By Thompson Yamput
The Vice-Chancellor of Salem University Lokoja, Prof. Alewo Johnson-Akubo has challenged the Igala patriots to be deliberate on mentorship and development of Igala land and kogi.
Johnson-Akubo gave the challenge on Saturday during the Who and Who at 30 gathering of the Igala sons and daughters in Abuja.
Speaking on the theme: Echoes in an Empty Hall”, the VC, himself an Igala man, expressed displeasure on the absence of mentorship and development in Kogi East despite producing three governors and deputy governors
He said, “To speak of the legendary Igala people is to speak of nobility and warriors, leaders, and conquerors. We are the proverbial jellyfish of Nigeria, without a hiding place.
“Historically, our people are to exhibit courageous leadership, even in the face of daunting challenges and opposition.
“This theme, “Echoes in an Empty Hall” is not just sociological or political, but deeply literary and metaphoric. evokes a picture of volume of voices that speak but do not fill the space.
“It talks about presence without impact. It speaks greatness without concrete results on the ground, individual successes, but collective failures. At the centre of our discordant tunes is disunity and lack of love for one another. ”
According to him, mentorship must be deliberate as Great leaders don’t just emerge, they are discovered, raised, nurtured, and empowered.
He stressed, “We must create a system where seasoned Igala leaders sponsor, guide, and support younger politicians, entrepreneurs, and intellectuals to take the reins of leadership in all spheres of life.
“We must also name and shame those who have failed in office. They must not be allowed to return under the banner of “influence” or “experience.”
“We need to call out mediocrity and celebrate excellence. The days of shielding poor performers should effectively be over now.”
He said there is need for the Igala people to also account for their numbers, stressing that being the largest ethnic group in the state should not be a mere slogan.
He insisted that it must henceforth be seen to translate into representation, projects, employment, and influence, and that those in positions of authority must be ambassadors of development, not just custodians of titles.
“If we speak unity, act and take responsibility for failed actions and if we rise with vision — Igala land will rise again.
“But first, we must acknowledge that something is broken, and we must be intent on fixing it. The time to fix it is now, and you and I have the obligation to clear the augean stable. We must deal the collective rot currently steering at us.
“The land is crying for justice for equity and development. We must speak, not just with our mouths, but with our actions. We must become the voice that fills the hall, ” he stated.
Johnson-Akubo noted that the future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams, and urged them to dream big as a people and work towards a brighter future for Igala land. (ephemeralnews.com.ng)
