Associate Professor Nosiru Olajide Onibon
By Kaka Babatunde
The Provost, Michael Otedola College of Primary Education, Noforija, Epe, Lagos State has called on politicians, government officials and Nigerians at large to retrace their steps in making lives meaningful, comfortable and delightful for the masses.
He made the call while addressing a motley crowd of eminent persons in Epe Division at the 8th day fidau prayer organized in honour of Late. Hon. Akeem Akojo.
The erudite educationist in the academia whose knowledge base flows from the stream of two scholarly worlds, Islamic and Western education, brought to fore his personal experience with friends during discussions, as a yardstick to drive home his points as regard leadership deficit.
” A friend of mine who travelled abroad told me that if there was any other way he could describe America, he’d say he were in heavenly paradise because there’s constant power supply, water supply, seamless transport services. Why is it that we are not running back home? “, he queried.
Professor Onibon also referenced another friend who was remarkably enthusiastic at the appointment of the third Nigerian into the cabinet of the United States of America President-Elect, Joe Biden. He asserted that he informed him to ask the appointed Nigerian if he was Yoruba, noting that he’d realize the appointee’s mentality and everything about him had nothing to do with being Nigerian.
” I was making jest of a friend of mine yesterday who was elated at Joe Biden’s appointment of the third Nigerian into his cabinet. I told him to ask the appointee whom he said is a Nigerian whether she is Yoruba. He’d realise that her mentality and everything about him is not Nigerian, he is an American. So, if we had developed our country, the appointee should have also returned home. In fact, a lot of those who travelled back home are eager and desperate to return abroad. That is where our roles set in.
Those of us who have found ourselves in political leadership must govern the people humanely. All the basic necessities of life for the masses must be provided.
“It is only Hon. Abiodun Tobun who can ascertain what he has doled out in terms of cash. Whenever the masses are aware of his arrival back home, they would queue up at his residence. The reason is not far fetched as the masses logically assumes funds earmarked for the provision of stable electricity, regular water supply, motorable roads and several other socia amenities, are being kept at home since these amenities are not visible to them. I may be wrong, but this is my logic based on my little knowledge “, he said.
The MOCPED Provost noted that when leaders put the right programmes and projects in place for the comfort of the masses, there won’t be any need to travel abroad.
Jocularly, he noted that the Ulamas would be the first to jump at the opportunity of a free visa to travel abroad just because of the ease of living over there. He wondered why Americans don’t provide for free visas to Nigeria.
While frowning at the craze for overseas travel at the slightest health challenge by Nigerian leaders, he also used the medium to pleaded with all political leaders at the gathering to make conscious efforts to put the suffering masses at heart by making adequate provisions of social amenities for posterity. He thereby emphasised on the urgent need for politicians to pause, check themselves and tackle the responsibilities they are saddled with.
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