• They deserve quality education too, says ex-Lagos deputy gov
By Lukman Olabiyi
Former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Otunba Femi Pedro, has recalled how he went to university on the scholarship of the government in the 1970s, saying it is time for him and other beneficiaries to repay the gesture so as to help the less-privilege to get quality education.
Pedro said he attended university in the United States (US) after his secondary school at Ahmadiyya, now Anwar-Ul Islam College, Agege, Lagos. He was fully sponsored by the Lagos State Government, thereby enabling him to concentrate and excel in his academic work.
He said he would have been working and schooling, if not for the scholarship which allowed him to concentrate on his education and finish in time to return home to contribute to national development.
Speaking at a reception for two members of Anwar-Ul Islam College Old Students Association (ACAOSA) 77/78 set, Mr Lawal Pedro (SAN), and Dr Abiodun Afolabi, appointed into the state executive council, Pedro said he saw his service years as coming to give back to the state.
The special guest of honour, who was a senior to Pedro and Afolabi in school, advised the duo to see themselves as ambassadors of their alma mater in government. Lawal Pedro is Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General, while Afolabi is Special Adviser on Political, Legislative and Civic Engagements.
Pedro praised members of the set for building on the school’s age-old tradition of watching out for one another through bonding and friendship: “As pupils, we were known for looking out for one another; playing together, eating together, going out together and reading together without losing respect for our seniors.
“So, when I received the invitation from Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, a member of your set, I knew that I must be here to celebrate with my brothers. You have done well by honouring Lawal and Abiodun. I wish them all the best in the discharge of their duties.
“I did enjoy my education in the US. I did not know that they were training and nurturing me to come back and serve the state in the capacity of deputy governor. It was a position that afforded me an opportunity to serve the state that awarded me scholarship so many years ago. I ensured that we sponsored students through the Ministry of Education. I can see so many achievers from my alma mater.”
Obanikoro, a one-time commissioner in the state, described the former deputy governor as a pride to the school and a worthy leader. He described Pedro and Afolabi as “our ambassadors.
“We attended one of the best schools in our time. Now we are staying and keeping together things that add value to our lives. We must give respect to those that have kept and tied us together. You (Pedro and Afolabi) have done very well and we are proud of you. There is a big task before you. We expect you to excel in your work.”
Lawal Pedro responded: “More work is expected of me and my brother, Dr Afolabi. We must not disappoint. The essence of governance is actually to tackle challenges. We all know that Lagos is like a country without borders. It is a country you do not need a visa to enter.”
Attendees included ACAOSA 77/78 set president, Alhaji Rahman Alarape (Snr); retired Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG), Shina Olukolu; former Clerk, Lagos State House of Assembly, Azeez Sanni; former chairman, Ayedire Local Government, Otunba Mukaila Oladejo; Federal Character Commission (FCC) Commissioner for Lagos State, Wasiu Bawa-Allah and Chairman, Ikeja Local Government Mojeed Balogun.