Insecurity: Arogbofa challenges monarchs

…as Akeredolu extols Afenifere chieftain’s virtues at book launch

By Adekola Afolabi
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A chieftain of Afenifere, Basorun Seinde Arogbofa has challenged traditional rulers in the South West region to rise up to the increasing state of insecurity in the region.

He said the current security challenge facing the South West region of the country is assuming dangerous dimension which needed urgent actions before it gets out of hands.

Arogbofa spoke during the public presentation of his two books, “To The Stars Through Bows & Arrows”, and “Knowledge Economy and Nigeria’s National Security” ( Essays in Honour of Basorun  Seinde Arogbofa, PEN, OFR, held at FUTA main auditorium.

The event which also marked his 80th birthday was attended by the Ondo State governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, his Oyo State counterpart, Engr. Seyi Makinde, former governor of Kano State, Senator Ibrahim Shekarau, the Speaker of Ondo State House of Assembly, Bamidele Oleyelogun, the Vice-Chancellor of FUTA, Prof. Joseph Fuwape, Catholic Bishop of Ondo Diocese Rev Jude Arogundade, students from various schools, among other dignitaries.

According to him, people are no longer happy because of the worrisome security challenges facing the region and appealed to traditional rulers and  religious leaders to rise up to the occasion to address it, saying that things were not like this before.

He equally called on religious leaders to intensify prayers for the country.

Arogbofa also used the occasion to advise school children on the need to cultivate the habit of reading in order to make it in life.

The Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, while presenting the two books to the public, extolled the virtues of Basorun Seinde Arogbofa, who he called a revered man of dignity and integrity.

He described him as an author of repute who has been consistent in fighting injustice in the society, adding that the author has served humanity in several capacities and contributed immensely to societal development.

 According to him, the two books are wonderful and veritable ones which lovers of education and knowledge must buy and read.

Akeredolu also recommended copies of the books for secondary schools in the state.

“In this book, “To The Stars Through Bows & Arrows”, the author has chronicled his growing up, his moving up, his building up; those are great words and post service adventures. Baba has done well. All he has shown, for me in this book is that if you are going to achieve excellence in big things, you must develop that habit in very little matters, and that is what the book is all about.

“Papa Arogbofa is  one of Afenifere confederate, and he has been consistent in fighting against injustice. He has shown to us that he is a man of dignity, a man of integrity. Papa is a man of strong faith,” the governor said.

 He particularly congratulated the author and appreciated God over his life. To The Stars Through Bows & Arrows contains 26 Chapters and 280 pages, while  Knowledge Economy and Nigeria’s National Security has 33 Chapters and 421 Pages.

The Chairman on the occasion, Sen. Ibrahim Shekarau, Governor Seyi Makinde and Prof. Joseph Fuwape,  described the author as a man of many parts who has contributed immensely to the development of education in the society.

Highlight of the event was the investiture of Basorun Arogbofa as a Fellow, Society For Peace ,Studies and Practice