By Abdulgaffar Arikewuyo

Members of Ilorin community have organized an honorary event for the immediate past vice chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Professor Is-haq Oloyede for his remarkable and dynamic leadership during his time as Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin. The event which was held on (Sunday 2nd June 2013) took place at the Kwara State banquet hall in Ilorin.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the occasion, Justice Mustafa Akanbi said Ilorin people are ever grateful to everyone who serves them well.

“During his time in office he was able to admit quite a number of Ilorin indigenes and I bear testimony to the fact that the pressure I was having from people is unbelievable, but let me say that Oloyede was able to assist a lot of our sons and daughters. Justice Akanbi said”

Justice Akanbi described Professor Oloyede as a disciplined person stating that during his tenure in office, the University never had any problem of cultism or any form of indiscipline on campus.

He said the Ilorin community feels the only way they can appreciate him for helping raise the flag of the University high is to organize such event.He appreciated all those contacted for the successful organization of the event praying that God will continue to bless and enrich them.

Justice Akanbi commended the immediate past Vice Chancellor for the establishment of the Center for Ilorin Studies stating that the people of Ilorin will continue to appreciate it. He said one of the lessons learnt from such event is that anyone who shows love to the people of Ilorin will also be appreciated.

He said professor Oloyede achieved all he did due to his steadfastness, thoroughness and for being straight forward. He said he had helped a lot of people and does not feel comfortable whenever anyone beside him has any challenges. He appreciated professor Oloyede for also elevating Ilorin sons and daughter to the professorship level.

While thanking the organisers of the event for finding him worthy of honor, Professor Oloyede rendered songs of praises to Allaah stating that the event means a lot to him and his family.Professor Olyede who attended the event with members of his immediate and external family said he has realised that he is loved by many people in Ilorin therefore appreciating all members of the community.

He said he has always believed it is very important to leave together stating that the event has sent the rite signal to him that the elders are showing the upcoming ones the rite part to follow. He thanked the Muslim community in Ilorin stating that since he came to Ilorin he has never had any course to regret his stay.

Professor Oloyede thanked God that one of his dreams that he wants to become a fellow if the Nigeria Academy of Letters eventually become a reality recently appreciating God for his blessings and favors on him.

Among top members of the Ilorin community present at the event are Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Professor Abdulganiyu Ambali, Vice Chancellor Kwara State University, Professor Abdulrasheed Na-allah, Immediate Past Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Professor Oba Abdulraheem, Immediate Past Chairman of the council of the University of Ilorin Alhaji Saka Saadu, Representative of the Kwara State Governor, Alhaji Saka Onimago, the Governorship Candidate of the Action Congress of Nigeria at the 2011 election, Mr. Dele Belgore SAN as well as eminent sons and daughters of Ilorin Emirate.