Renowned historian, and author of the book; “Ilorin the Journey So Far,” Alh Lasisi Kolawole Jimoh (LAK) has charged professors and administrators of Ilorin ancestry at various locations to leave positive footprints on the sand of time wherever they hold sway.
Jimoh said while education remained “a strategy” adopted for the development of the Ilorin Emirate by its early educationists and administrators, those in positions of authorities must ensure that they groom and nurture their successors to guarantee the future of the emirate from where they have also reaped from.
“Leave your footprints on the sand of time wherever you are, endeavour to be your brother’s keeper not your brother’s killer”, he charged.
Popularly known as LAK Jimoh, the renowned historian, spoke at the annual general meeting of the Ilorin Emirate Professors’ Association (IEPA) in Ilorin, Kwara State.
In his paper titled: “Level of Educational Advancement in Ilorin Emirate: Opportunities in Employment and Appointments”, Jimoh, recalled that the early administrators who held sway decades ago in various positions of authorities at national level, were very passionate in uplifting the young ones and also fixing them to positions of authorities.
He added that such acts of patriotism should be emulated and sustained by those in position of influence.
Jimoh who expressed delight that many sons and daughters of Ilorin emirates have attained highest pinnacles in their educational, political and managerial positions in all discipline, said the emirates have all it takes to perform in all sectors.
The outgoing president of the association, Prof. Abdulfatai Olokoba said that the association had expanded the scope of its annual students’ scholarship scheme to 22 in 2024 with the inclusion of two physically challenged persons.
Each of the 22 beneficiaries received a cash grant of N100, 000, a certificate, and a copy of the Holy Qur’an.
He said the scholarship programme which the association had initiated since 2022, with 10 beneficiaries and another 20 beneficiaries in 2023, is being sustained with the sum of N10m donated by the senator representing Kwara Central Senatorial District, Saliu Mustapha.
Senator Mustapha who was amongst the three persons honoured with an award at the event, announced another N20m donation to the association.
Other awardees who were also recognised for their contributions to the cause of IEPA included Senator Ibrahim Oloriegbe and Senator Gbemisola Saraki.