Date: 2021-04-05

The Chief Executive Officer of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, Mr Babatunde Irukera, has called for more participation in politics.

He urged those who always say they will never have anything to do with government to have a rethink and contribute their quota to national development.

Irukera made the call at a maiden reunion of former students of the University of Ilorin tagged 'Bon Soireé,’ rganised by members of a group, ‘Uniting Unilorin and friends' led by Mr Edmond Ajoge, according to a statement on Friday titled, 'Unilorin reunion.'

Irukera was quoted as saying that the nation can achieve more if alumni associations contributed constructively towards good governance.

He urged members of the group to forge a formidable and progressive alliance as well as build international networks to improve on their individual and collective successes to grow the nation.

He said, "I was just having a word with one of my friends here, he said he can't even deal with government and will not get himself involved in politics.

"You have to get involved because I am convinced that until the leadership in this country transfers into the hands of, first let me talk about those of us who went to Federal Government colleges, I guarantee you we will keep running around in circles.

"All of you are going to make it, become wealthy, send your children abroad. You can"t share stories with them because they are far in England or the United States. If you don't see that as a problem, there is a bigger problem ahead.

"So, if there is this level of quality, we owe ourselves, the school and the nation two things; never to stop the hustle, strengthen the bonds and use our network."

A former member of the House of Representatives who represented Ekiti North Federal Constituency, Bimbo Daramola, said the university had produced great personalities and the group was a viable platform to harness such human resources towards national development.

Speaking on behalf of the organisers, Mr John Shuaibu said the gathering was necessary to rekindle the rare quality of friendships fostered during the period the former students attended the university.