A former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Chief Wole Olanipekun, has called on citizens and residents to unite and work together for the growth and development of the community.
The former Chairman of the Body of Benchers explained that the community benefits more and experiences comprehensive development when people, regardless of their positions and class, come together in the interest of the community.
Olanipekun spoke at his country home in Ikere-Ekiti, headquarters of Ikere Local Government Area in Ekiti State, during a special reception organized by the Wole Olanipekun Foundation (WOF) for the newly appointed Vice Chancellor of Ekiti State University, Professor Babatola Ayodele, who is from the community.
The legal icon, while congratulating the new VC, urged him to make a positive impact at the university by leveraging his wealth of experience in the education sector to further develop the state-owned institution.
He noted that the community would continue to support him and other sons and daughters excelling in their chosen careers, calling on them to remember the community and give back to its people.
In her remarks, the Deputy Governor of Ekiti State, Chief Monisade Afuye, praised Chief Olanipekun for his longstanding love and passion for the development of Ikere-Ekiti.
The Deputy Governor added that the reception for the new EKSU VC was another testament to the community’s support for his efforts to reposition the university.
ALSO READ: FG begins training of teachers on moral re-orientation in basic education
“We know the passion of our revered legal icon, Chief Olanipekun, for his commitment to the community and every son and daughter of Ikere,” she said.
The Ogoga of Ikere-Ekiti, Oba Samuel Adejimi Adu, commended the foundation’s gesture, stating that it would inspire the younger generations of Ikere-Ekiti.
He said, “This event is to encourage and show him that he has the community’s support, and he should be reassured in his new position.”
The Chairman of the Wole Olanipekun Foundation, Prince Feyi Ogoji, said the reception was held to celebrate the VC and to motivate other Ikere indigenes to strive for excellence in their respective fields.
Ogoji said, “Our principal and founder of this foundation is passionate about young people in Ikere excelling in their respective fields, hence the reception.
“The event is also to encourage every son and daughter of Ikere that if you do well, the community is here to support you because we love to encourage excellence.”
and then