Your Excellencies
Our Royal Fathers
Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen

I am very delighted to join in welcoming you all to this presentation ofVol XI of Hallmarks of Labour by Chief Patricia Otuedon-Arawore. Vo1. XI contains the biographical profiles of four very distinguished Hallmarks of Labour Role Models : HE Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, HE Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi, HE Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, and Prof. Joe lrukwu.

It was a rare inspiration that made ChiefPatricia Otuedon-Arawore seek out and persuade a few eminent Nigerians to agree to serve as Trustees of Hallmarks of Labour Foundation. I now quote from ChiefPatricia Otuedon-Arawore’s preface to V01.I or Book I of the series :

“The idea of Hallmarks of Labour was conceived in the light of increasing collapse of our moral fabric and the tendency to enthrone mediocrity in the management of the affairs of the nation. The massive decay in our social structures is manifested in several ways, among which are corruption, human degradation and abuses of all sorts. The concept is essentially designed to promote the virtues of hard work, transparency, humility in leadership, excellence and selfless service, among others”

That was in 1997, twenty two years after the military coup of 1975 which was followed by a massive purge of the Federal and State Civil Services, and parastatals, and academia, mostly without due process and which left the institutions demoralized. It also degraded the monitoring system which ensured disciplined, honest and transparent conduct with the assurance that hardwork and merit will be appropriately recognized and rewarded. That coup also led to the abandonment of the 1975 – 80 Plan, and indeed, the discipline of Planning and the strict implementation of plans.

So we find ourselves in a much worse situation today. Our country now tethers at the brink of disintegration, anarchy, and genocide. But we must not despair.

Before COVID-19 pandemic disruption, a few “concerned Elders” in our meetings and consultations discovered that fortunately that there are several young people in all the states of our Federation who are not happy with the decline and degradation of the last five decades and desire genuine change.

We must therefore invigorate our pursuit of the original vision of the Hallmarks of Labour Foundation Vision – of choosing and publicising Role Models who have achieved national and also international acclaim through hardwork, integrity, transparency, positive public-spirited service and so forth. We must endeavour to change the mindset of the youth, especially those who seek to engage themselves in the management of public affairs at any level. We must sway them away from the prevailing greedy addiction to immediate self- gratification and self-enrichment without caring about and damage to the long term interest and progress of our country and nation.

The first Role Model selected in November, 1997 was Prof. Thomas Adeoye Lambo, CON, OBE, HLR. By 2022, the total number, I am told, is ninety from many professions and sectors, who have all rendered excellent service to our country and beyond.

The four Role models featured in Book XI reflect this variety – all were professors in academia, three were federal ministers and all four headed very important national institutions. One of them, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu in his days in academia achieved several patents in Chemical Engineering. I hope our country “will soon exploit those patents.

I must not delay you further from listening to the reviewer of the Book.

Once again, I welcome you all to this presentation of Book XI of Hallmarks of Labour Foundation. I thank you for coming.
ernes

CHIEF PHILIP C. ASIODU, CFR, CON, HLR LAGOS
1ST SEPTEMBER, 2023

The post Hallmarks of Labour Book 11 appeared first on Hallmarks of Labour Foundation.

In this volume, the style is one that is encouraging and should be imbibed in writing. Very inspiring simple descriptive and factual information written in simple understandable and readable english that is concise and clear.

The Volume begins with a foreword written by the first female Justice of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Revered Justice Aloma Mariam Mukhtar, CON, CFR, GCON, DR, HLR, CJN (Rtd.). This is followed by the preface written by the brilliant and ebullient Executive Secretary of the Hallmark of Labour Foundation, Mrs. Patricia Otuedon-Arawore. The preface highlights the Roll Call of additional role models, who are recipients of the Hallmarks of Labour award.

The 508 paged 10th Volume has four chapters, each celebrating an iconic figure. Each chapter opens with a foreword written by an eminent personality known to be iconic figure. This is followed by the list of achievements, short biography, a compilation of their speeches, testimonials from professional colleagues, friends and family, ends with information about the home front of the iconic figure discussed.

This Volume celebrates the following four iconic figures:

1. Late Hon. Justice Dr. Adolphus Godwin Karibi-Whyte, CON, CFR, JCS (Rtd.), HLR
2. Hon, Justice Isa Ayo Salami, OFR, PCA (Rtd.) HLR
3. Emeritus Professor Ladipo Ayodele Banjo, CON, FNAL, NNOM, JP, HLR
4. Professor Allen Bankole Oludumoye Olukayode [ABOO] Oyediran,MD, FRCP, FRCPE, FMCPH, FWACP, FNAMed, FAcadMedS, FUI(hc), HLR

Late Honourable Justice Adolphus KARIBI-WHYTE,

CON, CFR, JSC (Rtd.), HLR………………………………. Pg. 1 – 146

The chapter begins with a foreword   written by Gabrielle Kirk McDonald, Judge, Iran-United States Claims and past President, International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (1997-1999). Hon. Karibi-Whyte served as a Judge on the same Tribunal.

The chapter discusses his achievements, short biography, compilation of speeches, testimonials from professional colleagues, friends and family. It highlights his contributions   to the legal   profession and the academia. It gives insight into his sterling qualities   and ends with information about his family life.

