Posted by By SUSAN NWANGANGA AGWU and EVONGWA NKERUKA on
Nobel laurate, Professor Wole Soyinka, has called for the recognition of education as the primary tool for the regeneration of the society.
Nobel laurate, Professor Wole Soyinka, has called for the recognition of education as the primary tool for the regeneration of the society.
He made this call at the 70th-birthday celebration of legal icon, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, held yesterday at Airport Hotel, Lagos.
Speaking on the topic, Gani, Bridging the Regeneration Gap, Professor Soyinka, who was the guest speaker at the occasion, highlighted the understated passion of Chief Fawehinmi for education, saying, 'many people don't know the passion Gani has for education." He also commended the Senior Advocate for his commitment to the rule of law.
Professor Pat Utomi, who was the chairman of the occasion, emphasized the need for Nigerians to celebrate their men and women who are in the struggle for true democracy in Nigeria, 'especially now that our country is at crossroad."
Describing Chief Fawehinmi as a nation builder, Utomi said 'today, we honour him for his contribution to the nation building."
Dr Joe Odumakin, president of the Campaign for Democracy and organizer of the occasion, described Fawehinmi as the pillar of democracy in Nigeria.
Chief Ralph Uwazuruike, MASSOB leader, used the opportunity to thank the legal luminary for being at the forefront of the campaign for his release when he was incarcerated, adding 'if not for him and his likes, I would have been in prison up till now."
'Gani is the foremost human right activist in Africa. I mean, his life is so important to us, that is why I am here," he added.
Also, former NLC president, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, described Fawehinmi as the man of the people.
'What Gani taught people like us is that one person can make a difference in a nation. Oftentimes, Nigerians are discouraged by saying, who is following but look at the number of people we have here today."
'Despite his wealthy background, he is not blinded to the suffering of the people and he has chosen to deploy his resources in a way that will elevate the living conditions of the poor," he stated.
Chief Fawehinmi who was not present at the occasion, while thanking the people that came to celebrate him through the phone, urged that the struggle must continue.