Former Country Chair, Shell Petroleum Dev. Co. Chairman, Julius Berger PLC, Dr. Mutiu Sunmonu, CON, has challenged Nigerians to desist from being focused on challenges of today, but to appreciate what they have, looking at the present opportunities in order to build the Nation and move forward.

Speaking at the 55th anniversary lecture at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) Alumni Association, Mutiu urged Nigerians to adopt a positive and long-term mindset instead of engaging in the blame way in order to progress as a Nation.

In his lecture titled: “Nation building in a deregulated economy: A clarion call for citizens,” Mutiu lamented on the imperfect nature of government globally, reminding the citizens of their responsibility to have a positive mindset in order build the Nation.

He also highlighted that some of the measures that the government are taking are painful, but it must not distract we as citizens from the long term goals and visions of stability. He emphasized on the goodness in those measures.
“Though the measures are causing pains, amidst those pains we must look for ways to ameliorate the painful process. We would be making a big mistake if we decide to dump those measures to start enjoying, it will result in a failed state and everybody will lose,” he stated.

The former country chair also challenged citizens of Nigeria to work hand in hand with the government to see how they can collaborate in ameliorating the pains from the measures. He added that Nigerians should have a long-term view as there is light at the end of the tunnel.

He praised the government’s initiative, stating that himself, who has spent all his time in the private sector and who is not a government employee, understands and sees a greater future for Nigerians with the proper implementation of this strategy. He emphasized on the subsidy benefitting only the rich, leaving the country in shambles, as the poor do not benefit as much as the rich from the subsidy.

Mutiu also spoke on the removal of fuel subsidy, which he described as an initiative of the government to help the poor. He stated that it would be difficult at the starting, but that there would be a balance after a while, where we all will begin to feel the impact as there would be increased exportation. People will bring in money, and restore the economy as a result.

The event spotlighted the celebration of the alumni association of UNILAG’s 55th anniversary, and award giving ceremony of distinguished alumnus.

In an interview with The Guardian, a prominent alumnus and President Worldwide, University of Lagos Alumni Association, Engr. Ifeoluwa Oyedele, FNSE, FAEng, lamented that the alumni association of UNILAG today defines what an alumni association should be, highlighting that are the UNILAG alumni association today is distinguished in the committee of alumni associations Nationwide.

He described the building structures and other contributions that has been put in place by the alumnus association for the development and progress of the university as unimaginable. He stated that most of the great people, heading top positions in Nigeria are a part of this association.

“The chief justice of Federation, chief judge of the federal high court, the chief of staff to the President, the IGP and other dignitaries, all belong to the University’s alumni association.”

“UNILAG has produced a lot of leaders because the body of knowledge that we take away from this university is such that has prepared us to occupy leadership positions.”

Engr. Ifeoluwa went on to highlight the importance and significance of school endowment fund, stating that a good institution should not be solely financialy self-dependent.

“Universities are actually run with endowment and not by the owners, what that does is that it gives the university the leverage to be able to finance it’s activities without putting too much pressure on the students by increasing the school fees every time.

“So what this association is doing is to drive phenomenal increase in endowments.”