It is February 14, and Nigerian politician, entrepreneur and humanist, Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo says he has an idea for governments, organisations and couples that would revolutionise society’s cohesion.
He in fact, has thrown a challenge to these quarters, concerning this year’s St Valentin’s Day, how they should celebrate it differently and more impactfully.
According to him, it should go beyond mere commemorations to heart-felt interventions and legacy projects that improve the wellbeing of people in the society
The entrepreneur-politician said, there could be no better way to join in an event that is synonymous with love, than sinking or implementing projects or programmes that truly touch the lives of the people, changing it for the better.
Sincere affection for the people, he said, should be enough motivation for others holding responsible positions in government, to go beyond tokenism this time but really provide for their people, life-transforming projects and policies.
Even for those who may not have material things to give, Ambassador Ajadi is of the opinion that the season of St Valentine, should motive them to love and care genuinely, shun greed, selfishness, wickedness, materialism bitterness, hate, murder, and the other vices which tend to characterise the society.
It is excellent to see individual lovers sharing cards and gifts at Valentine Day, but how about seeing projects tied to uplifting the people and improving their lifestyles being commissioned and handed over this season as a token of love”, he asked.
Commending organisations and individuals who usually reach out to the underprivileged during St Valentine Day every February 14, Ambassador Ajadi urged them not to relent, as they were fulfilling a great role in society for which they would be rewarded at due time.
“You will agree with me that, if we can imbibe this style of celebration, it will help us to achieve a lot improving the lives of our people, and making the society generally safer.
“It is something that any representative who truly loves his constituency should think about, execute a life impactful project, borne out of genuine love for your constituency that you can deliver during the season of February 14”.
Bemoaning the increasing hardship in the country, he urged Nigerians not to allow them to stop being one another’s keeper.
Ajadi who recently celebrated his marriage anniversary also challenged couples to use Valentina day celebration to renew their relationship.
According to him, families have a lot of roles to play in society even as healthy families will translate to healthy societies and vice versa.
“My admonition to couples is to use this February 14 Valentine’s Day to profess their love afresh to their partners.
“They should remember that they owe each other genuine affection and love, which will also show on their children.
“Let the love professed by St. Valentine on February 14 be seen in their actions towards one another.
“Let couples be there for each come rain, come shine and our society will be better again “.
Bemoaning the rampant cases of ritual killing, kidnapping and murders, he described them also as symptoms of a lack of genuine love in the society