Nigerians must give back to their roots —Ooni

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has said that it is a fundamental task for Nigerians to give back to their roots, just as he said that anybody who failed to do so is making a great mistake.

The traditional ruler disclosed this during a dinner and unveiling of Loyola College Development Fund, organised by the Loyola College Old Boys Association (LOCOBA), at the Premier Hotel, Ibadan, at the weekend.

The Ooni, who is also a distinguished alumnus of the institution, urged the old students to put necessary machinery in place at ensuring that the institution competes favourably with others globally.

He hailed the leadership qualities of Professor Pat Utomi, who is also an old student of the institution, adding that “Utomi is an agent of change to celebrate and a politician with strong moral value.”

Earlier, Professor Utomi had backed restructuring of the nation, saying it will lead to sustainable economic development, good governance, reduce militancy and speed up industrialisation.

The professor urged Nigerians to have attitudinal change and embrace creativity, adding that the current crop of politicians in the country do not have creative enterprise.

He said that the current war against corruption was good but that the government should ensure that other critical issues are properly addressed.

Also, the national president of the association, Dr B.G.K. Ajayi, expressed dismay that the serene environment, dedicated and selfless teachers as well as facilities are no more in schools, adding that the decay in the system started during the military era.

“We cannot have a responsible and progressive society with such schools in our country,” he said.

Among dignitaries present were Alaye Moore of Ido-Osun, Oba Aderemi Adedapo, Archbishop Gabriel Abegunrin, Professor Francis Adeniji, Mr Tosin Ambode, Alhaji Yisau Olasupo, Dr Charles Ologundudu and Mr  Busayo Taiwo.