•••Anyaoku, Anya, Others Mourn
Soji Ajibola, Ibadan
A renowned geographer and the first African President of the International Geographical Union, Professor Akin Mabogunje is dead.
Professor Mabogunje died at an undisclosed hospital on Thursday, Aged 90.
The deceased was a 1949 Alumnus of University College Ibadan/University of Ibadan.
Professor Mabogunje during his lifetime suggested that the Federal Government should handover the University of Ibadan to the Alumni to manage.
He had served in various capacities inuding a Foreign Associate of the United States National Academy of Sciences, member of the Western Nigerian Economic Advisory Council in 1967, member, Federal Public Service Review Commission, 1972, Chairman, Nigerian Council for Management Development, 1976 and Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Ogun State University
Until his death at 90, Mabogunje was the Chairman of Ibadan School of Government and Public Policy.
In their separate condolence messages, Professor Anya, O. Anya described the news of his death and that of Late Pius Okigno as devastating.
Prof. Anya said the Country has a truly great man and pathfinder.
The statement reads, “The news is devastating in a very personal sense. Prof Mabogunje and the late Pius Okigbo were my models and mentors of the intellectual leader in the public space. He was a valued member of the ‘Burdened Elders’ where his wise counsel and insightful discernment were used in the service of our nation.
“His going frightens me at this particular juncture in the history of our beleaguered nation. Go well exceptional leader teacher and visionary. Our Lord shall welcome you with His special welcome. Our prayer is that His mercy and love will accompany you to the throne of grace. Let it be known that Nigeria today lost a truly great man and pathfinder.
My sympathy and love to his exceptional wife and family.When comes another????”
In his reaction, Professor Emeka Anyaoku who conveyed his condolence message to the family through the Chairman of the African Newspapers of Nigeria Plc, Dr Tokunbo Awolowo-Dosunmu described Professor Mabogunje as an outstanding patriot with friends and associates throughout Nigeria.
The letter read, “This is sad news indeed. Please convey to Prof Akin Mabogunje’s family the deepest condolences of all of us in the Selection Committee.
“Prof Akin Mabogunje was an outstanding patriot with friends and associates throughout Nigeria and a member of our Committee whose counsels were always treasured for their wisdom and perspicacity.
“We join his family in praying for his soul to rest in peace.”