The former president of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners, Waheed Kadiri has been described as an enigma, a pacesetter and an astute administrator.
These commendations were poured on the former Rector, Moshood Abiola Polytechnic at the presentation of a Book of Readings launched in his honour in Abeokuta. The event, which attracted notable personalities from the academia, industry professional groups/associations, organised public and private sectors was organised by the School of Environmental Studies (SENVS), MAPOLY in honour of Kadiri.
The Chairman of Justrite Ltd, Dr Ayodele Aderinwale, who chaired the occasion, charged professional bodies to uphold ethics as a core value to move Nigeria forward, saying that Kadiri is a builder of men and institutions. Aderinwale described Kadiri as a personified humility of positive values and a man who is not looking for validation because he is internally validated.
In his welcome address, the lead editor and Chairman Planning Committee, who doubles as the Rector of Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Abeokuta, Dr Adekoyejo Jolaoso, described the celebrant as a trailblazer whose mentorship traits are unequalled.
He said the book presentation/launch titled: “Towards the Attainment of Sustainable Environment” provided an opportunity to rekindle the legacies of Kadiri as “a living legend of our time”; and to honour him while he is still alive.
He added that Kadiri has unique qualities that are worthy of studying and adoption for robust, sustainable, as well as people-centred built environment development.
Jolaoso said his achievements are remarkable while enduring an excellent visionary legacy and is committed to shaping the future of the built environment. He said that Kadiri’s scholarly contributions to the academic and the built industry cannot be over-emphasised, adding that they represent all the wonderful research works compiled.”
Other dignitaries at the event revealed the relevance of Kadiri as indispensable and unquantifiable across any profession or institution. According to the book reviewer, Prof Muyiwa Agunbiade, the 387-page book of 24 chapters with six themes/sections, is a vital resource for professionals, academics and policymakers committed to sustainable development.
The celebrant, Kadiri, while responding expressed optimism about positive changes in the affairs of the Polytechnic and Nigeria saying the future appears brighter.
Director, School of Environmental Studies, Dr Samson Agbato, who was one of the editors, said the book is another opportunity to showcase sterling diverse talents and groundbreaking vista from staff, researchers, and past students.
“The compilation reflects the spirit of enquiry, creativity and dedication to innovative design and research solutions imbued in sustainable urban planning strategies that define SENVS. SENVS continues to uphold its mission of promoting sustainable built environment studies and stewardship, fostered through academic excellence, interdisciplinary collaborations and community engagements,” he added.
