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President Muhammadu Buhari, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Governor Seyi Makinde and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, are the among dignitaries expected at this year’s Samuel Ladoke Akintola memorial lecture, holding on May5.
Also expected to grace the event are South West governors, Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, former Oyo State Governor, Senator Rashidi Ladoja, and Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Saad Abubakar among others
A statement by the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Memorial Foundation spokesperson, Mr Yemi Adedokun noted that Prof. Rotimi Animashaun, a public analyst and lecturer at the University of Ibadan would be the guest speaker at the event.
According to him, the event is a yearly programme to remember the late Premier of Western Nigeria, Chief Samuel Ladoke Akintola, who contributed immensely to Nigerian politics and the development of the nation during his life time.
“The lecture would have been staged in 2021 but corona virus in the country caused the postponement, the purpose of the lecture is to remind people about legacies of the sage.
“Akintola will always be remembered, being the one who moved the independent motion, brain behind the establishment of University of Ife, Cocoa House and Wemabod to mention but few.
“Sen. Rashidi Ladoja is expected to chair the programme, two prominent Nigerians, Governor Makinde and Rotimi Amaechi will be given Award of Excellence and Outstanding Men by the Foundation,” he said.
He, added that the statue of Akintola would be commissioned at Takie Square, Ogbomoso, as part of efforts to immortalise him.