Prof Duro Oni, my own Egbon, kinsman and leader, is a native of Iwoye-Ijesaland in Oriade Local Government of Osun State just like my humble self. He has also been at the University of Lagos since 1976 and was the Deputy Vice-Chancellor. I also attended the University of Lagos. He was however brought up in the north. Thus, he was more of a Northerner than a Southerner until he joined the services of the University of Lagos in 1976.
When he told me to contribute this tribute, I was “fingers-tied” because I knew that I would be competing with men and women of timbre and caliber in the academic world, thespians of no mean repute, quintessential wordsmiths and so on as is expected when a man of the caliber of Professor Duro Oni takes the stage. I also knew that they would have done justice to his exploits in every sphere of life that he showed interest in. I have therefore chosen to speak to the man and the Ijesa in him.
Despite coming on board of the Ijesa train a bit late, Prof Oni has demonstrated passion and commitment that have elevated him to the pinnacle of the Ijesa Society in Lagos and one percent of one percent of Ijesaland’s best at home and all over the world. In Iwoye-Ijesa where we both came from, he is our indisputable leader, guiding and directing us with love and making his training, experience and vast knowledge available to the community at all times. No doubt, he is our Oluomo of whom we are all proud. He sits on the board of our Microfinance Bank and the value-added has been phenomenal.
I have also experienced Prof Duro Oni as a person. He is kind, helpful and makes his time and other resources available very generously for consultation and advice at all times. No notice is too short. I have found his loyalty to his friends and his effusive celebration of their friendship most gratifying. Ditto is his appreciation and celebration of his teachers, mentors and even mentees at all times.
I consider it a privilege and honour to be part of this festschrift. On behalf of myself, family and the Iwoye-Ijesa Community, I congratulate him on his 70th birthday and peaceful retirement. I know that he still has a lot of arrows in his pouch and I wish him well as he moves on to another stage in his distinguished personal and professional life.
Engr(Chief). Dideolu Falobi, FNSE, FIoD is
Managing Director, Kresta Laurel Limited
Bobajiro of Ilesa.
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