A prominent chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State and retired military officer, Dr. Gbenga Adegbola, has called for the eternal remembrance and appreciation of Nigeria’s past great leaders, whose vision and sacrifices, he said, continue to shape the nation’s democratic and developmental trajectory.
Dr. Adegbola made this declaration while delivering his goodwill message at the Progressives Yes Forum (PYF) Conference, held at the International Conference Center, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, on Thursday.
In his address, the Oyo APC stalwart lauded the enduring legacies of eminent leaders such as Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Alhaji Lam Adeshina, and Chief Bola Ige, whose free education policies and progressive governance models, he stressed, transformed countless lives during their lifetimes and continue to inspire generations even after their demise.
“The sacrifices and visionary leadership of our past heroes cannot be forgotten. They gave selflessly to ensure that Nigeria had a solid foundation, and their contributions must remain a guiding light for us all,” Dr. Adegbola said.
“We must not only honor their memory but also emulate their courage, integrity, and commitment to justice and equality. It is on their shoulders that the Nigeria of today stands.”
He commended the Progressives Yes Forum for reviving and promoting the ideals of these heroes through constructive engagement and political reawakening. Dr. Adegbola also appealed to political officeholders and party faithful to uphold the high standards set by the forebears of progressive politics in Nigeria.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Progressives Yes Forum, Comrade Wole Abisoye, charged members of the Forum to remain resolute and courageous in surmounting obstacles confronting the APC in Oyo State. He urged grassroots mobilization and renewed commitment to the ideals of progressivism for the betterment of the party and the people.
The conference, which drew prominent political figures, witnessed the presence of key stakeholders including Elder Timothy Alarape, Alhaji Laide Abass (Oyo State APC Chairman), His Excellency, Barrister Iyiola Oladokun (former Deputy Governor of Oyo State), His Excellency, Moses Alake Adeyemo (former Deputy Governor of Oyo State), and Comrade Moshood Erubami, who served as the guest speaker.
Other dignitaries in attendance included Alhaji Abu Gbadamosi, Alhaji Sulaiman Ajibade, Otunba Ashiru Semoster, Alhaji Kazeem Omoolomo, Dr. Hamid Ayinla, Hon. Bosun Ajuwon, Sir Hon. Lekan Adeyemo, among others.