Late Hon. Justice Karibi-Whyte was born in Abonema , Rivers State, on January 29, 1932  to Chief Godwin Kanbi Whyte. His mother was Mrs. Christiana Moruta Whyte.

With reference to his early education and professional training as a lawyer, one is thrilled to read about his outstanding scholarship and achievements. He graduated from the University of Hull, England, with the Bachelor of Law (LL.B) Honours degree in the Second Class Upper Division in 1960. Thereafter, he proceeded to the prestigious University College, University of London, where he obtained the Master of Law degree (LL.M.) in 1962. After his return to Nigeria, he enrolled at the Faculty of Law of the University of Lagos, Akoka, where he graduated with the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) in Law in 1971. He undertook courses in Legislative Drafting and Research at the Law School of Colombia University, New York, USA (1972) and in Law and Development at the Law School, University of Wisconsin, Madison, USA (1972).

Reading about his full-time working career clearly presents him as a diligent and hard-working person. He served in the Judicial Department for about six years in preparatory towards becoming a lawyer. He carried out his duties diligently. In the United Kingdom, he worked for three years (1962-1965) as a Law Research Officer. In Nigeria in 1965, he joined the Faculty of Law of the University of Lagos as a Lecturer. By March 1976, he had attained the rank of Associate Professor in the Faculty. He joined the Rivers State Ministry of Justice headquarters in January 1971 as Head of Law Reporting, Revision and Research. He was later appointed Acting Solicitor-General in the Rivers State Ministry of Justice. In June 1976 he invited to serve as a Judge of the Federal Revenue Court of Nigeria. Four years later, he was appointed a Justice of the Federal Court Appeal. As a result of his brilliant performance, he was elevated to the position of a Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria in July 1984.His outstanding legal skills were further recognized when, in November 1993, he was appointed as Judge of the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia at the Hague. On January 18, 2002, after having spent 18 years at Nigeria’s apex court, he retired from active public service; the first Justice of the Supreme Court to bow out at 70 years. His diligence is revealed in his words:

“I worked as a Justice of the Court of Appeal from October 1980 to September 1983. All these years were served in the Court of Appeal, Kaduna. It was the only Court of Appeal for all the Northern States. Sessions of the Court were held in Kano, Ilorin, Makurdi, Jos, Sokoto and Yola. Though tedious because of inadequacy of facilities, the situation provoked the genus of Justices to write their rulings and judgements such as The Hon. Kalu Anya (1984) 5NCLR 225 v. A.G Borno State. The Justices were confronted with the request for the removal of Chief Judge of the State, and the question whether the procedure was complied with.

A reader will also find thrilling accounts about his leadership skills.  Gabrielle Kirk McDonald, Judge, Iran-United States Claims and past President, International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia confirms this:

The first trial of the International Tribunal involving multi-party accused was also presided over by Judge Karibi-Whyte. Four accused persons were charged in the Celebici trial. Since the Tribunal had not previously managed a multi-party case, it was necessary to make adjustments to the trial procedures and even the logistics of   organizing and conducting the proceedings. The accused is entitled to both a fair and an expeditious trial. Thus, the Trial Chamber, under the leadership of Judge Karibi-Whyte, was challenged to be ever-vigilant to these two assurances. Issues of first impression were raised routinely and often had to be resolved very quickly. The trial was lengthy, lasting nineteen months. One hundred and twenty-two witnesses testified. Over 1,500 exhibits were admitted. The trial transcript consisted of 16,000 pages. The Judgment, approximately 500 pages, interpreted and applied important concepts of International Humanitarian Law and made a major contribution to this evolving jurisprudence. A tremendous debt of gratitude is owed to Judge Karibi-Whyte for his leadership in this case.

His presentations show that his   knowledge about law and its application as well as the University system was unequalled. He lucidly wrote about problems of trans-national criminal law in some African countries; judicial powers and judicial justice; nature of the judicial office and function; exercise of judicial powers; the distinction between rights and privileges; position of the law on election petitions. On interpretation of the Constitution, he posited:

In the first place, the provisions of the Constitution should be read and construed as it is without any interpretations or embellishments. The words should be given their ordinary meaning except where such a construction would be clearly absurd. In construing the meaning of the words of the Constitution care must be taken to observe the mischief intended to be remedied by the section and to construe the words, if possible, to attain such a purpose. In any case, where the words of a provision are ambiguous, the court is encouraged to give such a construction to save rather than to destroy the provision – the rule is utresmagisvaleat quam pereat, i.e. so read a provision to save it than to destroy it or that the thing may rather have effect than be destroyed.

The testimonials written by his professional colleagues, friends and family members are interesting to read. They affirm that he was a man of integrity, highly principled, very honest, a committed and decent jurist. About his integrity, Gabrielle Kirk McDonald submits:

As I came to know, and develop a strong friendship with Judge Karibi-Whyte, what set him apart was his personal integrity and maturity of judgment. On a personal level, I often called upon him for advice and guidance because of his calmness and optimism. I came to know his wife and family. I learned about his work in his church. I came to be privileged to call him a good friend for life.

