The Nigerian Television Authority, Akure, on Wednesday honoured the Ondo State First Lady, Betty-Anyanwu Akeredolu, with a ‘Heart of Gold’ award.
At the elaborate event held at the International Culture and Events Centre, the Dome, in Akure, the Ondo State capital, Betty-Anyanwu Akeredolu commended NTA for organising such a constructive, and thought-provoking discourse that was geared towards proffering solutions to the ills bedeviling Nigeria.
Speaking at the event, Mrs Akeredolu emphasised the need for girl-child education, noting that an educated woman would understand the purpose of family planning and the best way to nurture her children properly.
She also advised parents to desist from forcing their children to study the courses they do not have flair for, noting that every educational course contributes to national development in one way or the other.
Speaking on effective representation as panacea for good governance, Mrs Akeredolu asserted that the tradition of rotating elective position between communities should not supersede performance, and that whoever does well in any political position should be allowed to continue the good work.
A guest lecturer at the event and member representing Akoko North East and West constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon Bunmi Tunji-Ojo, stressed the need for effective representation and inclusive political participation where youths are carried along.
Speaking on the theme of the forum “Good Governance in the Face of Corruption and Insecurity; the Imperative of Youth Involvement’, Tunji-Ojo lamented that Nigeria is not generating jobs at the rate the population is increasing.
He noted that insecurity is the fruit of corruption and bad governance, and averred that for a country to experience rapid development, there is a need to invest in human resources by engaging people intellectually.
The guest speaker also commended NTA Akure for holding the forum, saying it had set a precedent for organising such at this critical time.
In his welcome address, the General Manager of NTA Akure, Segun Ojelade, harped on the purpose of continuous dialogue to save the nation from collapse, which was the rationale behind the first-of-its kind forum lecture.
He said the event was also to appreciate individuals who stood by the station through thick and thin.
Some dignitaries at the event included the wife of the deputy governor, Oluwaseun Aiyedatiwa; the State APC chairman, Engr Ade Adetimehin; Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Donald Ojogo; Hon Bode Ayorinde, who chaired the occasion; the Olugbo of Ugboland, Oba Dr Frederick Akinruntan; the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ogunoye, among others.