Wale Jagun
The Igbogbo Students’ Union (ISU), on Saturday, kicked – off its Children Education Fund (C.H.E.F) week programmes with the second edition of its Parliamentary Summit.
The summit, which was attended by the Chairman, Igbogbo/Bayeku Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Comrade Daini Sesan and other notable dignitaries, took place at the Oba Johnson Fatola Pavilion, Adeboruwa Palace, Igbogbo.
The week – long celebration is themed: “An Endearing Legacy of Learning: Celebrating 20 Years More of Educational Excellence”.
Speaker of the Parliament, ISU, Rt. Hon. Abdulateef Balogun, while welcoming guests and members to the summit, thanked members of the planning committee for their commitment and dedication to the success of the kick – off of the week – long event.
He spoke about the theme of the event,’ THE CATALYST FOR UNION TRANSFORMATION’, and further emphasized that despite numerous achievements by the union, there is still room for improvement.
“As a student leader, I have witnessed first-hand the power of transformation in our union. We have made significant strides in recent years, but we cannot afford to be complacent, we must continue to push boundaries, challenge the status quo, and drive innovation”, he said.
“As catalysts for transformation, we must recognize that our union is not just a representative body, but a hub for student empowerment. We must create opportunities for students to develop their leadership skills, to take ownership of their union, and to drive positive change.
“We must also acknowledge that our union is not immune to challenges. We face obstacles such as bureaucratic red tape, limited resources and conflicting interests. But we cannot let these challenges hold us back, we must work together to find creative solutions, to build strategic partnerships, and to leverage technology to enhance our operations”, Rt. Hon. Balogun added.
Comrade Abdulsallam Tijani, the ISU President, urged all the union members to shape the future of the union and harness the power of transformation as the theme – Catalyst for union transformation, states.
He emphasized the five points agenda that members should embrace – inclusivity, transparency, empowerment, innovation and collaboration, and charged them to be positive agents for the union and societal change.
“Let us work together to create a union that is responsive, effective, and student- centered. Let us be the catalyst for transformation, driving change and leaving a lasting legacy”, he charged.
Chief host and Chairman, Igbogbo/Bayeku LCDA, Builder Olusesan Daini, recalled his time as a student leader and charged members of the ISU, to be good ambassadors of Igbogbo Kingdom.
Also speaking at the Parliamentary session, Sen. Olafare Comfort explained that the legislative arm of government’s duty is to make laws, adding in Yoruba that, “Ilu ti ko ti si ofin, ko si ese ni be” (it is compulsory for the citizenry to adhere strictly to laws guiding any given society and failure to do so attracts consequences).
She emphasized the issue of balancing power to avoid power tussle between the executive council and members of the students’ parliament.
Sen. Olafare clamoured for smooth governance, charging members of the ISU executive and parliament to ensure effective leadership and governance; transparency and public engagement; institutional integrity and capacity building.
She concluded by urging everyone to make a pledge to build their capacity and not making/giving excuses for failure.
Also speaking, Barr. Adeleke Aroyewun explained how citizens’ lackadaisical attitude affects the process of governance.
He emphasized that failure to vote in an election, limited participation of citizens, trading voting rights for money, under participation of groups, unions and bodies and ineffective governance are some of the factors that negatively affect electoral process and good governance.
He emphasized the importance of subjects like civic education, social studies, government among others, inclusive governance and political literacy, in improving political participation and engagements.
Rt. Hon. Biolatiri Adedamola, Rt. Hon. Kolejo Fathia Adedotun, Senator Adenle Abdul-Sabur Adekunle and Rt. Hon. Soniregun represented by Hon Noah, who all took part in the panel session, emphasized on the importance of parliament and the rewards after service.
Also at the event, awards were presented to Builder Olusesan Daini, Chairman, Igbogbo/Bayeku LCDA, Hon. Abiodun Moshood Aro, Member, Lagos State House of Assembly representing the Ikorodu Constituency II, Mr Hammed Olalekan Aroyewun (HOA), Chairmanship aspirant, Igbogbo/Bayeku LCDA, Sen. Olafare Comfort, Constituency Officer, Senator Tokunbo Abiru Senatorial Office, Barr. Adeleke Aroyewun, a legal practitioner and Rt. Hon. Kolejo Fathia.
