The University of Lagos Alumni Association is set to celebrate its 55th anniversary with a significant public lecture featuring Mr. Mutiu Sunmonu, who previously held distinguished positions as the Country Chair of Shell Petroleum Development Company and Chairman of Julius Berger Plc. Scheduled for December 3, 2024, the event will take place at the J. F. Ade-Ajayi Hall in Lagos, commencing at 11 a.m. Sunmonu’s lecture, titled “Nation Building in a Deregulated Economy: A Clarion Call for Citizens,” aims to engage a wide audience in discussions surrounding the challenges and opportunities present in Nigeria’s evolving economic landscape.
The lecture will be overseen by Dr. John Momoh, Chairman of Channels Media Group, who will serve as the chair for the event. Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of UNILAG’s Governing Council, has been designated as the special guest of honor. The event will be hosted by Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Lagos, while Engr. Ifeoluwa Oyedele, the President (Worldwide) of the Alumni Association, will take on the role of Chief Host, demonstrating the university’s commitment to highlighting significant alumni contributions to national discourse.
The announcement, made by Funmi Falobi, National Publicity Secretary of the Alumni Association, emphasized that the anniversary lecture will attract a diverse gathering of stakeholders, including corporate leaders, industry experts, academics, government officials, and alumni. This assemblage is poised to create a platform for discussing pressing national issues, tapping into the wealth of experience and insights these individuals can provide. Highlighting the importance of collaboration among different societal segments, the gathering will aim to establish synergies that can lead to impactful solutions for Nigeria’s development.
Mr. Lekan Ajisafe, the Chairman of the Anniversary Planning Committee, shared insights about the focus of the lecture. He indicated that it will delve into the implications of government policies across various sectors, aiming to identify strategies for enhancing business competitiveness amidst the challenges of deregulation. The discourse is intended not only to educate but also to inspire actionable initiatives that can propel economic growth, thus encouraging a collaborative spirit between citizens and the government.
Through Sunmonu’s insights, the lecture will explore the roles of citizens in nation-building, particularly in the context of Nigeria’s deregulated economy. Sunmonu’s extensive experience in the corporate sector positions him as a credible voice on how citizens can engage effectively with government policies and contribute to sustainable development. The event seeks to empower attendees with the knowledge and tools necessary to participate actively in economic discourse and challenge prevailing narratives about citizen responsibility in nation-building processes.
Overall, the 55th anniversary of the University of Lagos Alumni Association represents not just a celebration of the organization’s legacy but also a forward-thinking initiative aimed at fostering dialogue around nation-building in a complex economic environment. By convening a blend of thought leaders, practitioners, and engaged citizens, the lecture promises to be a critical examination of Nigeria’s path forward, framing an urgent call for collective action to achieve meaningful growth and progress in the nation.
