… UNAAB Pays Last Respect
Rep. of the VC, the DVC (Development), Prof. Segun Lagoke in mourning mood while leading the Academic Procession in honour of the deceased, Dr. Akinkunmi Bolaji.
Free-flow emotions and tributes were abundantly rendered last Friday, as the University community bade eternal farewell to one of its academic members, Engr (Dr.) Gbolagade Akinkunmi Bolaji.
The remains of the Oje, Ibadan, Oyo State-born Dr. Bolaji, of the Department of Civil Engineering, College of Engineering (COLENG),of the University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, was interred at exactly 1:20 p.m. at the Anglican Church Cemetery, Kobape Road, Abeokuta, amid rendition of hymns and supplication for the repose of his soul.
He was later laid to rest with the performance of the dust to dust rite, by the immediate members of the family that he left behind.
The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Oluwafemi Olaiya Balogun, who was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Development, Professor Segun Lagoke, led a powerful delegation of the University community to pay the last respect to the departed colleague, at the graveside.
Notable among the delegation, was the Acting University Librarian, Dr. (Mrs.) Mulikatu Salaam, Deans and Directors, as well as the Chairman of UNAAB’s Academic Staff Union of Universities, Dr. Siji Sowande.
Speaking at the funeral service, held at the late Dr. Bolaji’s Obantoko residence, the representative of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Segun Lagoke, extolled the virtues of the late Lecturer.
According to him, “We have lost a titan. You don’t have to be a Professor to be valued. Dr. Bolaji was a motivator, father to many students, brother to many staff, and confidant to many people. He was very dear to us in UNAAB’’.
Professor Lagoke said the deceased will be mostly remembered in the University for his invaluable contributions to the establishment of the College of Engineering.
Earlier in his sermon, the officiating Clergy, Pastor Francis Akinnehin, charged family members and sympathizers to devote their lives to the services of God, urging them to serve God in truth and in spirit, in order to make heaven.
Late Dr. Bolaji ended his life’s sojourn, on Friday, July 22, 2011 at the age of 52.