Ila-Orangun, Osun State, came alive on Friday, January 16, 2026, for the 87th birthday celebration of Chief Adebisi Bamidele Akande, CFR—Chancellor of the University of Ibadan and Chairman of the College of Medicine Court of Governors.
The Provost of the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan (COMUI), Professor T. O. Ogundiran, FAS, and his management team joined other dignitaries from across the academic, political, and business spheres, family members, and numerous admirers in making the day memorable.
His Excellency, President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, was represented at the event by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr. G. Akume.
The event, held at the Federal University of Health Sciences, Ila Orangun (FUHSI), was chaired by Dr. A. Yusuf, Chairman of the National Population Commission (NPC). In his brief remarks, Dr. Yusuf felicitated Chief Akande on the occasion of his birthday, describing him as a visionary leader whose dedication and service continue to inspire many. He prayed that Chief Akande would enjoy many more years of good health, happiness, and continued impact in serving his community and the nation.
In his congratulatory tribute, Professor Ogundiran warmly felicitated the celebrant, fondly known as Baba Omo Kekere. He described the elder statesman as a remarkable personality who is a blessing and an inspiration to others. He prayed that God would grant him the grace to celebrate many more birthdays in good health and sound mind.
In his address, the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Ila Orangun, and an alumnus of the University of Ibadan, Professor A. Lasisi, congratulated Chief Akande on his birthday. He described him as a dedicated and selfless leader whose contributions to the establishment of the institution remain indelible. According to Professor Lasisi, FUHSI recently marked its fourth anniversary and holds the distinction of being the first university in Nigeria to independently construct its teaching hospital—a milestone to which Chief Adebisi Akande’s vision and leadership were central.
He further recalled the words of Professor Ogundiran, noting: “What distinguishes Chief Adebisi Akande is his capacity to understand the issue at hand and his unwavering commitment to seeing it through.”
The birthday lecture titled “Increasing Population, Insecurity, and Inflation Crises in Nigeria: Strategies for Managing Stakeholders’ Concerns in Emerging Cities,” was delivered by Professor O. S. Gbadebo, Acting Vice-Chancellor of the University of Uyo. In his lecture, Professor Gbadebo provided a deeply insightful analysis of the challenges confronting emerging urban centres such as Ila-Orangun, situating them within the broader national context. He underscored how rapid population growth, rising insecurity, and persistent inflation are not only national concerns but are increasingly shaping the socio-economic realities of growing towns across Nigeria.
Drawing particular attention to Ila-Orangun as a representative emerging city, he illustrated how local experiences mirror national trends, thereby offering lessons of wider relevance. Professor Gbadebo proposed practical and inclusive strategies for addressing these challenges across Nigeria, emphasizing effective stakeholder engagement through coordinated policies, strengthened community participation, and sustainable urban planning. He stressed that adopting such approaches at both local and national levels would be critical to fostering stability, resilience, and long-term development in Ila-Orangun and the country as a whole.
Also present at the event were members of the Board of Trustees of the Adebisi Akande Foundation (AAF), including Emeritus Professor O. Aina, OFR (Chairman); Professor I. F. Adewole (Secretary); Honourable F. Akande; Dr. Temitope Ilori; Dr. Wuraola Akande; Senator A. Ibrahim; Barrister A. Akande; Dr. K. I. Imam; Chief P. Akinyelure; Dr. Z. Adedeji; Mrs. Bolaji Akintola; and Honourable B. Olatunji (Members).
The Foundation is guided by a clear and forward-looking mission: “to enhance, accelerate, encourage, and promote the development and delivery of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education as a vehicle to transform the Nigerian youth for gainful employment, and ultimately for national development.”
The event also recorded goodwill messages from several distinguished personalities, including the Royal Father of the Day, Oba Wahab Kayode Oyedotun; Special Guest of Honour, His Excellency Mallam Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, CON, Executive Governor of Kwara State; the Chief Host, Chief Isiaka Gboyega Oyetola; His Excellency Boni Haruna, former Governor of Adamawa State; the State Party Chairman, Sooko Tajudeen Lawal; the Chair of the Bisi Akande Foundation, Professor Olu Aina; and the Chief Medical Director of FUHSI, Professor Kola Owonikoko.
Their goodwill messages, rich in praise, reflections, and words of encouragement, enriched the occasion, leaving a lasting impression on all in attendance.
The event was further enriched by captivating cultural displays, which preceded the cutting of the birthday cake.
In recognition of his immense contributions to national development, Dr. Yusuf, on behalf of the National Population Commission, presented the Award of Census Ambassador of Nigeria to Chief Adebisi Akande.
In his response, the celebrant expressed profound gratitude to all the dignitaries and guests who honoured him with their presence. He acknowledged that public service is never an easy task and appreciated God for His unfailing support over the years. He concluded by praying for continued divine guidance as he journeys through life.
Thereafter, the closing benediction was coordinated by the retired Anglican Bishop, Rt. Rev. Dr. S. A. Osungbeju. The FUHSI project was subsequently commissioned by the celebrant, Chief Adebisi Akande. Following these activities, the celebration train moved to the country home of the elder statesman, where guests were treated to a warm reception.
