The Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola says value reorientation and enduring legacy will put Nigeria in the right perspective of development.
Mr Fashola gave this position in a virtual lecture titled, “Tragedy of Leadership without Legacy: Safeguarding the Next Generation of Nigerian Leaders” at the Annual General Assembly & 9th Special Convention of the Ekiti State University, EKSU Alumni Association held at Radisson Blu Hotel, Ikeja Lagos.
The Minister who charged the Alumni Association to use the Convention to liberate the minds of Nigerians emphasized that Leaders must be prepared to improve on legacies inherited.
While speaking on the state of roads across the country, Mr Fashola reiterated the commitment of President Muhammadu Buhari led administration to ensure road users have impacts of democratic governance which Nigerians deserve.
The Minister states that “It is worthy of note to tell you that some of the roads in Nigeria have lived up to its billing of over 25 years and there is need for repairs “.
“Most of the major roads constructed in Nigeria that calls for attention are projects of the Petroleum Trust Fund, PTF led by President Buhari then and truly needed to be repaired or rehabilitated”, he added.
Mr Fashola emphasized that the present administration intended to leave good legacies that incoming administration would emulate and sustain.
In a another lecture, the Vice Chancellor, University of Lagos, Professor Oluwatoyin Ogundipe urged Nigeria to embark on value reorientation and collaboration towards giving the country a new identity of National Development based on common interest.
Professor Ogundipe stressed that political elites, business merchants and scholars must look inward and make Nigeria work.
In a message to delegates at the convention, the Pro-Chancellor & Chairman Governing Council of EKSU, Professor Bamitale Omole highlighted the importance of Alumni Association to the development of their Alma Mata which he said included fund raising, engine room and catalyst for development, enhanced brand recognition and platform for professional outreaches.
Professor Omole who also delivered the goodwill message of the University’s Visitor and Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi called for support from the Alumni Association at uplifting the institution of higher learning.
He noted that Governor Fayemi was committed to taking the university to an enviable height among others.
In a contribution, a serving Senator representing Ekiti Central Senatorial District, Opeyemi Bamidele, MOB who promised to support the University with Constituency Projects called for more youths involvement in politics.
Senator Bamidele stated that political leaders must have blueprints, integrity and remain focused adding that such would lead to overall development in the area of political coverage.
The 9th Special Convention witnessed the adoption of amendments made to the Association’s Constitution as the Board of Trustee, BOT Chairman, Mr Olawale Jegede and the Alumni Global President, Engr Dipo Bamisaye coordinated and direct affairs of the General Assembly.
Highpoints of the Special Convention include investiture of the Minister of Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola as the Life Patron of the Alumni Association, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele as Honourary Member and Patron and Dr Kingsley Kuku as Distinguished Ambassador of the Association.
Members of the Alumni Association came from 12 Chapters across the country including UK/Ireland, USA and Canada.
Olumide Abudu
National PRO