Build People who ‘ll Surpass Your Achievements, Osinbajo Tells Nigerian Leaders
Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, yesterday called on Nigerian leaders to build people capable of excelling beyond their own achievements if the country will join comity of developed nations.
He gave the admonition at the grand finale of the 60th year celebration of television in Africa, organised by former staff of Western Nigeria Television (WNTV) under the aegis of Foundation for Ibadan Television Anniversary Celebrations, held at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan.
The WNTV started operations as the first television station in Africa on October 31, 1959 after its inauguration by the late Premier of the defunct Western Region, Chief Obafemi Awolowo and supported by two other visionaries, who were former Minister of Information for Western Region, Chief Anthony Enahoro; and first Chairman of the Western Nigeria Broadcasting Corporation, Chief Tanimonwo Solaru.
The WNTV, however, ceased to be in existence in 1977 when the federal government took over the station and renamed it Nigerian Television Authority (NTA).
Osinbajo, who chaired the occasion, said every generation has a historic responsibility to reach for the highest peaks that human capacity could achieve.
According to him, “Papa Obafemi Awolowo flanked by the then Governor-General, Sir John Ranking; Chief Anthony Enahoro who was the region’s Minister of Information; and Chief T.T Solaru, first chair of the Western Nigeria Broadcasting Corporation, formally entered the history books by commissioning the WNTV, first in Nigeria, and this was ahead of China and several other countries.
“The event was historic for three reasons. First, it demonstrated the capacity of the Nigerian mind to conceive of and achieve anything no matter how complex or difficult. Second, it demonstrates how visionary leadership can inspire and lift people from the lowest level to the highest point of human imagination. Third, it exemplifies the use of public resources for the public good.