‘No alternative to provision of public goods by govts’ — Olurode

A retired Professor of Sociology at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) and an ex-National Commissioner of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Lai Olurode, has cautioned governments, at all levels, against frivolous, wasteful and doubtful expenditure on bogus projects, personnel emoluments and questionable projects that bear no relevance to the people’s life.

He said that spending on education, health and roads would certainly benefit the majority in our society.

Olurode expressed surprise at the merit award, which was conferred on him by the Osun State government in recognition of his contributions to educational development in Nigeria.

He said the award must have been well-intended as he wasn’t in any way connected to the government, adding that it was not lobbied or canvassed for. “There was the hand of Providence in the award. This would certainly spur me into further action in using the platform of academic and education generally to extend the frontiers of citizenship in our country, ” he said.

I will support any government that is committed to moving Nigerians out of poverty and make more budgetary commitments to promoting people’s welfare. ”

“Though, there can’t be any substantial progress in our country without addressing a fundamental flaw in the 1999 Constitution as amended, particularly, that of redefining the relationship between the centre and the regions, he nevertheless called for more synergy between all units of government.

“Let me use this occasion to appeal to Governor Ademola Nurudeen Adeleke to spread the provision of public goods across the nooks and crannies of Osun State.

He advised governments, at all levels, to respect the dictates of ethical governance in our country and thus, put service ahead of politics. Olurode commended the government of Osun state for the honour.