Governor Dapo Abiodun Ogun State has charged Government College Ibadan Old Boys Association (GCIOBA), to leverage on their network and resources to find practical solutions to some of the country's challenges.
Governor Abiodun, who stated this during the association's 2024 Annual Reunion and Public lecture, with the theme, "What Can We Do?, held at the Ereke Civic Centre, Obafemi Awolowo Square in Ikenne Remo, noted that as members of GCIOBA, in their respective sphere of influence, have the wherewithal to make a difference either by creating opportunities or championing policies that promote fairness and growth.
Abiodun who was represented by his deputy, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, said the theme for this year was apt and a timely question in the face of the present economy, such as inflation, food insecurity and rising unemployment rate.
While acknowledging the magnitude of challenges being faced by Nigerians, Governor Abiodun reminded them that economic progress should be a gradual process, saying each member of the Association had the responsibility of making impactful changes that would collectively drive national development.
“The Commissioner for Transportation in Ogun, Engr. Gbenga Dairo (FNSE); a GCIOBA member was playing a pivotal role in shaping the transportation policies in Ogun State. Spearheading landmark and legacy projects like Gateway International Airport, Compress Natural Gas (CNG) conversion policy, e-mobility scheme and Gateway Inland Dry Port that are enhancing connectivity and fostering development goal and sustainable development across the state”, he said.
The governor added that the annual reunion was not just to fraternise and shared memories of school days but also a reminder of the unique opportunities to shape the destiny of the country, that the decision made in boardrooms, government offices and communities by members of this group would have a great impact on the life of many citizens.
According to him, "In this difficult time, the role of leaders particularly those like you, who hold strategic positions in different sectors in the country become more critical. The question, "What Can We Do?", was not just philosophical but personal. It demands that we look within ourselves and our capacity to act. We must all be committed to doing our best, not for ourselves but for the future generations, who would benefit from the foundation we laid today'".
On the challenges in the education sector, Governor Abiodun said the interface between the teacher, students and infrastructure was something that must concern everyone.
While thanking members of the Association for the opportunity to deliberate on issues affecting socio-economic development of the country, Governor Abiodun charged them to draw on the values that defines Government College Ibadan, excellence and commitment to greater growth.
Earlier, the guest speaker, who was a former Acting Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, (CBN), Mr. Adebisi Shonubi, noted that to achieve socio-economic development would require collective efforts, saying revamping some neglected sectors would not only put Nigeria in the forefront of other countries, but also help to improve the
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