By Adeyinka Adeniran
The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Professor Kayode Adebowale, has charged Nigerians to imbibe the Scout virtues of courage, self-reliance, endurance, teamwork, community service, and commitment to societal development to lift Nigeria to greater heights.
He said if the virtues were inherent in Nigerians, such ills as armed robbery, forgery, internet fraud, and other social ills would be eradicated because people will look out for the well being of other members of the society.
Professor Adebowale gave the charge in a goodwill message delivered at the inauguration of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Administration, Professor Peter Olapegba, as the President of the Oyo State Scout Association.
He, therefore, promised to give his support to ensure the success of Professor Olapegba’s tenure and the continued existence of the Scout Movement.
The Chairman of the Oyo State Youth Agency, Hon. Adebowale Falana, in his own goodwill message, said the Scout Association is a voluntary organisation that he holds in the highest esteem.
He assured that his agency would always support the Scouts to bring about societal transformation
The new President, Professor Olapegba, who had been a Scout member since he was 10 years old, said his inauguration was a call to service and a rare opportunity to contribute his quota to the development of the Scout Movement, not just in Oyo State but in Nigeria and the global space.
He described the Scouts as a group of selfless individuals sacrificing their time, energy, potential, and resources to make the world a better place by building the character of young men and women in order to raise them to become functional members and leaders in the society.
He said the focus of his administration would be, “Going back to the Basics: Strengthening the Foundation.”
He pledged to take scouting activities back to the primary and secondary schools by resuscitating comatose chapters and creating the movement in schools that never had one.
He also promised to provide support for indigent pupils who want to join by providing Scout uniforms and other paraphernalia.
Professor Olapegba also disclosed plans to inaugurate chapters in tertiary institutions so that Scouts in secondary schools can continue scouting activities when they enter into tertiary institutions.
The Oyo State Scout Commissioner, Reverend Moses Laniran explained that scouting is a lifestyle, and a game played according to the rules.
He said the Scout Movement is a voluntary non-political, educational movement for young people, open to all without discrimination of origin, race, or creed.
He stated that scouting is a non-formal education that provides organized educational activities outside the established formal system that is intended to serve all and sundry to achieve learning objectives.
The State Commissioner explained that scouting is in stages – the Beavers (from the age of 4 years), the Cubs (from the age of 12 years), the Scouts (from the age of 16 years), the Venturers (from the age of 18 years), and the Explorers who are adults.
Activities for the inauguration of the President included the launching of a commemorative necktie and the lighting of a traditional campfire.
