Again, Ooni Tasks Nigerian Youths To Dream Dreams

FOREMOST Yoruba traditional ruler, and Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Eniitan Ogunlusi, who was recently installed the Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, has challenged Nigerian youths to chase their dreams.

The Ooni urged them to also have the belief that, “anyone can be anything”, describing his installation as a privilege, memorable, the happiest day of his life and humbling. He said it is of great pride for the youths of this country.

In his speech at his installation during the 45th Convocation Ceremony, yesterday at the Ekpo Refectory, the Ooni, who was also honoured with a Doctorate Degree (Honouris Causa) in Public Administration, said: “I thank God, the King of Kings, He is the author and finisher of our faith. He is the one above every other god; He is the one to whom all beings must bow. And for the rest of my life I will bow down to Him.”

Renewing his call on the youths with similar intense emotion, he noted that with about 70 per cent of the national population, youths could effect changes with God on their side.

“If you do things in a very forthright manner, diligent manner, your Creator will continue to notice even if anybody is not noticing you. But one way or the other, your efforts will not go in vain,” he added.

Earlier, the University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Benjamin Chukwuma Ozumba, praised the tremendous achievements UNN has been experiencing, pointing out that “these achievements span through national recognitions to global demonstration of excellence.

“On the academic sector, we are extremely happy with our recent ranking of being the best university in Nigeria and the 14th in Africa.”

Ozumba said that while it is determined to keep the university rising on all fronts, the administration has been commended by the National Universities Commission (NUC), as the only federal university that gives certificates to all categories of graduands on the convocation day.

His words: “We have continued to make plans for the future, plans that will continually improve our ranking and give it the expected visibility in the global arena. The improvement of the ICT is one of our priorities, the effort being to make our graduates employable and our staff more effective.

“To continue with its status as a progenitor of outstanding academic programme, as exemplified with the introduction of the General studies program, the present administration has inaugurated an ongoing comprehensive ICT program for staff and students from the robust intellectual and entrepreneurial impetus offered by its current digital revolution.”

*Drama as Comassie threatens to shun UNN award

Meanwhile, events at the 45th convocation ceremonies of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) were stood down midway, following threat by former Inspector-General of Police, Alhaji Ibrahim Commassie to reject his honorary doctorate award over an insertion in his citation, which was seen as improper as it imputed criminal tendencies in his character.