The Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwoolu has stressed the need for young Nigerians to follow the path of dignity and honour in pursuance of their goals and aspirations.
Mr. Sanwoolu said this would enable them achieve prosperity that is sustainable, brings peace of mind to them and attract them blessings and commendations from members of the public.
The governor emphasized this at the public presentation of a book titled ,”Oluwatoyin Temitayo Ogundipe at sixty, audacity of resilience”, to celebrate the Vice Chancellor, VC, University of Lagos , UNILAG, on his sixtieth birthday.
The voluminous book, with over one hundred pages, chronicles the life of the VC, from his humble beginning as the son of a retired soldier, the obstacles he faced as an undergraduate that made him study a course that was not his choice, extra efforts he put in to succeed and his trust in God , all of which contributed in bringing him to the enviable height as the 12th VC of UNILAG.
The book also contains all the outstanding research works of the VC and his efforts in transforming UNILAG into becoming an institution of global repute.
Governor Sanwoolu, who was the Special Guest of Honour at the occasion, described Prof. Ogundipe as a distinguished Nigerian, whose lifestyle of humble beginning, hardwork, consistency and trust in God should be emulated by all especially young people for a better Nigerian society.
According to the governor, the success story of the VC is a clear testament that one does not necessarily need to be born rich to make it in life, but by being dedicated to training and retraining oneself, while trusting and believing in God for breakthrough.
Governor Sanwoolu revealed that an approval has been given for the establishment of two more universities in Lagos ,believing that would enable more Nigerians, fulfill their dream of schooling in Lagos.
He seized the occasion to also call for the improvement of the curricular of higher institutions in the country, to enable the production of graduates that have the necessary practical knowledge and skills to create wealth, thereby eliminating the current situation whereby some graduates are believed to be unemployable, because of lack of practical knowledge.
The chairman of the occasion, Mr. Rotimi Jacobs, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, called on leaders in the country to focus their attention to the youths and build a befitting future for them.
Mr. Jacobs who said the book is must read for any youth that aspires to be great, said just a little more push would enable young people to realise their goals
Reviewing the book, the Editor in chief , The Guardian, Mr. Martins Oloja said it is “a work in progress” , but rich enough to provide readers with all that they need to know to be successful.
While unveiling the book, an entrepreneur Engr. Remi Oseni expressed dismay that the Nigerian public find it difficult to celebrate scholars and men of God, but would gradly do everything for politicians.
He said it was high time that scholars were accoded more respect and honour for them to be motivated to do more for the good of the country and the masses.
The Celebrant Prof . Ogundipe who beamed with smiles ,expressed his gratitude to the Governor Sanwoolu, guests and those behind the book, for celebrating him in such a special way.
The book is a project by a group of scholars who call themselves, “committee of friends of the VC , UNILAG, Prof. Oluwatoyin Ogundipe”.
It was supposed to have been presented last year when the VC turned 60, but was not due to the covid19 lockdown in the country.
The event had the presence of dignitaries from all walks of life, including the VCs of other universities, captains of industries and white cap chiefs in Lagos.
