106TH INAUGURAL LECTURE: University Don Advocates Ideal Family Living As A Panacea For Societal Ills
By Simeon OSAJIE
A University don, Prof. Ethel Ekeloseya Idialu, has submitted that promoting the growth and development of ideal families in Nigeria and other developing countries, most especially in Africa, will enhance curbing the wave of crime and unwholesome conduct of citizens which is currently ravaging nations thereby constituting undue threats to peaceful coexistence in the society.
Idialu, a Professor of Home Economics Education, Ambrose Alli University Ekpoma while delivering the 106th Inaugural lecture of the university entitled “Ideal Family Living: A Panacea For Societal ills”, underscored the significance of a well-ordered home, noting that “disorder in the society stems from disorder in the family”.
According to Prof. Idialu who is the 15th lecturer from the Faculty of Education, the 2nd from the Department of Vocational and Technical Education and the 1st from the Home Economics Department to give an inaugural lecture, “Nations thrive when populated with ideal families. Crimes in Nigeria, today, are committed by individuals who hail from families.”
The erudite lecturer said: “Ideal family will certainly play a vital role in the development and well-being of individuals and the society as a whole. It serves as the primary unit of socialization, even as it provides emotional, psychological and financial support to its members.”
To curb criminality and other social vices, therefore, she recommended for urgent implementation, that “government and the society should prioritize family-friendly policies, invest in programmes that promote family well-being, incorporate family education and counselling programmes in the curricula of schools and institutions in order to equip individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge to form and maintain healthy families, among others.”
While declaring the lecture open, the Acting Vice Chancellor, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Prof. Asomwan Sonnie Adagbonyin, described the topic of the lecture as apt, considering the rate at which the modern-day society is being ravaged by various ills, many of which are caused by the collapse of family values.
“The Family is the foundation of the society. Whatever goes wrong in it has a direct impact on the society. In other words, if we get it right in our various families, the society will be a better place to live in,” he said.
Prof. Adagbonyin further noted that “the ideal family living plays a major role in curbing all societal ills. As the saying goes, charity begins at home. So also is Destiny, Decency and Dignity!”
He used the opportunity of the lecture to commend the staff and students of the University for the smooth running of the second semester of the 2022/2023 academic session as well as the conduct of the Computer Based Continuous Assessment (CBCA).
“As we prepare for the release of the Third Batch of admissions for the 2023/2024 academic session, let me remind us that this Management remains committed to an uninterrupted academic calendar.”
The Acting VC assured the University community that the Management will continue to commit to staff welfare and the prompt payment of salaries and pensions, even as the approval of promotions to all deserving staff of the University in the recently concluded appraisal exercises was being awaited. He assured that the Appraisal and Promotions exercise for the 2021/2022 and 2022/2023 sessions will soon be declared.
