By Sade Adewale,Ondo
|
The people of Ondo town have expressed excitement over the commissioning of a new public library in the community by Governor Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu.
The multi-million naira project, financed by the Federal Government through the Nigerian Export Promotion Zone Agency (NEPZA), was facilitated for the community by the member representing Ondo East/West Federal constituency at the House of Representatives in Abuja, Mr. Peter Abiola Makinde.
Speaking through the State Commissioner for Commerce, Industry, and Cooperative, Akin Sowore, Akeredolu praised the Federal Government for the project and congratulated the Osemawe of Ondo kingdom, Oba (Dr.) Victor Adesimbo Kiladejo, and the people of the ancient community for the establishment of the library.
Reiterating his administration’s commitment to ensuring the accelerated development of the state, the governor stated that the construction of the library demonstrated the APC-led Federal Government’s dedication to the development of education.
He advised the users of the facility to utilize it judiciously so as not to defeat the purpose for which it was built. He assured that his administration would continue to support good initiatives aimed at improving the lives of the people in the state.
In his message, the Osemawe of Ondo kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Oba Dr. Adesimbo Kiladejo, represented by the Lisa of Ondo kingdom, High Chief Simeon Oguntimehin, urged its users to use it effectively, stating, “knowledge is power; if you are not educated, you cannot have knowledge.”
Oba Kiladejo used the occasion to advise the indigenes of the community in primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions to avoid truancy. He urged them to take advantage of the library to acquire more knowledge, complementing what they learn in school.
In his address, the House of Reps member, Makinde, said the library was brought to the town as a demonstration of commitment to the development of education in his constituency, describing education as one of the vital tools needed for personal and social development.
The Provost of Adeyemi College of Education Ondo, Dr Samuel Akintunde, encouraged indigenes of Ondo community and all lovers of education to visit the library regularly, emphasizing that it would help them develop themselves.
Similarly, a former Vice-Chancellor of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Prof. Philip Abiodun, described the occasion as epoch-making, stressing the importance of constantly seeking education regardless of age.
Abiodun urged those using the library to make good use of it and called on indigenes of the community, both at home and abroad, as well as non-governmental organizations and religious bodies, to contribute to the library’s development through book donations and financial contributions.
