The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. AbdulGaniyuAmbali (OON), has enjoined the University's branch of the National Association of Osun State Students (NAOSS), to continue to remain vibrant so as to continue to add value to the society.

Prof. Ambali gave the admonition last Wednesday (June 15, 2016) at the maiden edition of the Omoluabi Leadership and Cultural Summit held at the institution's Faculty of Engineering Lecture Theatre. The Summit was organised by NOASS in honour of Prof. Mojeed Olujinmi Alabi, a member of the House of Representatives representing Ede North/ Ede South/ Ejigbo/ Egbedore Federal Constituency of Osun State and a Faculty member of the Department of Political Science, University of Ilorin. The Vice-Chancellor, who was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research, Technology and Innovations), Prof. Gabriel Olatunji, himself an Osun indigene, commended the Osun State students in the University of Ilorin for their consistency and good ethical orientation.

Prof. Ambali enjoined the students to ensure that they carry out activities that "will showcase you as a serious, vibrant organisation that has something to deliver and has something positive to contribute, not hooligans, not thugs, but something positive, regardless of the situation you find yourselves". The Vice-Chancellor said,"By the time we harness our energy in the wrong directions, there will be negative consequences of such actions", adding that "all of us should be part and parcel of those who find solutions to problems and not those who complicate the situation."

Prof. Olatunji, who was also conferred with the "Ambassador Plenipotentiary" Award by the Association, disclosed that the management of the University of Ilorin "has great respect and regard for Osun people because those of them that are saddled with positions of responsibilities within the University are not failing in their duties." While lauding the giant strides made by the Governor of Osun State, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, towards modernising Osogbo, the state capital, Prof. Olatunji tasked the audience on constructive criticism, which, he said,will bring about positive change.

He urged the students "to continue in this manner of organising yourselves to have discourse of various shapes- educational, social, political, and cultural, so that they will know that these people are special and not just like any other people." In his remarks, the Special Honoree, Prof. Mojeed Alabi, who was represented by AlhajiNiyiAdedokun, appreciated the organisers of the programme for the honour done him.

He pledged to continually identify with NAOSS, while enjoining the students to shun all forms of anti-social behaviour and violence. Earlier in his welcome address, the President of NAOSS, Mr. Abideen Olasupo, noted that it was necessary for the youths to take charge of their destinies, adding that"the saying that we are the leaders of tomorrow is a subterfuge meant to mute and keep us in the background of the political picture...I say to us all that we are the leaders of today and that it is high time we started acting like it."

Olasupo disclosed that the Association had embarked on the Omoluabi Vocational and Entrepreneurship Programme, comprising training on vocational tasks like web design, graphics training, bead and wire works, cake baking and confectionaries, shoes and other accessories' making, among others. He solicited for more financial support from invited guests and awardees to establish the NAOSS Business Centre for the overall benefit of the students, a gesture that recorded considerable support from the dignitaries present.

Among the personalities that attended the programme were the Chairman, Unilorin Muslim Community, Prof. B.L. Adeleke, an Osun indigene; the Director, Bureau of Communication and Strategy, Osun State, Mr Semiu Okanlawon, who also delivered the Special Lecture on the occasion; a Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Osun State, Alhaji Mustafa Ahmed Tijani; the Chairman, Osun State Civil Society Coalition, Alhaji Waheed Lawal; a member of the Osun State House of Assembly, representing Irepodun/Orolu State Constituency,Hon. Kamil Oyedele; Barrister Abimbola Ige; Barrister Ademola Oyedokun; Comrade Amitolu Shittu; the Senior Special Assistant on New Media to the Senate President, Mr. Bamikole Omishore; the Chief Executive Officer, Beef Plus, Mr. Sodiq Alabi; and Barrister Kayode Oduoye.