By Correspondent in Ilorin
A second republic politician,Chief Olatunji Arosanyin, has urged the Federal government not to encourage payment of ransom to kidnappers to secure release of abductees.
Speaking in Ilorin on Thursday at a media briefing to mark 70th anniversary of Titcombe College, Egbe, Kogi state,who is the Chairman, Central Planning Committee of the school, Chief Olatunji Arosanyin, said that payment of ransom could increase cases of student abduction in the country.
Arosanyin, who said that well-to-do family could pay ransom, asked rhetorically, “where would less privileged family get money to secure their children’s release?”
He described the payment of ransom as worshipping kidnappers,saying that the more money given to kidnappers, the more they kidnap.
He, however, called on government to provide opportunity that would occupy youths, just as he canvassed for free education and use of technology in schools.
Arosanyin disclosed that the 70th anniversary would be marked with a series of programmes between 14 and 16 May.
He revealed that old students of the school were set to lay foundation of an ultramodern ICT Centre-Computer Based Test (CBT) Centre; launch of Titcombe College Endowment Fund, award of honour and book launch, motorcade, courtesy visits, road shows, novelty match, and Alumni variety night, as parts of the 70th anniversary programme.
“College was established in January 1951 by the Sudan Interior Mission (SIM). The College is named after Reverend Tommy Titcombe, a dogged and hard working missionary that did a lot in Egbe and its environs.
“This area was once part of Kwara state before it was carved out to become part of Kogi state”, he said.
Arosanyin also called on government across the country not to allow old generation schools to become unattractive for admission seekers.
The elder state man said it was worrisome that, schools which had produced many great people in the country and internationally were no longer appealing to candidates seeking admission or their parents
Arosanyin said glory of the old schools could be restored by concerted efforts of the government, old students associations and other stakeholders
He called for support of other stakeholders for the old students of the Titcombe College to restore the glory of their Alma Mater.
Arosanyin disclosed that former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (rtd) was one of the invited guests that to grace the occasaion alongside numerous old students of the college, now eminent personalities in the country.
He assured that adequate security arrangements had been made for the safety of invited guests and members during the ceremony.