As one reads the last part of the chapter, one will be touched to note from the testimonials of wife and children that despite his tight schedule, he had time for his family. He   was a good family man. This is affirmed by his wife:

My sweet, generous, kind-hearted, loving, caring, honest, elegant, buddy, resilient, thoughtful, hopeful, selfless, sartorial, husband for fifty-eight years running. A highly revered Kalabari Chief; acting paramount Head of Iju/Jack Group of Houses in Abonnema, Rivers State; former Judge of the Supreme Court of Nigeria; former Judge in the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia at The Hague; former Chairman of the Governing Council & Pro-Chancellor of the Rivers State University of Science & Technology, Port Harcourt; former Chancellor of the Delta State University, Abraka, Delta State.

Late Hon.Justice (Dr) Adolphus Karibi-Whyte was indeed an enigma. His life is indeed worthy of emulation. Though he is dead, his legacies remain.

Honourable Justice Isa Ayo SALAMI,

OFR, PCA (Rtd.), HLR…………………………………Pg. 147 – 276

The second iconic figure discussed in this book is Hon. Justice Isa Ayo Salami. He was born on October 15, 1943 in Ganma, Ifelodun Local Government Area of today’s Kwara State, to a Cocoa Merchant in Ghana, Salami Akanni. His mother Aishatu Awero was a business woman. He spent some of  his early days in Ghana, before he was brought back to Nigeria to live with his maternal grandmother and commence his formal education.

The foreword to the chapter dedicated to him was written by Hon. Justice Dr. Clara Bata Ogunbiyi, FCArb,JSC (Rtd.), who worked with him when he was the presiding Justice, Court of Appeal, Lagos Division from the year 2004. Concerning Hon. Justice Salami, he wrote:

He is an incorruptible Judge par excellence in the true sense of it. He has contributed immensely   to the legal profession and jurisprudence of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. He is well endowed with attributes such as uncommon discipline, diligence, integrity, and self-control.

Honourable Justice Ayo Isa Salami is a quintessential leader, basically humble on the surface, but internally a firm, very strict, and a no-nonsense personality. He believes in getting things done by the books no matter whose ox is gored. He is an embodiment of equity, transparency, honesty and consistency. These virtues make him not to flow with the compromisers.

The chapter presents in an interesting manner, the events of his early education and his professional career. At age 6, he enrolled in Iyeru-Okin African Church School, Offa in 1949.Being a Muslim, he also attended Quranic classes in the evening. 1955, he changed school to St.Cyprian’s Catholic School, Offa, to complete his primary education. He obtained his West African School Certificate from the famous Offa Grammar School in 1961. Thereafter, he proceeded to the Provincial Secondary School [Rumfa College] in Kano in 1962 for the Higher School Certificate, which he obtained in 1963. In 1964, he obtained direct entry admission in to the Institute of Administration, Ahmadu Bello University [ABU], Zaria, to study Law. He earned his LL.B. degree in 1967 and was admitted to the Nigerian Law School, in September the same year. He was called to the Nigerian Bar on June 28, 1968.

Considering the trajectory of his professional career, it is obvious that he is a successful legal icon, worthy of emulation. After working  with the Nigeria Custom Service as a Collector of Customs & Excise Grade II, he transferred from the Federal Public Service to the then North Central State Public Service as State Counsel Grade II on March 1, 1971. Appointed State Counsel Grade I in 1972, he successively attained the ranks of Senior State Counsel Grade II and Senior State Counsel Grade I in 1973 and 1975 respectively. In the latter year, he also served as Acting Solicitor-General & Permanent Secretary in State’s Ministry of Justice with headquarters in Kaduna. Later that year, Isa Ayo Salami transferred from the then North Central State Public Service to the Kwara State Public Service as Senior State Counsel Grade I. From 1976 to 1977, he served variously as Kwara State Acting Deputy Director of Public Prosecution and Deputy Director of Public Prosecution Over a period of two years, he held further strategic positions – as the Kwara State Acting Solicitor-General & Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Justice; Deputy Solicitor-General; and Solicitor-General & Permanent Secretary. In 1978, Isa Ayo Salami’s professional career recorded another giant stride with his appointment as a Judge of the High Court of Justice. About a decade later, he was elevated to the Court of Appeal as a Justice; and successively presided at its Benin, Kaduna and Lagos Divisions. In 2009, Honourable Justice Ayo Salami was appointed President of the Court of Appeal after serving in an acting capacity for barely two weeks. He retired from the Higher Bench on October 15, 2013 under circumstances widely criticized by many Judiciary-watchers.

As one reads through the chapter that seems to be partially a compendium of his speeches, Hon. Justice Salami, at the podium, is a delight to listen to, whether in Court, at a lecture or an address. It would be appreciated that Hon. Justice Salami had been exhibiting leadership qualities right from his school days. While at Rumfa College, he was appointed the Senior Prefect to supervise other students. During this period, he demonstrated courage in fighting injustice, a quality that later served him well in his career as a Judge. Concerning this, he wrote:

The case in the boarding house was a matter of theft which took place in Osanyin Hostel. A Form One student rushed to me to report theft of his one Pound by a Form Five student. I accompanied him to the Form Five student who was my classmate and laid the charge against him and he admitted. I demanded for the one Pound note which he handed over to me. I thereafter led him to the Principal, Mr. J.O. Osanyin and after some questioning; he was expelled from the school. I did not take the matter up with the prefect in charge of the hostel nor the hostel master.

