…As Caleb graduates 1209 students
By Omolola Dede Adeyanju
The Lagos state Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Gbenga Omotoso has urged students and youths in the country to view politics as an avenue to serve the nation.
The Commissioner spoke while delivering the convocation lecture at Caleb University over the weekend on the topic: “Closing the generational gap between the old and young in Nigerian politics.”
He stated that bridging the generational gap between the old and young in Nigerian politics is imperative for the nation’s progress and that there is a need for youths to be involved in politics as a matter of rights and as part of the solutions rather than a problem to be resolved by others.
He emphasised that the youths should realise that life is in stages, therefore they should be mentored to understand the perception and view of politics, it should be seen as a service and not an end.
The Commissioner noted the sacrosance of character in being a leader and cited examples of several youths in politics.
“To harness the peculiar talent of youths in Lagos State, Governor Sanwo-Olu has prioritised youth empowerment in all its budget, since 2019 it has been carefully designed to meet the aspirations of the teeming youth by focusing on sectors with job creating potentials like agriculture, construction, technology and security,” he enumerated.
Meanwhile, Caleb University graduated a total of 1,209 graduates, comprising 1,002 undergraduate degrees and 207 higher degrees with 60 first class; 428 2nd class upper; 494 2nd class lower; 9 PhD graduates at her 13th convocation ceremony held on Saturday.
In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Nosa Owens-Ibie noted that the convocation is of historic significance.
“Last year and after 5 years honorary doctorate degrees were awarded and we are this year honoring another distinguished Nigeria and Benue state governor, His excellency, Rev. (Dr) Hyacinth Alia.” He said.
The VC revealed that all undergraduate programs of the university are fully accredited by the national universities commission.
In respect to partnerships, Prof Nosa stated that Caleb university has signed an MOU with Lancaster University, UK, to promote collaborative research, training and capacity building. The institution, he said, has also signed a memorandum of understanding with University of kwazulu natal, Washington State University, Lagos State primary health care board for primary health care level and Lagos State University teaching hospital (LASUTH) for the tertiary level.
However, on the list of awardees, was the inspector General of police, Kayode Egbetokun who was represented by the Commissioner of Police, Lagos state, Fayoade Adegoke Mustapha, Prophetess Esther Ajayi, a philanthropist and General Overseer of Love of Christ church, Member of the house of representatives, kosofe federal constituency, and Chairman, Women committee affairs, Hon. Kafilat Ogbara, Former minister for Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, Governor of Benue state, Governor Hyacinth Alia, represented by the Commissioner for Education and knowledge management, Frederick Ikyaan, amongst others.