“Pupils would be able to choose perfect role models if parents, guardians, teachers and the media make them hear more about good people in the society rather than echoing the names and offences of the corrupt individuals in the hearing of the children all the time.”
The Proprietor of Okanlawon Science Academy, Osogbo, (OSAO) Osun State, Mr Badmus Ismail Okanlawon made this assertion during a chat with our correspondent on the side-line of the Role Model Day organized by the school as part of strategies to familiarise the pupils in the school with quality people worthy of emulation in the society.
The school showcased the former Chairman of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Osun State Council, Engineer Felix Adediran Ibitoye to the pupils and the event afforded the children the opportunity to interact with Ibitoye who addressed them and also entertained questions.
Okanlawon explained that Ibitoye who is popularly known as ‘Kilomodemo’ (what does a child know) was choosing for the school’s Role Model Day because of his reputation and commendable lifestyle as well as laudable contribution to the society and the humanity as a whole.
Ibitoye was a former member of Osun State House of Assembly and he is currently a member of the National Executive of NSE. He was also the pioneer Chairman of the Nigerian Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Osun State Chapter and he is currently serving as Senior Special Assistant to Osun State Governor, Mr Rauf Aregbesola.
Ibitoye took time off to enlighten the pupils about the best way to live meaningful life and the need to choose a worthy person as role model for the purpose of guidance and tutelage.
While speaking with journalists shortly after the event, Ibitoye urged government at all levels to always carry indigenous engineers along in their activities rather than depending on foreigners for projects that could be handled by Nigerian engineers.
He stated that the engineers were ready if only the government was willing to employ their service, saying the policies of the government towards the Nigerian engineers had not been favourable.
He emphasized that instead of wasting fortunes on the importation of farm implements, the engineers in the country could construct better implements that would enhance agricultural practice in the country.
According to him, “The government only see the foreign engineers whenever anything is to be done in this country, neglecting the ones in the country. The only role a Nigerian engineer would play is to assist the foreigners and how will this grow our economy since the foreign engineers would take the money back to their countries.”
“There is nothing the foreigners can do that the Nigerians engineers cannot do. If you go to their plants, you will see Nigerians handling pivotal role in most of their construction activities. So, why can’t we even create jobs in this country by promoting and patronizing our indigenous engineers?”
The Chairman of the Board of Governors of the school, Mr Yinka Anjous commended the school for organising the programme to assist the pupils in choosing role models so as to shape their lives in excellent way.
During the event, the outstanding students of the school were celebrated to the admiration of the parents and other guest who attended the event.
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