By Remi Johnson
A 100-year-old former university don, farmer and Chairman, Board of Trustees of the Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship International (FGBMFI), Nigeria, Pa. Dr. Olusola Ajolore, has declared that Nigeria is “worth saving, worth serving and worth believing in,” urging citizens to remain committed to building a better country.
Ajolore stated this during his centenary media engagement, where he used his 100 years of life and experience to reflect on Nigeria’s development and the responsibility of citizens to contribute to national renewal.
The centenarian, who said he had witnessed Nigeria from the colonial era, through independence, the Civil War, military rule and several democratic administrations, said despite the country’s challenges, he remained optimistic about its future.
“Nigeria is worth saving. Nigeria is worth serving. And Nigeria is worth believing in. Nigeria has enormous potential, but potential will not build a nation. People must.” He said.
Pa. Ajolore called on Nigerians to secure their communities, strengthen agriculture and food security, invest in education and young people, encourage productive enterprise and uphold integrity and responsible leadership.
He said one of the greatest challenges facing the country was insecurity, noting that its consequences extended beyond physical safety to agriculture, business, employment and food production.
According to him, a farmer who cannot safely reach his farm cannot produce effectively, while a business that cannot operate securely cannot create employment.
He therefore urged government and citizens to support security institutions with reliable intelligence and community cooperation, while ensuring that those responsible for violence are held accountable through lawful processes.
Ajolore also appealed to young Nigerians not to surrender their future to frustration, urging them to acquire knowledge, develop skills, embrace technology, work hard and create value.
He, however, challenged older Nigerians to examine the kind of country they were leaving for the younger generation, asking whether they had provided sufficient opportunities, quality education, security and the integrity expected from young people.
Reflecting on his longevity, Ajolore said the greater question was not merely how long a person lived, but what he or she achieved with the years.
He urged Nigerians to live purposefully, remain productive, maintain meaningful relationships, continue learning and serve others.
The centenarian said his Christian faith had taught him that life was a gift, leadership was a responsibility and service was greater than self-interest.
He called for respect for Nigeria’s religious and cultural diversity, saying citizens should unite around fundamental values such as respect for human life, integrity, justice, hard work, service and concern for future generations.
Ajolore concluded by urging Nigerians to look beyond the challenges of the present and work collectively towards a country where every citizen can live with dignity and hope.