Executive Chairman, Agege Local Government Area of Lagos State, Alhaji Ganiyu Kola Egunjobi, has called on Nigerian activists to emulate former South Africa President, late Nelson Mandela.
Egunjobi made the charge when he received in audience a cross section of civil society organizations on Wednesday, July 18, 2018, in his office in celebration of the 100 years of the birth of late Nelson Mandela.
The centenary celebration was set aside by the United Nations to reflect on Mandela’s life and legacy and follow the deceased’s call to “make the world a better place”.
The Council chief appealed to his guests to emulate the late icon, saying he stood for truth in the face of persecution, oppression and imprisonment and did not betray the trust reposed in him by black South Africans.
He noted with concern the growing trend in Nigeria where some persons joined activism because of pecuniary gains saying the situation was a pointer to how low we have sunk in the country.
“It is sad that we go inordinate length to look for money including resulting to subtle blackmail under the cover of civil society organisations. We must be honest in our pursuits and play the game by the rule so that we can achieve Nigeria of our dream,” he enjoined.
Decrying people’s apathy towards government, Egunjobi enjoined activists to lead the charge on citizen participation in governance saying, “People cannot complain of bad leadership and government if they stay aloof and do not keep public office holders and government officials on their toes. In developed climes, everybody is involved. I appeal to you, to mobilize people to developed interests in government’s activities at any level.”
