Following the previous day's event of the Colloquium and Scientific Conference in honour of Prof. Bankole Oke; today, Wednesday, 10 August 2022, the Celebration of Life and Memorial Lecture of Prof. Oke continued at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan.
The program commenced by 10:00am with the introduction of the wife, son and wife of son of Prof. Oke. Others that were recognized: the chief host, Vice-Chancellor, UI, represented by the DVC (Admin), Prof. Ezekiel Ayoola. The Honourable Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation was represented by the CMD, UCH.
The national and school anthems (respectively) were taken; after which one minute stand of silence was observed to honour the departed. The Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine gave the welcome address, during which she read the biography of Prof. Oke.
At exactly 10:57am, Governor of Ondo state, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, the guest lecturer walked in.
Dr. Babasola Olugasa gave a presentation on "An Authentic Leader: Life story of Prof. Bankole OKE at the center for Control and Prevention of Zoonotic Diseases..."
One of the notable events that occurred during the program was the launching of the special edition of the Tropical Veterinarian (Journal of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine), headed by the executive governor of Ondo state, with ₦1,000,000 (1 millon naira); followed by the DVC (Admin) of UI; followed by the CMD of UCH.
There was a cultural presentation of drums and dancing in honour of the icon. After which the citation of the governor of Ondo state was read, in which it was noted that the governor prefers his title Arakunrin meaning 'my brother' to His Excellency. The governor gave his lecture which centered around Religion in relation to politics.
He mentioned that politicians have made religion become weapons through which they manipulate the people.
He further buttressed on how religion had lived with Nigerians pre-independence without wreking havoc of any kind that we see in today's Nigeria.
He affirmed his position as an optimist as he clearly stated that the country is not without hope, and we must be hopeful of the nation.
Illustrating, he said, "will you as a christian enter the vehicle of a blind pastor instead of that of a clear-eyed imam? Or will you as a muslim enter the vehicle of a blind imam instead of that of a clear-eyed pastor?"
Arakurin without mincing words shared his opinion on which geopolitical zone the next president should emerge from as he clearly said: "after 8 years of northern leadership, the south is next."
After the governor's lecture, Tributes were given by representatives of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, department of Veterinary Anatomy, Senior staff club, University of Ibadan, Chapel of Resurrection, AVMS represented by the AVMS, UI president, Teefash (Oluwatobi Fashiku). Dr. Olukole also gave his tribute and also Prof. Akinloye, a former PhD student of Prof. Oke and the Dean of College of Veterinary Medicine, FUNAAB.
Prof. Bamiro, former VC of UI, Prof. Olanike Adeyemo, pioneer DVC (RISP), UI were also present at the program.
Fountain of Hope presented a posthumous Award of Excellence to Prof. Oke.
The Vote of thanks was given by Mr. Nwabunka, Faculty officer of Veterinary Medicine, UI, which was followed by the school and national anthems (respectively).
The program officially ended by 2:18pm.
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