Ooni, varsity lecturer urge Nigerians to prioritise service over ego
By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo –
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and an Associate Professor of Computing/IT Education at Osun State University (UNIOSUN), Oluwafemi Abanikannda, have urged Nigerians to move away from ego and embrace service to others.
They made the call at a civic recognition and reception organised by the Otan-Ayegbaju Progressive Union (OAPU) to honour individuals with outstanding career achievements.
Delivering a keynote address titled “Roots, reach and responsibility: what our origins demand of our achievements,” Abanikannda, who is also the Director of Academic Planning at UNIOSUN, stressed the importance of remembering one’s roots.
He noted that the true responsibility of one’s origin is to transform personal accomplishments into opportunities that benefit others, advising against the pursuit of perfection and validation, and urging people to focus on progress driven by a broader sense of purpose.
According to him, real success is not just about accumulating accolades or wealth, but about aligning one’s achievements with values such as connection, service and purpose.
In his remarks, the Ooni of Ife encouraged award recipients not to relent in giving back to their community, emphasising that the most meaningful recognition comes from one’s place of origin, adding, “There are little things that you will do for the community that they will not forget forever.”
Earlier, OAPU Global President, Adetunji Mosebolatan, said the event was organised to celebrate the town’s outstanding sons and daughters, appreciate their accomplishments and set a good example for younger people. He expressed hope that the honourees’ achievements would motivate youths to pursue excellence and meaningful goals rather than “wandering aimlessly.”
Among those honoured were Ayodeji Alabi, Executive Director of Ally Kay Oil and Gas; Dr Dele Alabi, President of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN); DIG Funsho Adegboye (Rtd); Chief Olusegun Jolaawo (SAN); Prof. Felix Olatunji, Dean of the Faculty of Culture at UNIOSUN; and Prof. Segun Aina, son of Emeritus Professor Olu Aina.