The other matter had to do with some Form Four students who did not behave well at a social activity held on a Sunday in the dining hall. It was fairly difficult to pin it down on a particular student or students. On Monday, at assembly, the suspected ring leaders sat together in the front row chatting away. I headed straight at them and asked them to stand up. They were still standing when the Principal walked in for the Monday morning assembly. After the morning devotion which the Principal usually presided over, he asked them to accompany him to his office, without reference to whoever might have asked them to stand up. Upon arrival in his office, the principal entered the students’ names in his “black book” and thereafter caused some strokes of the cane to be administered on them. It was a position of great responsibility and a fertile ground to master the act of leadership.

Integrity is a theme that runs through most, if not all his presentations. One will read about this in his address at the Gani Fawehinmi Annual Lecture of January 2014, his presentation on choosing between your job and your integrity, delivered at the Kwara State University in November,2018, the use of public funds in election litigation and the integrity of the judiciary, eradicating corruption in the judiciary- a speech he delivered at the Annual Forum of Laureates of the Nigerian National Order of Merit and Award Winners’ Lecture, December, 2015. To show the nexus between one’s job and integrity, he gave the following wise counsel:

On the other hand, integrity summarizes the complete attributes of a perfect gentleman. What do I mean by this? For anyone to deserve being called a man of integrity, he must be an epitome of uprightness and must radiate a true reflection of contentment. Such a person must also be a model in his chosen profession or occupation and must lead an impeccable life at work and outside of it. He is not ready to sacrifice his honour on the altar of materialism.

My discerning audience, the two concepts; i.e., job and integrity, as I said earlier, are functionally interwoven, particularly in a pluralistic and capitalistic society like ours; where the success of a man is not often evaluated on the contents of his character, but on the volume of his material acquisition!! That is why some people would look for money by hook or by crook; thereafter, squander such ill-gotten wealth to buy undeserved fame through bogus chieftaincies and religiously ridiculous titles. But in a decent society, no one values material possessions; as the essence of a man is premised on who he is; and not what wealth he has.

As true as that position is, the essence of integrity is invaluable and quite important in your field as auditors; and so neither can be divorced from each other. They are like Siamese (conjoined babies), who could not be easily separated. A job is like a human body while integrity is akin to clothing. No sane man goes out of his room or home without covering himself with a decent dressing. As you love your body, you must also be mindful of the type of dressing to put on which will determine how you will be regarded. You, therefore, need to hold the two close to your heart. This is necessary because of the apparent temptation associated with your responsibilities; and the importance of your job to the survival and financial health of your institutions. The quickest way of ruining an organization is the castration of her internal audit capacity or the intentional compromise of individual or group of internal auditors attached to the institution. Where that is obtainable, it is just a matter of time for such an institution to embrace bankruptcy or kiss the dust.

The testimonials from his professional colleagues, mentees, associates and eminent Nigerians attest to his courage, brilliance, integrity, scholarship, honesty, hard work and humility. The testimonial by Revd. John Olusola Baiyeshea, SAN is worth reading:

As a Justice of the Court, My Lord served with distinction (as a brilliant, fearless and absolutely incorruptible Judge and Jurist).

There were many scandalous situations in the Courts at his time (particularly on issues of Corruption), but my lord’s name was never associated with any scandal.

My Lord is a rare species of the noble, honourable Judge and Jurist of integrity, probity and godliness in a dying, perverse and corrupt infested Nation.

My Lord (as the old Shakespearean English states, ‘does not suffer fools gladly’), that is, he has no patience with and cannot tolerate the corrupt and persons of doubtful character. So, he abhors such and will expose them at the earliest opportunity.

As President of the Court of Appeal in 2011(in a matter that gained National and International attention and prominence), MyLord risked his life and highly exalted position/office, by exposing corruption at the highest level of the Judiciary in this Country.

He was vilified, persecuted, mistreated, and derided by the powers in charge then. But he carried his cross almost alone (with the support of very few friends and his family. (Psalm 35:20; they devise deceitful matters against them that quiet in the land; Psalm 37:12; the wicked plotters against the just…”. — KJV). That was the experience of my lord. Even, the legal profession was mute, he was abandoned.

He was suspended unjustly from office as President of the Court. My Lord endured the hardship and denigration. The law, justice, equity and fairness that he spent all his life defending and dispensing, did not help him. He went to Court, he was frustrated by all and sundry, and including some colleagues he had trusted. Everything (and everyone seemed to be against him — except his wife, children and most importantly God).

The righteous will never be forgotten by God, no matter how hard/bad the situation may be. (Psalm 37:25 “…I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread”). This played out for My Lord as the strong arms of God sustained him through the period of turbulence.

In the end (the story is well known), in our eyes (as some will say), My Lord was vindicated by God, he became divinely victorious. All his persecutors and traducers (in high and low places) were disgraced out of office, they ended very badly in ignominy.

But My Lord rode triumphantly to the positive side of history and posterity.

He retired gloriously, happily, joyfully and peacefully. He is honoured, celebrated and known at home and abroad as ‘the conscience’ and a HERO of the Nigerian Judiciary.” unquote

HE Asiwaju Bola Tinubu – Former Governor of Lagos State states: “The story of Justice Salami is instructive. Despite being exonerated by numerous panels of men of integrity, the government refused to reinstate him. Though kept at home, he was a constant thorn in their side because he would not abide by their script. His compass was not the demands of those in power. His compass was the dictates of the law. In another setting, he would have been proclaimed a great and noble man. In Nigeria, he was punished.”

