Senator Sharafadeen Alli and a former chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Professor Adeolu Akande, have charged Nigerians to invest more in self-development and community service.
They gave the charge at the 60th anniversary lecture of Igboora High School, Igboora, Oyo State, on Thursday.
The school was founded in 1963 through the efforts of community leaders and other indigenes.
The weeklong activities marking the 60th anniversary of the school was sponsored by Igboora High School Old Students Association (IHSOSA).
Alli, the chairman of the occasion, stressed the need for Nigerians to contribute their quota to the development of their respective communities.
He said that no society would develop without strong commitment, dedication and contributions from the citizenry.
The lawmaker restated his commitment to excellent representation at the National Assembly, pledging to fulfill his electioneering promises.
Alli assured the people of his readiness to facilitate a project to the school within the next 18 months.
He pledged to also ensure the completion of the abandoned power line project in the zone, thanking the people for their great contribution to his electoral victory.
Akande, who was the Guest Lecturer, urged the people to identify roles they can plan to further the development of their respective communities.
The former NCC boss, in his lecture entitled “Community Service and Human Development”, said there was hope of greater rewarding future when parents invest in their children.
Akande, represented by Dr Kunle Ajisebiyawo, said the highest community service was self development, adding everyone is needed by their respective communities.
The professor of Political Science, said one of the greatest national challenges today was education, which he described as the backbone of every meaningful development.
“There is hope of better future in every investment on our children. Education is the solution to poverty, insecurity, environmental degradation and community development.
“The greatest road to success was hardwork and discipline. We embrace these and identify where we can contribute to our community,” he said.
The former NCC boss urged the people to participate more in volunteering and support programmes for the greater good of the society, saying government cannot do it alone.
“When you build a better society, it will come back to serve you. When you abandon the society, it will also abandon you in time of need,” he said.
Earlier, Akande, represented by Mr Niyi Adeagbo, inaugurated 100 laptops he facilitated for Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology, Igboora (OYSCATECH).
IHSOSA National President, Chief (Dr) Gbade Akinteye, said the topic of the lecture was apt and timely, adding that it required collective effort to the build the country.
Akinteye, who is the Rector of Adeseun Ogundoyin Polytechnic, Eruwa, said investment in self-development and community service would go along way to solve societal challenges.
Earlier, the Olu-Aso of Iberekodoland, Oba Adedamola Badmus, disclosed that the school was built through strong dedication, commitment and contributions of their forefathers.
He said the people needed to emulate the great qualities of their forefathers by returning home to contribute to community development.
The traditional ruler called on Senator Alli to facilitate the completion of the abandoned powerline project and the Lagos-Sokoto Expressway, terminating at the Ibarapa Zone of the state.
He described Alli as a man of his words, expressing confidence in his ability to help the zone to overcome most of its various challenges.
Mr Akinyemi Akinlabi, the chairman of the Anniversary Planning Committee, commended Akande for his unrelenting efforts at taking the state and Nigeria to greater heights.
He said no contribution to community service would go unrecognised, adding that those who had contributed to the school will be honoured at the grand finale of the event.
The event was attended by several dignitaries as well as old students of the school from home and abroad.
