Ikale this is the time to put our act together...

 About a year ago when I was informed about the stoppage of work at OSUTECH, I called some individuals (connected with Dr. Olusegun Mimiko’s administration) especially at home. I was assured that this was a temporary thing just for the Governor to put things in place. Then I had no doubt to believe otherwise because I could not fathom why ANYBODY will stop this project. The governor himself came out some months latter to douse the rumor going round that he was not interested in the project.

On a second thought I tried to let the governor know the feelings of Ikale by sending an e-mail to him. The contents of the e-mail also showed up on Ikale world congress face book page when responding to one of the contributors- Tai Arowojolu-Alagwe

Mine was titled “You cannot appreciate the worth of something until you lose it”

I essentially quoted Dr. Olusegun Agagu on the amount of work done and the readiness of the institution to take off.

I concluded by saying that

“Yes, putting politics aside the south senatorial district deserves this tertiary institution. Ikale should lose no sleep on this because I am so sure that the current government of Dr. Olusegun Mimiko will definitely do the right thing for this district. Why?
• Let us hope that the stoppage is temporary and has to do with the governor freezing the state accounts, since the Governor will defreeze the accounts this week Ikale should be rest assured that the project will be on course.
• I happen to know some powerful Ikale in his administration and I am sure these Ikale will not rest until the University comes on with full steam.
Let us tarry awhile and see what is in place before we take the next step.
Before ‘Ikale arise’ the south senatorial district will be grateful to Dr. Olusegun Mimiko if he could make a categorical statement on the situation of this institution. We know you will do the right thing for Ikale.”

It seems we have tarried awhile, we have seen what is in place so what is the next step Ikale?

Uren ye onukan, Ikale a gbe wa o

Odimayo Durojaye Akindutire
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646-209-5158
There is a sense of exhilaration from facing head-on the hard truths and saying, "We will never give up. We will never capitulate. It might take a long time, but we will find a way to prevail."

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I am humbled by the honor bestowed on me by my compatriots to lead our great party at this critical time and in this part of North America. It is not because I am the most qualified person amongst you, but for the trust you have in my leadership ability, and strength. I promise to remain committed to the ideals and principles of our party and our country Nigeria. In addition, I understand that my role as a leader of our party, is to foster understanding across ideological spectrum, maintain essential political engagement as to create broad based participation in our democratic culture.

I began my political journey as a young professional. I went to Nigeria and to my ward in Umuowa Orlu of Imo State to join Action Congress. I took it very serious not only deepening my relationship with the base, the grass root Nigerians and my God but also about the way all Nigerians can come together in our diverse and very pluralistic society.

As a New Generation Democrat, I believe that the only way we can enshrine the best standards in our democratic practice is to have a viable opposition to the ruling party. An alternative choice for people to choose from. The beauty of every democracy lies on the ability of the people to freely choose their leaders. The essence of a formidable political objective and integration platform that offers political objective solutions around the existing system could not be over emphasized. I decided to join the Action Congress (AC), an opposition party because of what it stands for and to contribute positively to these objective platform and solutions.

AC is a house of conservatives, moderates and libertarian faithful who are eager, honest and willing to mix up with their ideological opposites. It has a reputation of consensus building platform. Action Congress is the only organized political party in Nigeria that sees itself beyond opposition political party, but a viable and productive alternative to PDP in Nigeria.  The ruling party (PDP) knows this and that is why we say that the delay in the ongoing electoral reform process is “a cynical political ploy” by PDP led National Assembly. They know that under normal circumstance and level playing field PDP cannot authoritatively, win five states in Nigeria. Thus, we the progressives see no substitute to credible elections and we remain unshakable and committed to our ideals as New Generation Democrats. AC remains resolute not to allow the genuine or valid agitation of the people of Nigeria for duely elected leadership to be eroded by violence and miscalculations. Agitation should be peaceful and not go to the level of carrying arms, kidnapping or violation of rule of law.

Our Party, the Action Congress is the only political party in Nigeria that has devised viable ways to push her agenda into the mainstream without much fringe sentiments. In Lagos and Edo states that AC is controlling, much of the grass roots movements and supports were the mainstream and still serve in the amplification of voices that remain acceptable and gaining momentum by the day. Democracy dividends are not only seen but felt by citizens in these states (Lagos & Edo States).

As a compassionate conservative and New Generation Democrat, I think there are some lessons that all Nigerians from all political, ethnic and religious persuasions might learn in this regard, lessons that I take to heart each day. We have to start remembering the role values play in addressing some of our most urgent social, political and economic problems. We must apply sense of decency and civility in our efforts to curb the problems in our polity, banking and related sectors, poverty, disease, inadequate infrastructure, violent crime and corruption at various levels in our society. We do not have to look beyond our communal range for the cause of our problems. We the people are the cause of our problems and our values and attitude must change positively for solutions to emerge and for our nation to adapt to the challenges of the 21^st century.

I am an advocate and still believe in tough law enforcement and commonsense rules and regulations in our country. I believe in the common fact that to achieve economic stability, we must first assure our citizens, businesses and investors security of their lives and property. We must assure ourselves freedom which is priceless. We need to be in a nation where everyone has right to life, liberty and pursuant of happiness. We must work hard to elect effective leaders through consistent quest for electoral reform and participation in electoral process as to eradicate our nation the placid idol of beurocracy of old which crippled our development since independence.

The challenges we face today given the current political climate in Abuja have made it extremely difficult for transformational legislations such as Electoral Reform bill, Emergency Medical and Trauma Bill, Banking and Financial institutional regulatory bills, Coherent Anti-Violent Crime bill, bill to stem global warming and job creation bill.  These are formidable and predictable challenges ahead of us that must be confronted with strength and vigor. We need to be part of the participatory democratic process to create an enabling socio-economic and political environment for all citizens irrespective of their religious, ethnic or political background. We do not intend to transform Nigeria overnight nor to a socialist nation, rather a functional democratic nation of people guided by good sense of civility, rule of law, economic development and empowerment. We need you tackle the blurring government – citizen relationship that has portrayed us as an uncivilized nation even in the face of our immersed human and material resources.

None of us should underestimate the challenges ahead of us as responsible citizens and as a nation. The unprecedented and blurring government/private sector boundaries, extreme volatility in the commodity market, whether in oil, financial sector, food stuff, industrial, infrastructure and raw materials. As globalization continues to evolve, the question in our minds remains, “are we prepared to adapt with the rapid changes and challenges associated with globalization”? Are we up to speed with the challenges of the 21^st century? Are we ready to finally tell the world that Nigerians are ready to take back our role as the true leader of black race? And finally, what kind of society are we leaving for our children and their children? Our sacrifices today will give hope, brighter future as well as obligations to our children and generations to come.

It is expected of the three arms of government to be the watch dog of the other and not to covertly or overtly sell their constitutional rights away to each other. They are expected to work synergistically and see the challenges of nation building a sacrifice that ought to be made by all and not by selected few. As a responsible alternative political platform to Nigerians, our bravery and selflessness to our legitimate cause will project us as the true hope of Nigerians for change that we all deserve.

AC leadership philosophy revolves around the afore-mentioned cardinal principles. In AC, we believe that together we can build a strong coalition and strength-based leadership where respect and adherence to the rule of law, provision of jobs, infrastructure, Education, adequate healthcare (primary, secondary and tertiary) delivery systems, disciplined and respected civil services are top priorities and non-negotiables.