By Blessing Elo Oghene
Former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Professor Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, has warned that Africa risks losing the economic benefits of its growing working-age population without urgent investment in education and human capital development.
Ogundipe gave the warning while delivering the keynote lecture at the 50th memorial anniversary of the late Prince Tijani Adebowale Isiaka, popularly known as T. Ade, held in Imeko, Ogun State.
Speaking on the theme, “Education as a Tool to Fight Poverty: The Case of African Suburban Communities,” the professor described education as a vital instrument for breaking generational poverty, empowering communities and promoting sustainable development across the continent.
He stressed that Africa must take advantage of its expanding working-age population by investing strategically in education and skills development.
“The window of opportunity to turn Africa’s growing working-age population into a powerful economic asset will not be open forever. Now is the time to invest smartly and get to work,” he said.
A major highlight of the anniversary was the unveiling of the T. Ade Isiaka Resource Centre, established by the family in memory of the late prince to promote learning, knowledge-sharing and community development.
The facility was unveiled on behalf of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, by the House Majority Leader, Professor Julius Ihonvbere, who represented him at the event.
Speaking at the occasion, Ihonvbere urged Nigerians to take greater responsibility for developing their communities through formal education, technical training and vocational skills acquisition.
He also announced plans to move an emergency motion on the Olorunda-Abeokuta road to facilitate its rehabilitation.
The House majority leader commended the member representing Yewa North/Imeko-Afon Federal Constituency, Prince Gboyega Nasir Isiaka, for previously drawing legislative attention to the condition of the road.
In his welcome address, Isiaka explained that the family established the resource centre as a lasting institution that would continue to serve the community and preserve their late father’s legacy.
He expressed hope that the facility would become a centre where knowledge was valued, learning encouraged and residents could access resources to improve their lives.
According to him, the centre is expected to benefit hundreds of people through educational and other development-oriented programmes.
Ihonvbere also commended Isiaka’s contributions to the education sector, particularly his role as chairman of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund).
In his vote of thanks, the Ogun State Commissioner for Sports, Alhaji Wasiu Isiaka, expressed appreciation to the guests for attending the memorial anniversary.
He assured them that the family’s commitment to preserving the late prince’s legacy would continue through initiatives focused on education, community development and entrepreneurship.
The event attracted several dignitaries, including Senator Felix Kola Bajomo; former Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, who was represented by Chief Bola Adeyemi; Elder Joju Fadairo; Professor Anthony Asiwaju; and the Ogun State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, TPL Olatunji Odunlami.
Also present were the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Professor Abayomi Arigbabu, who was represented; the Director of Finance at Odu’a Investment Company Limited, Mr Abiodun Bamiduro; the Executive Chairman of Imeko-Afon Local Government, Hon. Theophilus Olorode; and the Executive Chairman of Yewa North Local Government, Dr Olusola Akinbode.
Other dignitaries included the Iyaloja General of Ogun State, Alhaja Yemisi Abass; members of the League of Permanent Secretaries; Chief Mrs Mary Ogunjobi; Chief Paul Lisa Adejobi; and Alhaji Jemili Akingbade.
Traditional rulers at the event included the Onimeko of Imeko; the Aboro of Iboroland, HRM Oba (Dr.) Olayinka Salako; the Onisale of Isale-Gbokoto, Oba Tajudeen Adeoye Olukunle; the Onimoto of Imoto-Yewa, Oba Gabriel Ogunyomi; and the Oniggua of Eggua, Oba (Dr.) M.A. Adeleye.
Others were the Onidofa of Idofa, Oba David Aremu Adetunji Adeyanju; the Alademeso of Igan-Alade, Oba (Engr.) Olukunle Olalowo; the Adokun of Igan-Okoto, Oba (Dr.) Mukaila Akanbi Salako; and the Onijoun of Ijoun, HRM Oba Gabriel Akanbi Ogunji.
The memorial anniversary celebrated the life and legacy of the late Prince Isiaka while highlighting the importance of education, human capital development and community investment in tackling poverty and promoting sustainable development.