On the home front, Hon. Justice Salami is a good family man, who is a constant source of inspiration to his wife and children. One cannot, but be moved by his wife’s description of him:

Hon. Justice Isa Ayo Salami is a man of courage, honour and integrity. First of all, I give glory to the Almighty God who helped me to marry such a unique man as Isa Ayo Salami. I knew from our courtship days that he is not an ordinary person. I saw very clearly behind his humble mien that he is a hard nut to crack — very strict, highly-disciplined and principled.

For example, during our wedding celebrations in 1971, I requested that he should wear a gold neck-chain to add beauty to the native dress we were wearing — as was the vogue in those days with many young men — he flatly refused. He said he had never worn a chain around his neck before and he will not do so either then or in the future. And that has been it.

I noticed also very early in marriage that he is disciplined at eating. It does not matter how delicious any food is, if he is not convinced that it will add value to his life and health, he will not even taste it.

He himself not being a flippant talker, you cannot talk anyhow in his presence. You must be able to support your utterance with facts. He is very thoughtful; he weighs his words before saying them.

He is very hard-working and would not tolerate indolence around him. He would never want to fail on any assignment no matter how difficult or dangerous it may be.

May the good Lord be continually praised in his life forever and ever in Jesus’ name. Amen

Emeritus Professor Ladipo Ayodeji BANJO,

CON, FNAL, NNOM, JP, HLR…………. Pg. 277 – 400

The third role model is Emeritus Professor Ladipo Ayodeji Banjo, a quintessential personality who bestrodes the academia like a true colossus. This giant of a man in achievement was born in Oyo (in today’s Oyo State of Nigeria) on May 2, 1934 to a clergy man and a teacher, Archdeacon Samuel Ayodele Banjo of the Anglican Communion, with family roots in Ijebuland (Oke-Jaga, Ijebu-Igbo) and Mrs. Comfort Jokotola Banjo (Nee Osinuga).

The foreword to the Chapter dedicated to him was deservedly written by Professor Nimi Briggs, MD.FAS.FNAMED.HLR., an academic, scholar and an Emeritus Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology who, unequivocally, gives a fascinating account of this man of numerous resounding successes.

To lend credence to his towering heights in achievements, Professor Nimi Briggs in his foreword said:

… the life and times of this remarkable man cannot be told in one or two volumes of narrations, commentaries or descriptions. The narration of Banjo’s odyssey bears strategic repetition. But then, each account builds on the value and properties of echo and reiteration to espouse a deeper meaning and a richer context which ehnaces discovery, reflections and clarity of thoughts on this outstanding man, revealing, in the process, the institution and master that he truly is… 

The chapter dedicated to Professor Banjo unearths, in a fascinating manner, the long, eventful and adventurous life and times of this man of letters. The chapter speaks with assertion of a man whose every career choice was based on purpose. It documents his roots and his careful nurturing as the son of a mother who was in the vanguard of female education in Ibadan area and other stations her husband served as a clergy and that of a father- a clergyman-teacher who was among the first set of Nigerians to obtain a University of London external Degree-Archdeacon Samuel Ayodele Banjo.

The Chapter also documents his educational career which set-off at the tender age of 4 at the kindergarten section of St. Adnrew’s Primary School, Oyo up to 1944. He subsequently attended St. John’s School, Aroloya, and Christ Church Cathedral School, both in Lagos in 1945 AND 1946, respectively. For his secondary school education, he attended the CMS Grammer School, Lagos for a year (1974), before he was offered a place at Igbobi College, Yaba, also in Lagos. He obtained the Cambridge School Certificate, in Grade 1, in 1951. He applied for and was, in early 1953, offered a place at the then newly-established Nigerian College [of Arts, Science & Technology], Ibadan, an ‘A’-level College. He was formally enrolled in a first degree programme in English at the University of Glasgow, with his fees paid by his father mostly from royalties the Clergyman-teacher had earned on his successful textbook for teachers titled: A West African Teacher’s Handbook.

Given his ‘A’ levels qualifications and on account of his excellent performance over the four years at the University of Glasgow, he graduated in 1959 with M.A. in English Language and Literature. On leaving Glasgow, he moved to the University of Leeds, England for a Diploma programme in Education to prepare him for the illustrious stint he was to have in the academia. He became a qualified teacher with Postgraduate Diploma in Education [1960]. While at Leeds, Ayo Banjo got a French Government Scholarship for a three-month immersion course at the University of Besancon.

His insatiable desire for academia, after having secured a job with Western Nigeria Government as an Education Officer/ Teacher at Government College, Ibadan, engendered a renewed zest in him to join the nation’s premier University- University of Ibadan, hence the need for higher qualification to enhance his chances as a Faculty member. He was successful at securing scholarship to study for a postgraduate Diploma in English at the University of Leeds and later a Master’s Degree in Linguistics at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), USA. His second stint at the University of Leeds earned him a Postgraduate Diploma in English Studies in 1965- one of the two in his class to receive the certificate with distinction. He also graduated from UCL in 1966 with M.A. in Linguistics. Unrelenting, he completed a Ph.D. in English Language in 1969 from the prestigious University of Ibadan as a member of the staff of the Institution.

