Insecurity, national cohesion to top agenda at King’s College’s 2022 colloquium

Issues of insecurity, restructuring and national cohesion are to top the agenda of the 2022 colloquium to mark the 113th anniversary of King’s College in Lagos.

The event, billed for September 24, with the theme: “Building the Nigeria of our dreams”, will be chaired by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, while Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu is chief host.

Chairman of 2022 Kingsweek celebration and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Etigwe Uwa, who disclosed this at a media briefing in Lagos, yesterday, added that other dignitaries expected include Director-General of World Trade Organisation (WTO), Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala; Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN); former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Attahiru Jega and Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) one-time President, Dr Olisa Agbakoba (SAN).

He said the Managing Director of Arise Television, Mrs. Ijeoma Nwogwugwu, would moderate the session, as the event is to set an agenda for a new Nigeria, in line with the long-standing tradition of King’s College Old Boys’ Association (KCOBA).

According to him, the outcome of the colloquium will be forwarded to policymakers and heads of the nation’s legislative houses for action.

He said: “This year the association will be celebrating the 113th anniversary of the founding of the college and has lined up events to mark the occasion.

“The theme of this year’s celebration is “Building the Nigeria of our Dreams” and this is informed by the current realities facing our country, and the pivotal stage at which the country currently is, which is a source of grave concern to Kingsmen.

“It is pertinent to note that the College was originally established to groom leaders for our dear country Nigeria and that vision remains relevant in the year 2022.

“The schedule of activities are Friday, September 23, 2022, Jumat service at King’s College Mosque, Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS), Lagos, Drama at King’s College Hall, Colloquium on Saturday, September 24, at the College Hall, which will be rounded up by Church service on Sunday, September 25, 2022, at Trinity House, Water Corporation Drive, Victoria Island, Lagos to be rounded up with Annual General Meeting (AGM) at King’s College Hall, and sports fiesta at King’s College sports field in the evening. We look forward to welcoming you all to the Kingsweek celebrations.”

On his part, the deputy president of KCOBA, Dr. Leke Oshunniyi, reiterated the association’s commitment to providing a better infrastructure for the college.

He pleaded with the Federal Government to consider ceding the administration of the college to the old boys under a public-private partnership (PPP) arrangement, considering the enormous resources needed to run schools.