Prof. Ayodeji Olukoju, former Vice Chancellor, Caleb University, Lagos has called on Nigerians to support the “Change Begins With Me” campaign of the Federal Government.
He made the call at the 8th Convocation Lecture of Ajayi Crowther University (ACU), in Oyo on Tuesday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the federal government had on Sept.15, launched the “Change Begins with Me” campaign.
In his lecture entitled: “The Challenge of Change: Nigeria in Comparative Perspective”, Olukoju said such lifestyle would challenge the prevailing rot and rut.
“We are in the era of change that many of us yearned for. But change does not come by itself, it is driven by awareness of where we are, where we ought to be, how.
“What matters is how to convert the challenges inherent in it to opportunities for improvement.
“Change has a price tag. It will cost us something at the level of individual and society. That could cost human or material.
“But change is mainly driven by a synergy of an exemplary, visionary leadership and an enlightened, patriotic, critically engaged, self-confident and assertive citizenry.
“There could be reservations about its timing and motive behind it.
“The idea of Change Begins With Me with the potential of attitudinal change and civic engagement by the broad mass of Nigerian people, is timely and worthy of support”, he said.
He emphasised that Nigerian leaders should adhere to some basic rules adopted by world leaders such as late Nelson Mandela and President Franklin D. Roosevelt of the United States of America.
Olukoju stressed the need for the leaders to involve grassroots in finding solutions to national problems, saying Nigerians would fight alongside their leaders when involved in the formulation of policies that affect their lives.
He said the leaders would benefit immensely from erecting bridges across various divides so as to build a critical mass of leadership with vision to achieve national greatness and co-prosperity.
According to him, “leaders need to be thoughtful and creative, imbued with exceptional ability to break down complex issues for easy comprehension and adoption by the common people.
“They should display uncanny insight and foresight in proffering achievable solutions to national problems.
“These are some rules to adopt in the management of change aimed at turning challenges to opportunities.”
Olukoju said Nigeria needed leaders at various levels, who will inspire hope by living moderate, upright and positive lifestyles.
The Chairman, Board of Trustees of ACU, Prof. Emeritus Ayo Banjo, described Olukoju’s lecture as “an intellectual stimulation” adding that it proffered solutions to the nation’s problems.
Banjo applauded the leadership of Prof. Dapo Asaju for the positive changes in the university.(NAN)