some quality time off their trades to update their skills at the TVs. Some will be involved in the fabrication of machines to expand the scope of small and medium scale enterprises across the state. Therefore, with time, many Ondo citizens will be active as collaborators with policy makers in the fields of agriculture, health care delivery, sound education development, road construction and tourism.

    Consequentially, they would see themselves as part and parcel of government and not view government as a distant body of ‘them’ and ‘us’. It is for the good people of the state to realise that they have been short changed for far too long that campaigns are being taken to their door steps. Barrister Akeredolu and his able, resourceful and indefatigable team members are on a salvaging mission to take the state from the grip of impostors, rabble-rousers and fraudsters who have wasted the common patrimony of the Sunshine State. Their hands are firmly on deck to set sail to the harbour of hope for a brighter future. They are carrying out this salvaging mission through sound education. And it is all because, sound education makes the difference.

     

    Ajanaku is director of Media and Publicity, Akeredolu

    Campaign Organisation.