Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun has called for the involvement of more good-spirited Nigerians in advocating for and enforcing the rights of the less privileged to ensure that they become better citizens in society.
Abiodun specifically charged residents of the state to emulate an elder statesman, Pa. Lana Akintan, whose life, he said, has been dedicated to advancing the course of humanity in the country.
The governor, who his deputy, Engr, represented. Noimot Salako-Oyedele gave the charge while speaking at the inauguration of a 7-man steering committee that christened Otunba Lana Akintan Human Rights Foundation, which was held at Oja-Odan in the Yewa North Local Government Area of the state.
The committee, whose responsibilities included advancing the course of those being oppressed in society through Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and possible litigation where amicable settlement of disputes fails, among other mandates, was put together by a nonagenarian, Pa. Lana Akintan, to commemorate his 95th birthday celebration.
Fielding questions from journalists at the committee’s inauguration, Pa. Akintan said his motive for instituting the steering committee was his worries over the abysmal treatment the country’s underprivileged are daily subjected to.
The nonagenarian explained that the committee would solely serve humanity by enforcing the rights and interests of the underprivileged, particularly in Yewaland of Ogun West Senatorial districts.
But in his goodwill message delivered by his deputy, Engr. Salako-Oyedele, the governor noted that the Nonagenarian has actually carved out for himself an indelible name by his decision to institute the Human Rights Steering Committee, which aims to advance the dignity of life for the underprivileged in the community.
Commending Pa. Akintan for laying such an enviable landmark, Salako-Oyedele also admonished other philanthropists in the country to emulate him towards ensuring that peoples’ fundamental human rights are adequately protected.
“We must ask ourselves what we are doing for humanity. Baba has exhibited a life of impact, purpose and beneficial activities. I commend Baba for the bold initiative. I hope other philanthropists will see a reason to emulate Pa ‘Lana Akintan while fighting for the oppressed”.