THE UNIVERSITY OF IBADAN EXPERIENCE: A NEW VISTA FOR ACADEMIC EXPLOIT

The chapter, in its developmental style, interestingly builds a momentum, accounting in a step by step fashion for Professor Ayo Banjo’s educational pursuit up till the consummation of his academic exploit with the highest academic qualification- a Ph.D.

As Ayo rounded off his Master’s degree Programme at the UCLA, he was offered a position as a Lecturer by the Head of the Department of English at UI by Professor Desmond Maxwell “to help in building up a strong language section”. He became the sole African academic staff of the Department of English, and worked with Professor Harold Whitehall. He went on to attain the ranks of Senior Lecturer in 1971, Reader in 1973 and Professor of English Language in 1975.

Professor Ayo’s exploit as a resounding academic earned him the trust of his colleagues as he was entrusted with other strategic appointments and assignments. He was Head of Department of English and Dean of the Faculty of Arts, he also variously served as Co-Director [1966&1970] & Director [1970-1972] UI Reading Centre, Chairman, Committee of Deans, and Chairman, Board of Directors, University Bookshop Nigeria Ltd.

Further trust in his competence was acknowledged in 1981, 1983 and 1984 respectively as Professor Ayo Banjo was successively appointed Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Acting Vice-Chancellor and the Vice Chancellor of University of Ibadan. His sterling performance thus earned him a second term as Vice Chancellor until 1991. He remains till date the only two term Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan. In the capacity of the Vice Chancellor of the premier University, his counterparts across the country chose him as the Chairman, Committee of Vice Chancellors of Nigerian Universities from 1989-1990.

The chapter progressively documents his denouement as the Vice Chancellor of the premier University in Nigeria. It does in a manner that speaks of his humility and austere outlook to life, the type our society is currently bereft of. It was accounted that at the end of his tenure, he reported to the Head of his Department – a former student of his- to resume duties. He retired from the service of the University of Ibadan in 1994 after 28 years as a full-time member of staff.

In recognition of his academic excellence and academic leadership, he was deservedly appointed Emeritus Professor in 1997, and retains the famous room 67 (faculty of Arts) assigned to him from his first day at the University.

The Chapter recognizes his impact beyond the University of Ibadan making copious reference to the Ad-Hoc Appointments/Special Assignments he has been saddled with. His professional affiliations locally and internationally as documented in the chapter are a testament of his academic prowess as well as contribution to the body of Knowledge in his area of academic exploit.

Since his retirement from full-time engagement, the Professor has continued to serve the academia in a number of critical capacities and delivering papers critical to survival of education home and abroad.

The achievements of Professor Ayo Banjo as two term Vice Chancellor of UI have been well-documented. Under the testimonials segment of this piece, his ratings are reflected by firsthand account of individuals and institutions associated with him over the years. Reflected are a few of such testimonial affirming his uncommon leadership and academic qualities:

Professor Idowu Olayinka- Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academics) and a former Vice Chancellor,  University of Ibadan in his account noted that:

He is an academic giant, a consummate academic administrator, a legend, a national icon, a worthy son of Africa and an eminent citizen of the world.

Professor Emmanuel Babatunde Omobowale- as Head, Department of English, University of Ibadan in his account noted that:

                  Of the eight decades of his life, Professor Ayo Banjo has spent 48 years dignifying a sparsely furnished 12ft x 20 ft. Office-Rm.67 – in the main Faculty of Arts Building. It was here that he did most of his life’s work. It was in that room that he engineered the success of his brilliant career in the Department and central administration, as well as the reputation the Department of English continues to enjoy today. It is from this same room still that he is quietly reengineering to make the Department of English what it was when it produced the Wole Soyinkas, the Chinua Acebes and the J.P. Clarkes of this world.

One thing that resonates through this chapter is that this man is a man of genuine accomplishment, an astute administrator, a researcher and teacher of note who has contributed significantly to body of knowledge and has replicated scholars of repute even in retirement. A humble and an unassuming achiever and importantly, a reference point of significance.

Professor Allen Bankole O. O. OYEDIRAN,

MD, FRCP, FRCPE, FMCPH, FWACP, FNAMed,

FAcadMedS, FUI (hc), HLR…………………………….Pg. 401 – 508

Our Fourth and final role model is professor Allen Bankole Oladunmoye Olukayode Oyediran, a scholar, physician, epidemiologist and an administrator born on May 16^th, 1939 to the family of Mr. Augustus Bandele Oyediran, and Mrs. Victoria Bolajoko Oyediran.

The foreword to the chapter dedicated to this Professor of repute was written by Professor Oladele O, Kale, FAS, Emeritus FAMedS, HLR who is eminently qualified to speak about Professor Allen and had done so from the perspective of his intimate knowledge of the Professor, who is a godfather of his firstborn, who proposed the toast of bride and groom at his wedding and on the occasions of his 70^th and 80^th birthdays. I am sure you all will agree with me that his choice to write the foreword was not misplaced.

Professor Kale enthused about the exemplary and astute qualities of Professor Allen Bankole whom he surmised as a man of impeccable integrity who would rather capitulate honorably than trim his sails of principles so as to earn popular approbation. This position of his dear friend is avowedly corroborated in the body of the chapter dedicated to this iconic personality.

