Former Vice Chancellor of Babcock University, Ogun State, Prof Adekunle Alalade, has charged professionals to exhibit diligence and Godliness, which are required virtues for success
in any spheres of life as exemplified by a past President of the Nigerian Institution of Structural Engineers, Dr Victor Olusegun Oyenuga, who recently clocked 70.
The forum attracted family members, community friends, and professional colleagues across the building industry, church members and members of the Babcock university community.
Alalade who was the officiating minister gave the charge at the 70 birthday ceremony of Dr Oyenuga held at the Babcock University, Ilishan Remo, Ogun State. He emphasised that the celebrants’ life is a testimony of God’s goodness because he has always combined diligence with godliness in professional life and other spheres of endeavor. He urged Nigerians to emulate such attributes as shown by Joseph, Daniel and Saul in the bible.
Alalade described Oyenuga as a civil, structural and environmental engineer of international repute whose contribution to the church, profession and society is massive, adding that he is the kind of professional needed to halt the menace of building collapse which has claimed many lives and loss of material resources.
He further advised the senior citizens to keep faith, prioritise adequate food, exercise, engage in challenging activities and devote time for activities they enjoy doing among others.
Past President of the Nigerian Institute of Building, Mr Kunle Awobodu, said his admiration for Oyenuga stems from his exemplary ability to combine selfless service with his primary job.
Awobodu said: “His philosophy promotes a personal involvement in result- oriented activities. To him, he would prefer to be an active participant in a worthy cause than be an onlooker.
As one of the foundation members of Building Collapse Prevention Guild (BCPG), he was dedicated to eradicating the prevalent occurrence of building collapse in Nigeria, his resolve at not accepting a seemingly irredeemable situation is well defined. Among seasoned professionals in the built environment, he is outstanding as an icon in the struggle to design standard practices for the construction Industry.”
Awobodu who doubles as the pioneer president of BCPG said despite his academic prowess and achievements, Oyenuga remains a humble professional.
“At the formative stages of the BCPG, he came up with the ground leveling recommendation that both the professionals and artisans should wear the same BCPG apparel or uniform in order to eliminate the perceived inferiority complex observed with artisans in the crusade against building collapse,” he said.
President of Nigerian Institution of Structural Engineers, Johnson Adeyoye, (NIStructE) noted that Oyenuga is a remarkable individual, who served the Institution in several capacities as Hon. Secretary, Chairman of various Standing and Ad-Hoc Committees, Vice President, Deputy President as well the President of the Institution. He said his tenure as the Institution’s President in 2009-2011 recorded a significant growth in the Institution in terms of membership and finances, adding that administration witnessed a very cordial relationship with the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Council for Regulation of Engineers in Nigeria and other professional bodies in the built Industry.
Son of the celebrant, Ebenezer Oyenuga, said what makes his father different was his incredible willingness to share knowledge.
“Your unwavering passion for your career, and commitment to continuous learning and teaching, are truly inspiring. That spirit of sharing has undeniably rubbed off on all of us, your children. It’s remarkable how our career paths are rooted in your own achievements,” he said.
President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, (NSE) Margaret Oguntala, said: “Oyenuga has left an indelible mark on the engineering profession and our Society. Your towering contributions to the growth of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) and your selfless services to our Society are truly commendable. You have exemplified excellence through your leadership and visionary contributions, particularly to the NSE Board of Fellows.
Your involvement has been crucial in shaping strategic initiatives and building an environment of collaboration that cultivates Innovation and professional growth among our members. Your mentorship skills have greatly and positively impacted the career progression of young engineers, posturing you as a guiding light, who inspires confidence and ambition.”
Earlier, a family member, Mrs Bosede Sofayo, commended Oyenuga for exhibiting great support for educational pursuit of people around him. He described him as a good father and urged him not to relent in good works.
