By Mathew Babatunde.
A Clergyman with the Catholic Diocese of Ekiti, Rev. Fr. Lawrence Adetola has enjoined those in positions of authority to be humble in their service to God and humanity.
Rev. Father Adetola gave the admonition in his Homily to mark the thanksgiving service of the 3rd anniversary of Professor Edward Olanipekun as the Vice Chancellor of Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti.
At the service held at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Chaplaincy, Ekiti State University, the Clergyman noted that whoever God has favoured, is for a purpose and an opportunity to serve. He said further that those who God has favoured should not use the position to oppress their subordinates.
Fr. Adetola observed that people are too desperate to get into positions of authority because of the entitlements attached to the office, rather than to offer quality service, adding that such desperados do not have anything tangible to offer.
The Catholic priest commended Professor Olanipekun for having the mind of thanksgiving and for not forgetting that it is the mercy of God that made him the Vice Chancellor of Ekiti State University.
In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Edward Olanipekun emphasized the need to thank God in every situation, hence the need for the event. While commending the various staff unions in the university for their cooperation, he appealed to them to reconsider their position on the current nationwide strike action in the interest of Ekiti State University, being a State institution with its own peculiarities.
Speaking briefly before his benediction, the Catholic Bishop of Ekiti Diocese, Bishop Felix Ajakaye prayed for the early resolution of the ongoing ASUU strike. He urged ASUU to restrategize in view of the fact that the union is negotiating with a seemingly deaf and dumb government.
Dignitaries at the service included the Secretary to the State Government, Mr Foluso Daramola, Permanent Secretaries, representatives of the Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Principal Officers and other senior officials of the university.