DAVID-WEST TASKS LEADERS ON DISCIPLINE

By NBF News

Former Minister of Petroleum, Professor Tam David-West, has called on Nigerian leaders to embrace discipline and inculcate the virtue in the citizenry for Nigeria to develop.

He attributed the incidences of corruption, terrorism and criminality in the society to lack of discipline, which the governed see in the lifestyle of their leaders

The former minister gave this advice in Ibadan as the chairman of a reception for two academics, Foluke Ogunleye and Tayo Adesina, who were promoted as professors at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, and the University of Ibadan, respectively.

The reception was organised by the Adesina family. Mr Femi Adesina, Deputy Editor-in-Chief of The Sun Newspapers, is a younger brother to the two professors.

Blaming many of the leaders in the country for indiscipline, David-West  warned that unless the leaders themselves were able to demonstrate discipline in governance, it would be difficult for the country to experience any meaningful growth and development.

He observed with satisfaction the disciplinarian tendencies of the late Mr.J.O. Adesina, an educationist and father of the two professors, adding that those in positions of authority should first inculcate discipline in their children, and extend same to the people they govern.

The former oil minister commended Femi Adesina for exemplary discipline, courage and fearlessness, which he demonstrates in his column in The Sun newspaper, adding that journalists should see their role in the society as a crucial one.

'Members of the Adesina family, because of the discipline infused in them by their late father, are consistently playing a great role in moulding the society. I charge our leaders to equally maintain discipline in governance,' he said

Mr Sakin Babalola, a journalist and former teacher of the illustrious siblings, in his comment, advised the two professors, whom he taught English Literature and English Language in the 1970's, to sustain the virtue of discipline, honesty and integrity which the Adesina patriach was noted for in Ipetumodu, Osun State.

The two professors, who were in high spirits during the reception, pleaded with parents to make their homes pleasant and friendly to their children, adding that they must not compromise discipline in any way.

Also among guests at the reception were: Professor Wole Oyetade of Department of Linguistics, University of Ibadan, Professor Remi Raji Oyelade, Professor Kola Olu-Owolabi, Prince Segun Ogunleye,  Mr. Yinka Fabowale, the South West Regional Editor of The Sun Newspaper, Mr. Wale Adenuga of Gateway Television, senior lecturers from both Universities of Ibadan and OAU, Ile Ife and others.