Mimiko, others list ways to better Nigeria

[TGD]

 Laud CBAAC boss, Babawale

ONDO State Governor, Olusegun Mimiko has said Nigeria has qualified citizens in all sectors that could turn around the fortune of the country.

He said it was however important that the country identified its challenges and go ahead to put the right peg in the right hole.

The governor made the remark at the weekend during a lecture organised to mark the 50th birthday anniversary of the Director-General of Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilisation (CBAAC), Prof. Tunde Babawale at the University of Lagos.

The governor noted that the way Babawale had re-positioned CBAAC and turned it to a first class cultural and art centre that is being sought all over the world convinced him and confirmed that Nigeria possessed the right human capital to take it from this current state of poor development.

The occasion chaired by a legal luminary, Dr. Wale Babalakin (SAN) drew other important dignitaries, particularly from the academia. Notable among them were Prof. Ralph Akinfeleye of the University of Lagos, Dr. Akin Alao, Associate Professor of History, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife and Dr. Koya Ogen of the Osun State University.

Also present at the occasion were the chairman, Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), Olusegun Runsewe and the Orangun of Ila.

The guest speaker and Vice-Chancellor, Igbinedon University, Okada, Edo State, Prof. Eghosa Osaghae in his lecture titled "Making Democracy a Way of Life" opined that though democracy was a global commodity that is desired by all civilised society, it must however take into consideration cultural and other unique differences of every nation and community.

Osaghae noted that democracy called for a continuous struggle by the people who must stand out to defend it at all times.

He warned that institutions alone could not sustain democracy, neither could it make elected officials or political leaders responsive and accountable except the people were  vigilant and serve as watchdog.



The Guardian