Femi Ajayi: Recognizing Okun people’s contributions to Nigeria’s independence – Elevating College of Agriculture, Kabba to university status

OPEN LETTER TO THE PRESIDENT OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA, H.E ASIWAJU BOLA AHMED TINUBU.

The President, Federal Republic of Nigeria

State House, Abuja

SUBJECT: RECOGNIZING OKUN PEOPLE’S CONTRIBUTIONS TO NIGERIA’S INDEPENDENCE: ELEVATING COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE, KABBA TO UNIVERSITY STATUS.

Dear Honorable President

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We write to bring to your attention the remarkable contributions of the Okun people (Kabba, Ijumu, Bunu,Yagba) led by H.E Chief S.A. Ajayi OFR, to Nigeria’s independence struggle.

As a delegate to the London Constitution Conferences of 1957 and 1958, Chief Ajayi played a pivotal role in shaping Nigeria’s future.

Chief Ajayi was a polyglot whose exceptional language skill, speaking multiple Nigerian languages fluently demonstrated his deep understanding of the country’s diverse cultures. This talent proved crucial when addressing the majority-minority issue, a significant hurdle to Nigeria’s independence.

At the Lancaster Constitution Conference, Chief Ajayi eloquently articulated the aspirations of delegates and advisers, alleviating the British government’s concerns about minority groups. During his address at Lancaster House, he demonstrated exceptional linguistic proficiency, speaking and translating in multiple Nigerian languages.

His powerful speech: “I lived and worked in many parts of Nigeria with no generic hostility, Disagreement is human nature, not an exclusivity of a race, it’s time to let us go so we can proffer indigenous solutions to our challenges as a people” resonated deeply with the British delegates.

Chief Ajayi’s efforts helped pave the way for Nigeria’s independence. His legacy serves as a testament to the Okun people’s dedication to nation-building.

Mr. president sir, we respectfully request that the government considers upgrading the Kabba College of Agriculture to a full-fledged federal university, reflecting Okun people’s sacrifices in nation-building.

Chief Ajayi was a Legislator and member of the executive Council who fought relentlessly for the establishment of College of Agriculture in Kabba province in 1960.

Mr. President sir, elevating the College of Agriculture, Kabba to a university would bring numerous benefits to the institution, students, Okun community, Kogi State and Nigeria at large.

Thank you Mr President for considering this request.

Femi Ajayi

Secretary, The S.A Ajayi Foundation

Sources

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/S._A._Ajayi#:~:text=Chief%20S.,that%20led%20to%20Nigeria’s%20independence

AJAYI, Mr. Samuel Aliyu (OFR)