The Chief Executive Officer of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, FCCPC, Mr. Babatunde Irukera says, the nation can achieve more if Alumni Associations contribute constructively towards good governance.
He stated this in Abuja at a maiden reunion of former Students of the University of Ilorin tagged “Bon Soireé,” organized by some members of a group “Uniting Unilorin and friends” led by sports lover and mogul, Mr Edmond Abdulqudux Ajoge.
The group comprises alumni of the University of Ilorin and friends of the institution that graced the ancient city of Ilorin, Kwara state, within the 80s and 90s.
Mr. Irukera also highlighted some positive contributions of Old Students to their Alma Maters and urged the group to forge a formidable and progressive alliance as well as build international networks to improve on their individual and collective successes to grow the nation.
“that just speaks to the hope of the education that came out from there and the people. Look at the quality of people here, seated and having dinner, it is up to us.
I was just having a word with one of my friends here, he said he can’t even deal with government and will not get himself involved in politics; you have to, because I am convinced that until the leadership in this country transfers into the hands of, first let me talk about those of us who went to federal government colleges, I guarantee you we will keep running around in circles.
All of you are going to make it, become wealthy send your children abroad, you can’t share stories with them because they are far in England or the United States. If you don’t see that as a problem there is a bigger problem ahead.
So, if there is this level of quality, we owe ourselves, the school and the nation two things; never to stop the hustle, strengthen the bonds and use our network.”
Mr Irukera who joined the institution in 1985, expressed joy over the initiative and encouraged the group to have more of such gatherings.
A legislator in the 8th assembly of the House of Representatives of Nigeria, representing Ekiti North Federal Constituency, Ekiti State, Honourable Bimbo Daramola said the university had produced great personalities and the group was a viable platform to harness such human resources towards national development.
Dr Ariyo Maiye expressed readiness to assist the group to incorporate and achieve more.
Speaking on behalf of the Organizers, Mr John Shuaibu said the gathering was necessary to rekindle the rare quality of friendships fostered during the period the former Students attended the University.
Other dignitaries and members of the group in attendance include, Mr Lawrence Babaoye, Mr Lawumi Ogundele, Mrs Olamide Olawepo Titiloye and Mr Tunde Adeboye.
