…Unilag ex-DVC says INEC ex-Natl Commissioner is weapon of mass devt
A former Secretary to the Osun State Government, Alhaji Moshood Adeoti; a scholar at the University of Lagos, Prof. Lukmon Adeoti; a former Deputy Vice Chancellor, University of Lagos, Emeritus Prof. Olayide Abass; Prof. Adewale Yagboyaju of Political Science Department, University of Ibadan; Prof. Mujidat Omolara Aremu and others have said Nigeria needs leaders that exhibit virtues and traits of Chief Obafemi Awolowo and Prof. Lai Olurode.
Awolowo was the first premier of the defunct Western Region who brought a lot of eniable development and progress to the region while Prof. Olurode is a former National Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and former Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Lagos, Akoka.
They made the call during the celebration of Prof. Olurode’s commitment to excellence with an award of recognition for meritorious services organized by Iwo Compatible Fellows (ICOF) which held at See Bee Event Centre, Iwo, Osun State.
All speakers at the event testified to the benevolence and impacts Olurode made in the academia and in modeling lives.
Speaking, Alhaji Adeoti said leaders have a lot to learn from Olurode’s traits and virtues.
The former SSG said: “Prof. Olurode has a lot of attributes which Nigerian leaders need to emulate. He is a different thing to different people. But there is a unanimity that he is an embodiment of great virtues that are needed for development in nation building.
“If you find a leader that is ready to show us the way, people in Nigeria are ready to follow. It is the right leadership we lack in this country. If we get it right, and with the right leaders, Nigeria will change for good.
“It is very unfortunate that Chief Obafemi Awolowo of blessed memory was unable to govern this country. Secondly, if the military had allowed Chief M.K.O.Abiola to lead then, maybe, he would have set the path for us, so that Nigeria can move forward. We are praying for Ashiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He is too much in haste”.
On his part, Prof. Lukmon Adeoti said Olurode has the attributes and traits of Awolowo, sayings the former Dean wants the progress of all, mentored and nurtured him right from the undergraduate days till he became a scholar.
Emeritus Professor Abass, who is a fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Science said: “Olurode is a weapon of mass development. He is a ladder to success for many people. He impacted many lives. He promotes religion.
“Words are not enough to describe what Lai has done for humanity. He is an academic that is full of humanity. He is a man of excellence. He is a super role model. He doesn’t seek leadership but it comes his way.
“While I will not compare Olurode with Chief Obafemi Awolowo, but leaders can emulate Awolowo’s high level foresight, discipline and commitment. Awolowo looked and prepared ahead. Today’s leaders must prepare ahead”.
Prof. Yagboyaju said Olurode is a case study. The UI professor said:”He is a father but he calls me his friend. He was my lecturer as an undergraduate. He facilitated my lecturing job. He was instrumental to my first international exposure, my first publication, my first article in the journal.
He is Iwo-personified and committed to anything that is good. He is case study”.
On her part, Prof. Aremu said Olurode is a the pathfinder and torchbearer for the upcoming generations, a progressive minded ,forward looking and compassionate fellow for community and human development.
Justice Wasiu Dejo Akanbi said he is living an exemplary life.
Alhaji Ashim Oladiti from INEC said he showed uncommon love and humanity while he was in INEC. “We have a lot to learn from him especially the young ones. He left indelible marks at INEC”, Oladiti said.
Prince Olalekan Abimbola revealed that right from a very young age, the professor had exhibited boldness and hatred for injustice, saying: “He is younger than I but encouraged me to desist from some unwholesome acts. He is an Afenifere”.
Speaking on the rationale behind the award, the President of Iwo Compatible Fellow, Alhaji Yusuf Adesina said Olurode is one of the best and patriotic persons in Iwo.
Responding, Prof. Olurode who was flanged by his wife, Alhaji Wosilat, thanked all present and members of The Wings Schools.
Speaking on the state of the nation, he said: “If there is no credible leadership, development will be difficult and there will be excruciating poverty”.