A read through the chapter serves as an excursion making a foray into the life of this personality in a transitional manner.

The chapter, before an excursion into the developmental phases of this personality, reckons that Professor Allen is among the crème de la crème of the practice whose ratings in the field of medicine, academia and administration are revealing.

The Chapter, very intentionally started off by documenting the pedigree of his parents to set the ground for a thorough appreciation of the clothe from which he has been cut and particularly the quality of his parents and the mentorship he had. The pedigree of his parents had profound impact on the way he would choose to live his life.

Professor Oyediran’s father – late Mr. Augustus Bandele Oyediran, a native of Ilemona, headquarters of Oyun Local Government Area of Kwara State, was a renowned educationist who attended St. Gregory’s Grammar School, Lagos, Fourah Bay College Sierra Leone, and University of London. Among other positions, he was the Principal of the Methodist Boys’ High School (MBHS), Lagos; Director of Students’Affairs at the Nigerian Office, London, Pioneer Nigeria’s High Commissioner to Sierra Leone among numerous important positions.

His mother, Mrs. Vcitorai Bolajoko Oyediran also an educationist, was educated at C.M.S. Girls’ School, Lagos and was among the earliest sets of Nigerian girls to pass the Cambridge School Certificate Examination.

The biographer takes us through his impressive educational trainings which began at Princess School, on Lagos Island, to Kindergarten I at C.M.S. Girls’ School in January 1944. Two years later, he was moved to Class 1 and 2. He resumed in Prep. 1 at CMS Grammar School in 1948 and with his father’s relocation to London in 1955 he moved to King’s College, Lagos. In 1956, he passed the Cambridge School Certificate Examinations in Grade One and obtained the Cambridge Higher School Certificate, with distinction in General Paper in 1958. He went to attend Guy’s Hospital Medical School, London through a United African Company (UAC) scholarship to study Medicine in the UK, a study that would shape his work career. By January 1964- after passing series of examinations he became a Medical Doctor – with the Licentiate of the Royal College of Physicians (LRCP) London and Membership of the Royal College of Surgeons (MRCS) England. He sat for the University of London Final MB, BS examinations in October 1964 and Passed.

As one reads through, the chapter continues to document further trainings he had and the services he rendered in between in his upward movement. In September 1968, he took up a deferred Commonwealth Medical Scholarship for Professional Diploma courses in Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (DTM&H) at Edinburgh University, Scotland, and Epidemiology and Medical Statistics at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSH&TM). He became the first student to receive the DTM&H (Edinburgh) with Distinction, in addition to the University’s Grieg Medal in Tropical Medicine for the year 1969.We also get insights into how he earned quite a number of other professional qualifications that would shape his professional competence and career.

THE UNIVERSITY OF IBADAN SOJOURN AND THE CATALOGUE OF ACHIEVEMENTS

The biographer in the chapter, documents his exploits before finally assuming duties as a Temporary Lecturer I in his old Department (PSM), University of Ibadan and Honorary Consultant-Physician at the UCH, in 1970. His appointment was regularized and he subsequently, he rose to the position of Professor in in 1976 through hard-work, creativity and commitment.

By 37 years of age, he had not only become a full chair but Head of Department of Preventive and Social Medicine (PSM) IN 1976, in direct succession to his mentor, Professor Adetokunbo Lucas, who had moved to Geneva as the pioneer Director of the WHO Tropical Diseases Research Programme.

He went on to place his indelible footprints on the soil of the University of Ibadan when he became the Premier University’s Vice Chancellor on 1^st December, 1991 recording numerous significant strides despite the challenges of his operating environment.

The biographer goes on to document several Ad-Hoc Assignments of critical importance in health, education and related matters he has been engaged with, within and outside of the University of Ibadan.

A compendium of some of his papers presented at various fora as incorporated in the chapter on various topical issues of concerns serve as vista offering a clearer understanding of his intellectual depth, sound judgement on issues of diverse interest.

The testimonials from his professional colleagues, collaborators, international associations, mentees and acquaintances are a validation of his resilience, intellectual prowess, clear vision, selflessness and relentless desire to push the frontiers of knowledge in his area of professional concern.

An excerpt from the testimonial by His Excellency, Professor Yemi Osibanjo, GCON, SAN affirms the sterling qualities of this noble man:

It is rare to find anyone so above pettiness, so loyal to friends and family and yet firmly committed to strong principles.

We still have a lot to learn from you and much to enjoy of your rich repertoire of stories, knowledge, humour and affection.

Professor Adetokunbo Oluwole Lucas, OFR- Pioneer Director, UNDP/WORLD BANK/ WHO Special Programme for Research & Training in Tropical Diseases:

Kayode laid a strong foundation in his youth, including training and learning to the level of Professor of Tropical Medicine at the University of Ibadan.

He is a brilliant scientist who made outstanding contributions in scientific studies that promoted the control of tropical diseases. In particular, his studies on schistomiasis in school children helped to improve the understanding of dealing with this troublesome infection.

Professor Oyediran was happily married to Revd. Mrs. Omotola Olubunmi Oyediran (Nee Awolowo) for close to 60 years. They have four children. Rev. Omotola Oyediran was the first daughter of the sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo and Chief Mrs. H.I.D. Awolowo, and until her death, the Chairman of African Newspapers of Nigeria PLC.

