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By Emmanuel Adeleke
Dignitaries from all walks of life including former President Olusegun Obasanjo, foremost banker, Otunba Subomi Balogun and wife of the vice president, Mrs Dolapo Osinbajo were in attendance at the commissioning of a 750-capacity hostel and hall to mark the 90th birthday of businessman, Chief Kola Daisi, on Saturday.
Commissioning the hostel and hall, named after his long time friend, Chief Subomi Balogun and his late wife, Mrs Sherifat Agbeke Kola-Daisi at the Kola-Daisi University (KDU), along badan- Oyo road, Mrs. Osinbajo described the celebrant as a man of great impact.
She said Kola Daisi has made a tremendous legacy which will continue to speak for him during and after his life time.
In his congratulatory message, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, represented by his wife Mrs Moji Obasanjo said Daisi has lived a remarkable and accomplished life worthy of celebration.
“You have lived a life highlighted with various achievements and successes in private life; a life full of many lessons for this and coming generations. Your devotion to duty in private sector in various areas of general business is remarkable; your philanthropy and generosity have marked you out as a public-spirited businessman who loves his people and serves them with a high sense of responsibility,” he said
Obasanjo said the celebrant’s devotion to development among other critical challenges facing Nigeria during his term as president of Nigeria cannot be overemphasised.
“I am also pleased that your sterling character, exemplary life leadership role among the Yoruba people have been suitably recognised and honoured with the conferment of the titles of Aro of Ondo land by the Osungbedola II and the Bashorun of Ibadan by the Olubadan. With greatest satisfaction as well, your eminent services to industry and commerce both home and within the West Africa sub-region were duly recognised with the award of West Africa International Golden Award in 2002,” He added.
In his remarks, Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde, described Daisi as an accomplished Ibadan man, who has contributed greatly to the development of Ibadan and Oyo State in general.
Also, Chief Subomi Balogun said the friendship between him and Daisi was ordained by the Almighty God, describing the celebrant as a true and unique friend.
Also, Chief Ayo Adebanjo; former governor of Lagos State and Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola; Accord governorship candidate, Chief Bayo Adelabu; former first lady of Oyo State, Mrs Florence Ajimobi, all showered encomiums on the celebrant, describing him as a role model, mentor and a great man who serves God and his people.
Some of the children of the celebrant inlcuding the Asipa of Ibadan land, High Chief Abiodun Kola-Daisi and the Oyo South senatorial candidate for Accord Kolapo Kola-Daisi, described their father as a selfless, dedicated, disciplinarian, philanthropist who is worthy of emulation.
Chief Kola Daisi, who clocked 90 years of age on September 14, said he named the hall, “Agbeke Memorial Hall,” in memory of his late wife and named the 750 capacity hostel after Chief Subomi Balogun, in appreciation of his friendship of over 66 years with him.