Children of the Former Premier of Western Region Samuel Ladoke Akintola have urged the governors of Oyo and Osun state to find a lasting solution to the problems of the institution which was named in honour of their late father.
They equally urged the government to ensure release of funds that will be enough to pay workers for them to resume academic activities which has stopped for about eight months
Dr Bimbo Akintola who spoke on behalf of the family at the launching of Akintola Foundation held at Afe Babalola Hall University of Lagos on January 12 said education is one of the way through which the government can develop future leaders and leaders should give it all attention
Dr Bimbo noted that the issue of joint ownership is one of the major problem affecting the smooth operation of the state saying ‘ if the institute e belong to just one state there won’t be problem of funding because it’s a sole responsibility of the state to finance and ensure its sustainability but now that it belong to two state , there may not be balance in funding and other things
“We want to urge the government to please consider the future of thousands of young people in the school, the prospect of LAUTECH as an institution and find a lasting solution to the problems
Dr Akintola “ Our father is a firm believer and lover for education and that is one of his priority as a premier and politician, he doesn’t joke with anything that has to do with education and welfare of the people , the government should also emulate such and act promptly on LAUTECH”
Speaking on the foundation, Dr Abimbola said the foundation is basically founded to support the indigent students and members of the public in meeting up with the financial demands for their goals and carriers” The family have been doing that before and this time around we are doing it in a bigger way so that more people can benefit”
The chairman of the events Dr Yomi Finnih described the late premier as a distinguish and successful lawyer, educationist and brilliant politicians whose oratory skilled and leadership acumen remain unmatched
“ I witnessed late SLA’s campaign and I was privilege to see some of his programmed, and I can confidently tell you that he is a man of ideas and if anything is to be missed in the country in the incident of January15 1966, Akintola should be number one and I want to challenge our present day politicians who among them can match the political sagacity and oratory skill of the late sage”
“ You cannever say enough about Late Chief SLA Akintola ,he was a quintessential man he has a sense of humour and he is a personality that will only fight when there is need and reason to fight , he will not tell you to sit down or take any steps without telling you why “
Also in his lecture, Professor Ralp Akinfeleye of the department of Mass Communication University of Lagos said “ Akintola is a political high risk taker who He added value to the political metamorphosis of Nigeria.
In his lecture entitled’ Democracy, the Journalistic Integrity and National Security, , Akinfeleye said Journalists should cease from blaming politicians or judiciary for their failure to perform their duty as a watchdog of the society but ensure to adhere strictly to the ethics of the profesion /
Some of the Dignitaries at the events include, Oba of Lagos who was represented at the event by high chiefs , Sultan of Sokoto who was also represented by Dr S O B Babalola among others.
