Dignitaries across the country converged on the International Conference Centre of the University of Ibadan, Ibadan on Friday to honour a member of House of Representatives, Shina Abiola Peller, representing Iseyin/Itesiwaju/Kajola/Iwajowa federal constituency, Honourable Shina Peller who marked his 45th birthday.
Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti state, Former Governor of Ogun State Senator Ibikunke Amosun, Former Ministers; Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, Barrister Adebayo Shittu and wife of the immediate past Governor of Oyo State, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, Mrs. Florence Ajimobi were among the dignitaries.
Others are former Senate Leader, Senator Teslim Folarin, members of House of Representatives, Hon. Musliudeen Olaide Akinremi, Hon. Akin Alabi, Hon. Dibu Ojerinde and a former member of House of Representatives, Saheed Akinade-Fijabi wife of the celebrant and Executive Director, Lead Generation Initiative, Mrs. Ayobola Abiola Peller; and high-powered delegation from the National Assembly.
Traditional rulers included the Olubadan of Ibadan land, Oba Saliu Akanmu Adetunji, Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulraseed Akanbi and Aseyin of Iseyin, Oba AbdulGaniy Adekunle Ajinese 1 and others.
While declaring the events opened, Governor Fayemi who complained about the tradition of “African time” said the myriad of socio-economic and political challenges, threatening corporate existence of Nigeria are not insurmountable.
He was however, quick to point out that the causes of the problems, such as insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, armed robbery and so on adding that they must be dealt with for the country to overcome the challenges.
He said: “We are all here because we believe in a cause we need to commit ourselves. At the moment, we know our country is going through a lot of challenges. But these challenges are not insurmountable. These are challenges we can overcome.
“Countries that are in more security situation than Nigeria have overcome it. We can achieve this if we are single-minded, if there is sincerity of purpose, if we are committed about transforming Nigeria for the better, and understanding our challenges for what they are.
“If we are honest, purpose driven, dedicated and determined, we will put behind all the triggers of violence in the land; be it insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, armed robbery and so on, as long as we are tough on the causes of the crime. We all know the causes of the crimes in our country. Inequality, poverty and unemployment are major aspects of it.”
A Don of the University of Ibadan, Professor Isaac Olawale Albert while delivering a lecture on the topic: ‘A Four Dimensional Framework for Building Peace and Security in Nigeria,’ noted that: “Those responsible for fixing the problems of Nigeria should first and foremost acknowledge the fact that sovereignty lies with the people and that it is an aberration for the people to lose their sovereignty simply by voting for a few individuals to represent them in government.”
Professor Albert Olawale who’s the Dean, Multi-Disciplinary Studies, suggested the involvement of traditional rulers in decision making.
“There should be devolution of power. Power must be given to local governments and traditional rulers.” He said.
The celebrant, Shina Peller thanked eminent personalities that graced the occasion.
He noted that the importance of security could not be over-emphasised adding that security of lives and property in the country would culminate into many good things for the country, including food security, and attraction of foreign investors.
