By Abdulgaffar Arikewuyo

The Kwara state government says it is ready to sustain the existing peace and loving existing in the state. The Kwara state governor Alhaji Abdulfatahi Ahmed stated this when members of the Nigerian Association of Letters paid him a courtesy visit in his office. While thanking the members for their choice of Kwara, Ahmed stated that the country has found itself in a critical point where it is faced with a lot of challenges.

He stated that their contributions cannot be over emphasized while emphasizing that there is no substitute the experience they have. Ahmed said though it is not the what but the how which calls for the maximum use of their experience in the development and sustenance of our country. He said the choice of the topic is very timely as there is the need to see the roles played by our founding fathers for they gave a lot while stating that our being together is our choice of providence and we should see the strength in our weekness. Ahmed said if resources are optimally allocated thee will be no problem which calls for the frequent holding of lectures of this nature.

Earlier in his speech, the chairman of the Nigerian Association of Letters, Professor Ben Ebube had appreciated the efforts of the Kwara State governor in making the state peaceful and friendly. Professor Ebube said the academy exists to try to impact in the life and growth of the society they exist while stating that thy survive e through their own membership contributions to the development of the academy. He said the theme for the lecture was chosen to make impact on the Nigerian society. Members of the academy also paid a visit to the EMIR OF Ilorin Alhaji Ibrahim Zulu Gambari where he enumerated that the involvement of scholars cannot be ruled out in the development of the society. The Emir stated this in his palace when members of the Nigerian Association of Letters paid him a courtesy visit in his palace.

Alhaji Sulu Gambari said he was glad to receive members of the academy in his palace while stating that even after they have retired they are still contributing to the society while growing older and sharper. The emir said the society is greatfull with their contributions and the people they have provided while stating that their involvement in the shaping and reshaping of the society cannot be over emphasized. He prayed to God to enrich the professors with long life and sound health so that they can continue to make meaningful contributions to the development of the society. While thanking the Emir for his hospitality the president of NAL Professor Ben Ebube stated that Kwara state has been known for its peaceful atmosphere.

Earlier in the day the members of the academy had paid a visit to the Vice Chancellor to appreciate him for his kind gesture and worm atmosphere. Professor Ebube who spoke on behalf of the members said University of Ilorin is the third choice of the accedemy considering the security situation of the country. He said they were totally amased with the kind of reception the University has given them even within the short period of notice. In his response, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Professor Ishaq Oloyede appreciated members of the Academy for their contributions in the society.

He said their integrity has been the one leaving with them since they began their career as they have not been found wanting in any form. Professor Oloyede said they have made marks in their various fields and can represent in any form while stating that their presence is is a lesson for both staff and students of the University.

Among members of the academy who were on the train are Chairman Nigerian Accademy of Letters, Professor Ben Ebube, foundation president of NAL, Professor Emeritus Ayo Bamgbose, Former President of the Accademy, Professor Ayo Banjo, the foundation Principal of the University of Ilorin at its inception, Professor Tekena Tamuno. Others are Prof. Romanus Egudu, Prof. Nur Alkali, Prof. Dan Zebaye, Rev. Prof. Sam Abogunrin, Prof. Olatunji Oloruntimeyin, Prof. Rotimi Badejo, Prof. Dele Layiwola, Prof. Dotun Ogundejiandthe Secretary of the Academy Prof. Kunle Adelowo