WE WANT TO ERADICATE CULTISM IN LASU -Miss LASU, Ajoke Badmus

The Lagos State University (LASU), established by the then government of ex-governor Lateef Kayode Jakande happens to be one of the second generation universities in the country. But, the university had been known for the wrong reasons, especially cultism, which did much to destroy the image of the university and rubbished the dreams of its founding fathers.

For most parents, and students, the fear of LASU is the beginning of wisdom. This is one thing the authority of the university has been battling with for so long, at least to convince the generality of the people that the state university has much potential and can do without the menace of cultism.

For the reigning Miss LASU, Ajoke Badmus, cultism must become a thing of the past in the university so that the society can discover the potentials of the over 30-year old institution.

In her speech during a courtesy visit to the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. (Hon.) Adeyemi Ikuforiji in his office in Ikeja recently, Ajoke emphasized that she is organizing a programme to eradicate cultism in the institution.

She pleaded that there must be a change of perspective about the institution and declared that she was planning a music concert to stop cultism in the highly populated school.

The concert, she said is part of her three major programmes, which include campaign against breast cancer to create awareness about the deadly disease, and assisting children in motherless babies homes across the state.

“”I want to reach new students and intended cult members through the music concert.  The musician that was killed recently, a  400-level Banking and Finance Student, Olaniyan Damilola aka Damino Damoche is one of the only two children of his mother. The press only writes negative things about LASU, but we have our positive sides. The concert is coming up in June, 2013, those who will come there would want to come and see the artiste we have invited and from there we will educate them about the danger in cultism. We also want to produce billboards that will inform the students that cultism is bad. We want the House of Assembly to assist us in achieving our aims,” she said.

She lamented that a 400-level student in the school had breast cancer and that one of her breasts had to be cut off so that she could continue to live.

On why she decided to help the fatherless, Ajoke said that she lost her father at a tender age and that she was brought up by her elder sister, adding that not everybody would have that kind of opportunity.

Ajoke revealed that she was moved to tears by what she saw at an orphanage in a Lagos suburb, Obadore and that she pitied some of the children in the home, stressing that she would like to visit more of such homes in the nearest future if she is assisted by the House and other well meaning members of the society.

In his reaction, Speaker Adeyemi commended Ajoke for her laudable programmes, and declared that she is the best beauty queen he has attended to since he has been receiving visitors in his office.

He said that the country's destiny is in the hands of the youths, and that by listening to Ajoke, he was fired up to do what is proper for the society and get more involved with youth organizations to build organizations and leaders of tomorrow.

“You spoke very well and articulated the ideas perfectly. I have received many beauty queens, but you have given me the best impressions. We will support you financially, and I am pleading with you to your colleagues that we need a re-orientation. Let the world know that there are good things about LASU. I support you in pleading with the press to write positive about LASU,” he said.

Adeyemi disclosed that his first child and daughter graduated from LASU and that even as a lecturer in the United States of America, he never encouraged her to leave the school.

 He boasted that the girl did well and had second class upper through which she went to the University of Yale in England for her Master's Degree Programme and that she was working with the World Bank and is now with the African Development Bank (ADB).

June 11, 2013