ADEMOYEGUN, AMURE, ADETOYINBO, OJOPAGOGO BEAR MINDS ON NIGERIA RESTRUCTURING
Some eminent Nigerians have lent their voices to the call for urgent restructuring of Nigeria in all ramifications as a way to encourage equitable distribution of wealth and development of the country.
They made this call while speaking at the Annual Public Lecture and Roll of Honours organized by the Democrat News Magazine, a leading Community media organization based in Akure, Ondo State.
The much celebrated event was held penultimate Sunday at NUP Event Centre under the Chairmanship of Asiwaju Wole Ademoyegun (Esq), the guest lecturer, Chief Ola Amure (Esq), the Father of the Day, Chief Sanya Oyinsan and his wife among a host of others graced the occasion.
While speaking at event, the chairman of the occasion Asiwaju Wole Ademoyegun said: “Restructuring means different thing to different people. Today we are to contribute our quotas because we are aware of enormous challenges facing Nigeria as a country.
“We have to pay quality attention to the guest lecturer Barr. Ola Amure and we are going to hear his own view about Nigeria Restructuring and after his lecture we will also have opportunity to ask questions or contributions.
On his own, Barr. Yemi Adetoyinbo pointed out that Nigeria is long overdue for restructuring stressing that it seems there is no political will to actualize the call for restructuring.
He therefore called on the relevant authority in the country to speed up efforts at making Nigeria great through restructuring so that the real growth and development can be actualized.
While delivering his lecture, guest lecturer Chief Ola Amure said restructuring are much needed in the areas of power, mineral resources, police, education, autonomy, federal character and ease of management.
In his words: “Let us maintained it that anyone who claims to understand Nigeria is either deluded, or a liar. The calls for restructuring, adoption of true/fiscal federalism, etc., have been on for long in Nigeria, such have been mainly coming from those who are in the opposition, lost out in the political merchandise or dis-advantaged/marginalized in political power and resource sharing and control; and the elites who seek their selfish class interests; while the others, including state authorities resist and turn away from the calls/agitations, except where pushed to the wall. The various regimes while in power had hardly supported the restructuring, but only play gimmicks game and pass on to subsequent incoming regimes.
“Many of the agitations are also partly dominated by few elites who are more concerned with popularity, politics of accommodation and interested in acquisition, control and consolidation of the state political and economic powers and resources. For the common man, it has remained the same, the various regimes have been the same with little differences and impact on the lives of the ordinary and the down trodden, except in some few cases.
“This restructuring is, however, enveloped in fear, anxiety, hope, despair and desperation, and the elite interests in continuous access to power and resources, with firm control and consolidation of same. The Northern Region of Nigeria, which had in the past resisted virtually all these calls/agitations for the restructuring is submitting to same, but still with mixed feelings and emotion – feelings among some Northerners that whatever may fall from the heaven, it is time stop the hide and seek and face bull by the horn and let what ever happen.”
Also speaking, President of Association of Independent Publishers in Ondo State, Prince Adefemi Ojopagoga noted that traditional institution should be given pride of place because of its closeness to the grassroots.
Ojopagogo also used the medium to commend the publisher of The Democrat News Magazine for the topic which he said was timely in relating to the development of Nigeria.
Earlier in his welcome address the publisher, Mr. Alaba Aliu said the choice of the topic was to stimulate discourse with practicable recommendations that will bring Nigeria back to her original glory.
He also congratulated all the awardees for their selection among many others saying that they are men and women of impeccable character who through dint of hard work and sacrificial living earned themselves good names.
The awardees are: Kabiyesi Francis Kehinde Alabi- Community Leader of the Year, Alh. Bako Ibrahim- Ondo State Businessman of the Year, Comrade Mukaila Abdusalam- Ondo State Transporter of the Year, Mrs. Kemi Akinduyite- Catering Leadership Award of the Year, Hon. Prince Adetayo Adesida – Outstanding Councilor of the Year and Oba Adewumi Babalola (JP)- Pillar of Human Right Fighter of the Year.
Others are: Hon. Bukonla Akindutire- Woman Leadership Award of the Year, Trado (Dr.) Alimi Yusuf- Excellent Leadership Award of the Year,- Hon. Ajila Eric- -Ondo State Grassroots Politician of the Year, Prince Adeyinka Ajagunna, Ondo State Media Man of the Year and Optafol Global Travels and Tours, Ibadan- Outstanding Travel Agency of the Year.
While speaking with journalists, some of the awardees commended the leadership of The Democrat News Magazine for the thorough job and for showcasing them on the noble platform saying that the honour without doubt will spur them to contribute more to the society and humanity.
