The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Professor Kayode O. Adebowale, mni, FAS, fspsp, has stated that the University considered late Senator Abiola Ajimobi as a man of great intellectual stride whose love and passion for the academics manifested when he, after achieving and attaining great heights in business, politics, and administration sought to pursue a doctoral degree in Sustainable Development at the University of Ibadan.
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Professor Adebowale confirmed that Senator Ajimobi was actually offered admission but unfortunately could not start the programme.
The Vice-Chancellor spoke at a Roundtable and celebration of Senator Ajimobi’s 74th posthumous birthday organized by the Senator Abiola Ajimobi Foundation in collaboration with the Institute for Peace and Strategic Studies, University of Ibadan.
He described late Senator Ajimobi as one of the most highly revered personalities that Nigeria has produced, an illustrious son of Ibadanland.
The Director of the Institute for Peace and Strategic Studies, Dr Ruth Adio-Moses, said the SAAF- IPSS Roundtable provides a platform that xrays burning national issues in order to propel formidable collaborations for sustainable interventions.
She commended the President of SAAF, Dr. Mrs. Florence Ajimobi, fspsp, for keeping the candle of the vision of late Senator Ajimobi burning.
The President of SAAF, Dr Florence Ajimobi, said the event further signposts the Ajimobi family’s unflinching belief in the pursuit of the ideals of good governance and accelerated development of the Nigerian State.
The Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, OFR, FCA, FCIB in his Keynote Address disclosed that the present administration in the country is focusing on increased capacity in the private and public sectors.
He assured that very soon, with the government’s short, medium, and long-term approaches, there would be significant improvement in electricity supply nationwide.
The theme of the Roundtable was “Re-engineering Nigeria for Sustainable Development: options, costs and prospects. The lead paper was delivered by a former Dean of the Faculty of Multidisciplinary Studies, Professor Isaac Olawale Albert.
Four other discussants, namely, Professor Duro Oni of the University of Lagos; Professor Adeola Adenikinju of the Department of Economics, UI; Mr Dapo Olorunyomi, a publisher (represented by his brother, Professor O. Olorunyomi), as well as Professor Tunji Olaopa, the Chairman of the Federal Civil Service Commission, did justice to the topic. The discussion was moderated by Professor Tajudeen Akanji, a former Director of IPSS.
Goodwill messages were received from the Vice President of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima, through Barrister Bashir Maidugu, the Senior Special Assistant Legal, in the Office of the Vice President.
The Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, also gave a goodwill message.
The Governor of Oyo State, Engr Seyi Makinde, FNSE, was represented by his deputy, Barrister Bayo Lawal, who spoke on behalf of the Governor, while the Governor of Ekiti State, Mr Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji was represented by Barrister Odunayo Ayeni.
The Deputy Senate President was represented by Professor Mohammed Fagge.
The celebration was indeed a gathering of who-is-who in politics, industry, and academia. Traditional rulers or their representatives, and religious leaders were also in attendance.
The Roundtable was the 6th since its inception in 2018. It enabled the celebration of the 74th posthumous birthday of Senator Ajimobi, the first ever two-term governor of Oyo State, who was born on 16 December 1949 but died on 25 June 2020.
[…] READ ALSO: UI Considered Late Sen. Ajimobi as a Man of Great Intellectual Stride — VC […]