By Adeyinka Adeniran
Scholars, Heads of Tertiary Institutions, Captains of Industries, Clerics, Ibadan Mogajis, Friends, Families and well wishers on Tuesday converged in Ibadan to celebrate the first coronation anniversary of Professor Lateef Sanni as the Mogaji (Family head) of Olukunle Compound in Ibadan.
The event which was held at the Isale Alfa family compound of the Ile Olukunle, Oje, Ibadan was not only to reflect on Prof Lateef Sanni’s activities as a family head within the last one year but an opportunity to appreciate God and empower youths in Olukunle family compound with life changing vocational equipment.
Sp
eaking in an interview with journalists, a guest speaker, Chief Imam of University of Abuja Central Mosque, Professor Taofeek Abdul-Azeez who identified poverty as a major factor responsible for insecurity in the country, appealed to Ibadan Mogajis to prioritize the welfare of members of their family compounds.
Professor Abdul-Azeez while commending Mogaji Lateef Sanni for his continued effort to uplift his family name, urged him to continue to look inward to ensure that the less privileged members of the Ile Olukunle Compound are empowered, encouraged and loved.
“When we talk about crime in the society, every good person comes from a family and when the family does not care, that person is forever lost, but when the family cares, it would be different for anyone who values the name of the family to engage in crime. Where the family is united and loving, the rate of crime and intension to commit crime will be reduced” he said
While speaking on the need for people not to be power drunk with positions, the cleric described Professor Lateef Sanni as a man who has remained humble despite his exposure, positions and connections.
Also speaking, the rector, Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology, Igboora, Professor Akinola Akinlabi who led the Management team of the institution to the occasion described Prof.Sanni as a trustworthy, reliable and man of integrity with a large heart.
Professor Akinlabi who felicitated with Mogaji Sanni on the first coronation anniversary said “He’s ready to listen and help you, he’s a man that doesn’t show off his position, he’s a right thinking person who has good leadership spirit, if he sees you, he will give you the rest you deserve. He knows where he’s going and channel everything, all other side attractions are minor to him”
In their separate remarks, Rector, The Polytechnic, Ibadan, Professor Kazeem Adebiyi and Director, Research Operations, Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute, Dr Adeola Oyebanji showered encomium on Mogaji Lateef Sanni, describing him as a go- getter.
Reacting, Mogaji Lateef Sanni who could not hide his joy appreciated His Imperial Majesty, Oba Sen. Lekan Balogun and the Association of Ibadan Mogajis for the support and opportunity to serve his people.
Mogaji Sanni said the last one year has been a call to service which has helped him to touch more lives positively.
Prayers were offered for Mogaji Sanni, the Olukunle family and Ibadan land in general in a Muslim and Christian way at the event while guest were entertained at Carlton Gate event centre where gifts were presented to the Professor of food science and Technology.
Professor Lateef Sanni is a the Governing Council Chairman, Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology, Igboora, the Executive Director, Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute, Ilorin and former Deputy Vice Chancellor, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB).
The event was well attended by former Deputy Vice Chancellors in FUNAAB, Dr. Mutiu Agboke, Resident Electoral Commissioner, Osun State, FUNAAB Governing Board Member, Prof. Folake Henshaw and Teacher to Mogaji Lateef Sanni, Prof. (Mrs.) Moji Oyebola, the Ekerin Iyalode of Ibadanland and former Commissioner in Oyo State, Governing Council Members of OYSCATECH, Representatives of International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Management and Staff of Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute (NSPRI), Alumni of FUNAAB, the Aboaba family, the immediate past Bursar for OYSCATECH, Dr. Sarafa Agbogun, the Bursar, the Polytechnic, Ibadan, Mr. Olawole Ojetola and a host of others.
