By Arowona Abdulazeez & Olakunle Adeniyi, Ilorin
The Director, Knowledge Management and Innovation Development Research and Projects Center (dRPC), Abuja Professor Fatai Ayinde Aremu, has disclosed that sustainable community development is attainable through societal mobilization anchored on a set of organizing principles that are widely shared and upheld by iconic figures.
He noted that such iconic figures stand out as champions and beacons of community values and aspirations stressing that “they are akin to “transformers,” who transmit positive energy through their tireless pursuit of progress in the community.”
The varsity Don stated this on Thursday at a Royal Turbaning Lecture organised by the Ilorin Emirate Youth Development Association in conjuction with Royal News Newspaper in honour of the newly appointed Dan Iya of Ilorin Emirate, Engr. Sulaiman Kale Kawu, held in Ilorin.
The event which was chaired by a renowned legal luminary, Malam Yusuf Olaolu Alli SAN, was attended by families, friends and associates of the new traditional title holder.
Prof. Aremu said: “Bestowing Royal and honorary recognition on those icons is not only appropriate, it is highly commendable.
Our founding gathers in Ilorin Emirate laid the foundation for the exceptionalism of Ilorin Emirate by putting in place innovative structural and institutional mechanisms that provide unique enabling environment where multiple sub-identities coalesce into a bigger and more profound one thereby creating an unparalleled ecosystem where individual and collective aspirations flourish.
“This unique model of integration, assimilation and peaceful co-existence has been the subject of intellectual inquiry by scholars all over the world. Perhaps, it would be prudent to spare this audience the intellectual gymnastics of extensive literature review to which we are accustomed in academic circles.”
He further stressed that, “In our various spaces, whatever we do, undo or not do, nothing is hidden under the sun. At the appropriate time, there is reward for our actions.
“We must be constantly reminded that wind doesn’t blow in one direction forever. When you have the wind behind you, seize the momentum and lift people up. These are the legacies that will stand the test of time, not worldly acquisitions. Third, Law of gravity applies.”
Prof. Aremu therefore commended the organisers for deeming it fit to honour Engr. Kawu who many people describe as a philanthropist per excellence who has touched so many lives both far and near.
In his remarks, the new Dan Iya, Engr. Kawu thanked participants for honouring him with their presence and also expressed his appreciation to the Ilorin Emirate Youth Development Association and the entire management of Royal News Newspaper for their foresight of organising the event in his honour.
