The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Adewale Akanbi; a former National Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commissioner (INEC), Prof. Lai Olurode, and the provost, Federal College of Education, Iwo, Prof. Rafiu Adebayo, have charged scholars to continue to be role models for the younger generation to have a better country
They made the call during the 2024 Distinguished Role Model Awards of Excellence conferred on four Iwo-born professors by The Wings School, Iwo, Osun State.
The event, which took place at the school’s main hall, was attended by prominent sons and daughters of the town.
The award recipients were Prof. Sikiru Adetona Olurode of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State; Prof. Sarafa Oluwatosin Azeez of the Federal University of Technology, Minna, Niger State; Prof. Adedayo Foluke Akande of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Ogun State and Prof. Lukmon Adeoti of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Akoka, Lagos.
The Guardian reports that Oba Akanbi described the initiative as a feat that would make a great impact on the students to aspire for greatness.
The monarch urged the awardees to continue to use their knowledge and wisdom to serve God and humanity, adding that they must not relent in serving as role models for the younger ones.
On his part, the Provost of the Owo Federal College of Education, Prof. Adebayo, who was the guest lecturer, congratulated the awardees on the role model award.
The professor, however, charged them not to rest on the oars but to continue to serve as role models and inspiration to the younger generation.
The provost said: “The younger ones are watching, not just what you achieve but also how you achieve it. They are observing your values, integrity, and how you handle success. Being a role model is not just about showing what is achievable; it is about demonstrating the right way to achieve it.
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“The impact you can have as a role model is immense. I urge you to embrace this guide. Take every opportunity to lift others. As role models, you have the power to mould the future by encouraging the younger generation to aspire for greatness, not just in their careers, but also in their conduct and values.”
The proprietor of The Wings School, Iwo, Prof. Olurode, said the award was established many years ago to celebrate excellence.
The professor disclosed that it was meant to showcase people who have excelled in their careers to the students and for the awardees to serve as role models to those coming behind.
Earlier, the chairman of the occasion, Elder Adeniran Adeyinka, congratulated the awardees.
Adeyinka urged them to continue building endearing legacies that would promote academic excellence.
