Emeritus Professor of History and former Vice Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt, Prof. Sylvanus Cookey, has decried the widening gap between the rich and the poor in Nigeria, saying such segregation must end for the nation to develop.
Prof. Cookey said this at a Legacy Lecture organized by the University of Port Harcourt, to celebrate his birthday anniversary and presentation of two books written in his honour, held at the CBN Centre of Excellence Auditorium in UNIPORT.
Prof Cookey, who was the second Vice Chancellor of UNIPORT, noted with concern that successive leaders in the country are selfish, thinking only of themselves; a situation he said has affected the growth and development of the country.
Expressing dismay that leaders of today are not building a nation “where all will be happy and fulfill potentials,” as human beings, Cookey lamented that they are rather introducing a system that differentiate the rich from the poor.
The retired Professor emphasized that true leaders are selfless and serve with love and do what would benefit the populace, irrespective of social status, but expressed regrets that the country has a minute number of such leaders as of today.
He stated, “Everybody seems to be fighting for himself, not caring for those who are not in the position to help themselves, or access public funds. I think this is what is retarding the growth of this country.
“I think this is derived from our colonial heritage, where there was segregation between the white and the black; between those who lived in European quarters and those who lived in African quarters.
“And people seemed to have moved those who are in a privileged position to the position of Europeans, not recognizing that the struggle for independence was to liberate everybody and make life comfortable for everyone.”
The don however said, “Until we come to realize that our society needs orientation away from that, I believe we will still be in trouble, but I pray that people will reflect again on their responsibilities to our country, to our people and devote their energies, instead of struggling for naked power and self-fulfillment, to fight to benefit the ordinary man and woman in our society.”
Prof Cookey said he feels fulfilled that after he left UNIPORT over three decades ago, the citadel of learning and the community still remember and feel his impacts and consider him worthy to be celebrated in such gorgeous manner, thanking the management for the honour.
He called on leaders to do things that will enthrone legacies and make people celebrate them, years after leaving office.
UNIPORT VC, Prof. Georgewill Owunari, said the impacts of Professor Cookey remains profound, adding that he was celebrated by the university due to his remarkable legacies 30 years after he left the institution, saying, “His legacies are still influencing every facet of the academic and administrative activities of this citadel of learning till date.”
Represented by the Deputy VC Administration, Prof. Clifford Ofurum, Prof. Owunari also said that the university deemed it necessary to build a centre as a memorial to celebrate his legacies.
Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, who was represented by his deputy, Prof Ngozi Odu, noted that the impacts of Prof. Cookey transcends UNIPORT, insisting that he laid a solid foundation which the institution is still reveling in.
The two books written in honour of the emeritus professor are: ‘A Torch Bearer for All Seasons,’ written by Pianam Pereso; and ‘SJS Cookey: A Historian and His Story,’ written by Dr Obinna Wordi.
