>
By Oyebola Fabowale
It was a roll call of students, teachers, academics and dignitaries from other walks of life that witnessed the triploid celebration (Birthday, Retirement from civil service and award ceremonies) of Professor Adewale Roland Tunde Solarin at the Dipo Dina International Stadium, Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, Nigeria on Friday, April 5, 2024.
The stadium was agog with fanfare as the trumpeters heralded the arrival of the celebrant.
An International Valedictory Conference was earlier held in honour of the MATHEMATICAL Whizz; Professor of Algebra, ART Solarin at the Tai Solarin University of Education campus Ijebu Ode to commemorate the occasion.
Professor Adeniran , one of his students read the Citation of his boss.Prof ART as Solarin was fondly called while in the University.
Indeed, other academics took turn, extolled the virtues of Professor ART Solarin.. “The Professor of Professors”.
The birthday boy Adewale Solarin, attended Wesley School Oko, Sagamu. Later proceeded to Mayflower School, Ikenne for his Secondary Education.
He graduated from the University of Ife, now Obafemi Awolowo University. He had his Bachelor’s in 1975 in second class upper division. His Masters, PHD all from the same University.
In 1997, he became a Professor of Mathematics.
The atmosphere at Dipo Dina International Stadium, Ijebu Ode was quite celebratory.
One of the highpoints of the ceremony was demonstration and competition in Abacus among selected students in Ijebu axis. Abacus Champion emerged after a well coordinated exercise by two trainer of trainers.
The occasion was taken to the peak when Trophies in various categories were handed over to the awardees in warm handshakes by the wife of the Governor of Ogun State, Mrs Bamidele Abiodun.
Prof Solarin said, the overall best students in the the Competitions..AMC, STEAM, ABACUS, KSF and topmost in their categories were rewarded. The King, Queen of STEAM and Abacus Champion were specially adorned in green stripped regalia and cap.
Earlier in his speech, Ogun State Commissioner for Education, Science & Technology Professor Abayomi Arigbabu felicitated Prof. ART Solarin, adding that he had broken the world records of the largest Mathematics gathering. He was full appreciation to the organisers of the programme, the celebrant, his children and inlaws from Canada and the United States of America and others in attendance.
In her address to the occasion, the Ogun State First Lady, Mrs Bamidele Abiodun said she was delighted to witness the activities of the day. She commended Prof. ART Solarin’s efforts for bringing Mathematics especially Abacus training to the entire length and breadth of Ogun State.
Her Excellency enjoined the students to train one another, adding that it was the only way they could learn better and faster. Do not expect your teachers to teach you everything, she said.
She implored other well meaning Nigerians to take a cue from the manner in which Professor Solarin celebrated his birthday.
The landmark event would be incomplete without a mention of the pivotal roles played by Revd. (Mrs) Valentina Solarin, the wife of the celebrant, a silent socio- philanthropist. Bible says, “Two are better than One”
No wonder, the husband gave a warm embrace as they both dance to a soul-stirring music that not only captivated the audience but, also ignited a viral sensation.
Expectedly, the symbolic cutting of the Cake was done by the celebrant. Her Excellency, Mrs Abiodun, Hon Commissioner, Prof Abayomi Arigbabu, Celebrant’s wife, Children and others.
Group photographs were taken with the awardees while the celebrant expressed his manifold of appreciation to all well wishers.
The symbolism of the celebration should be to serve humanity selflessly especially when in position to do so.
Here’s felicitating Professor ART Solarin on his 70th Birthday.