Rochas Okorocha, immediate past Imo governor, has bagged the ‘Most Outstanding Friend of Ibadanland’ award.
At the event organized by the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes, CCII, Okorocha revealed why he established the Rochas Okorocha Foundation School 16 years ago.
This was just as reiterated the need for the federating units of Nigeria to synergize for peace and unity in the interest of the country.
Okorocha, who stated that there could be no progress without peace and common grounds, stressed that those agitating for ethnic interests and division may lead the nation into deeper crisis.
Referring to pupils of Rochas Okorocha Foundation College, Ibadan, the former Senator said, “My children, you are the future governors, future president, future engineers and so it shall be. Sixteen years ago, I came to this land to establish Rochas Foundation College. When I came to this land, I did so not because I am a Yoruba man, not because I am a Nigerian but because I am a citizen of humanity.
“I came to Ibadan land to tell other well meaning Nigerians to fight the evils that befell our nation which are poverty injustice. I realise that there is educational injustice because people who have no father and mother cannot go to school. I came to Ibadan land to fight this singular purpose of fighting the common enemy.
“The enemies that I came to fight which are poverty and injustice are still befalling our nation. It is injustice and poverty that led to Boko Haram, insurgency, herdsmen crisis, kidnapping and uneding SARS protest. We have given these very wicked evils of Nigeria labels, but our problems are poverty and injustice. If these children here were who become doctors and nurses etc. were not given the opportunity, they would have become one of the terrorists, (killer herdsmen and what have you.
“I am particularly grateful to the Olubadan of Ibadan and all of you who count me worthy by giving me this award as The Most Important Friend of Ibadan land. I am sure this award came to me because you considered my little contribution to saving the lives of these poor Nigerians. Let me say to all of you here that this award would go a long way to bring about unity to the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“Let us make things work as Nigerians. We are better as a nation. Nigeria is one. Let us come together and make it work,” he said.
The President, Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes, Chief Yemi Soladoye, said CCII, which was inaugurated 40years ago had contributed significantly in moving the city forward.
Among others, he listed the major developmental strides by the Council to include the ongoing construction of the Olubadan palace occupying 14acres stretch of land at Oke Aremo; celebration of great Ibadan Obas and leading personalities in history, including late Bashorun Ogunmola, late Oba Samuel Odulana Odugade, Chief Richard Akinjide, Chief Bode Akin dele, Dr Lekan Are and late Lam Adesina.
The Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Saliu Adetunji, while expressing his joy on the occasion, said there was no place like home and urged all sons and daughters of the ancient city to rally round to put Ibadan in a pride of place.
The Agba-Oye of Ibadan land, Chief Karim Orikolade, said, Ibadan being a pacesetter state was first in many good things, hence has demonstrated itself in giving the lead way. He, therefore said that the people of the city have reasons to celebrate.
Also among those who were honoured on the occasion former Vice-Chancellor, University of Ibadan, Prof. Idowu Olayinka; Prof. Adesola Adepoju, Remi Oseni and Goodness Morakinyo.