CONCLUSION

It is important to acknowledge the doggedness of Mrs. Patricia Otuedon-Arawore, the brain behind the Hallmarks of Labour, for relentlessly continuing to fuel her will in this area of endeavor, in spite of how hostile our environment can be to any novel idea, especially publishing.

This edition, the 10^th in the series has been forged in the tradition of the previous ones, that carefully identify Nigerians and people of black race who have achieved success through hard work, honesty and integrity in their fields and using their achievements to promote positive attitude among Nigerians, especially the most active segment of our population and inadvertently encouraging them to be upright and invest their energy in positive and creative venture to better their lot and by extension that of the Country.

It must continue to resonate in our minds that a people without a record of their history and are like those in the wilderness with no modicum of how they intend to chart their paths to safety. These publications will continue serve as reference points for us as a people, as the inspiring documentation of the success stories of the few select worthy persons who have made the list over time are archetypal and worthy of guide.

This volume, just as in the previous ones, is not lacking in the quality of eminent persons who are visionary, exceptionally brilliant and successful, upright and have chosen to be different. The four personalities celebrated in this volume demonstrate as we say in street parlance “the Naija spirit”, which loosely translates to relentlessness and commitment to achieve success the right way even when it seemed there are no chances.

Today as we document yet again the stories of some illustrious ones amongst us, I am thankful for this opportunity to be part of history. Hopefully, we all would be inspired enough to continue to emulate such great persons so that our country can get the cleansing and new direction we all desire.

Thank you.

Prof. Ibiyemi I. OLATUNJI-BELLO, mni.

Vice Chancellor,

Lagos State University

The post Hallmarks of Labour Book 10 appeared first on Hallmarks of Labour Foundation.

The Doctor, The Lawyer and The Journalist

[Review of Volume 9]

I will like to thank Mrs. Patricia Otuedon-Arawore for giving me the privilege to review the ninth Volume of the Hallmarks of Labour. Let me first acknowledge her passion and her work in identifying men and women of honour that have made Nigeria proud and the type of whom we need to celebrate and hold up for younger people to emulate. I am particularly honoured to review this book about three people I have known all my life and can confidently call Aunty and Uncle. I, in particular, remember Alhaji Jakande‘s Thursday visits to our house in Ibadan and his love for Amala which we would have for him on the table piping hot without fail. I also remember his presence at my wedding in 1983. Professor Lucas was known to me as someone who travelled a lot and then after a while he disappeared abroad and I was not to know where till many years later! Chief Mrs.Solanke who has not lost her style is my friend’s mother and my mother’s friend. She was always so elegantly dressed, very disciplined and very busy. We knew that we had to have done our home-work before playing around her!

Reading through this book, one is struck by the common chord of integrity, strength of character and tenacity that underpins the achievements of our three celebrants. They are truly great Nigerians. It also brought to my mind that we that grew up around them did not fully appreciate how great they are.

Mrs.Otuedon-Arawore has dedicated this edition to her mentor and Chairman of Foundation, Emeritus Professor Umaru Shehu, CFR, CON, FAS, DFMC, HLR, a professor of Medicine, a former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, former Pro-Chancellor of the University of Lagos and former President of the Nigerian Academy of Science — a most worthy and deserving Role Model.

Style 

The ninth edition as in the previous eight editions begins with a Foreword written by an eminent Nigerian followed by 3 chapters each celebrating a role model.  Each chapter is introduced with a Foreword written by an eminent Nigerian known to the celebrant, after which is a list of achievements, a short biography, a compilation of their public speeches, testimonials from professional colleagues, friends and family and ends with a brief insight into their family life: their emotional support system.

The celebrants in the ninth edition are: HE Alhaji LateefJakande, CON, HLR, a journalist, publisher, politician, former Governor and administrator; Professor Adetokunbo Lucas, OFR, MD, FRCP HLR,a professor of Medicine, Grandfather of Public Health, administrator; and Chief Olufolake Solanke, SAN, CON, HLR, teacher, lawyer, administrator and women’s advocate.

The chapters are written in an easy-flowing style, interjected with quotes from the celebrants. The inclusion of the speeches is a brilliant way to take us into the minds and souls of our role models and indeed into moments in our history as a Nation, when intellectualism and the common good underpinned public discourse and guided public service.

The Foreword to this edition was written by Emeritus Professor O.O.Akinkugbe who in his inimitable style captured the essence of our 3 role models with his intriguing and very aptly title “Good Wine Needs No Bush” and truly these men and woman of quality need no “Bush” (advertisement). Their deeds go before them and speak for them:

HE Alhaji Lateef Jakande, CON, HLR

Our first role model is a true Lagosian who was born on the 23^rd of July 1929 to Chief Rahman Adeniyi Jakande of Epetedo, Lagos and Alhaja Sinote Aduke Jakande [Nee Akodu]. The foreword was written by Prof AkinlawonMabogunje, OFR, the Father of Geography in Nigeria, a close friend and confidant of the celebrant and a role model himself who gives a succinct summary of LKJ’s walk through life and gives an insight into the kind of man he is. One statement by Professor Mabogunje really spoke to the character of the man Jakande:

“Jakande’s public life has been a study in personal and public integrity.  As a friend who was invited to help oversee his thriving private enterprise, the John West Group of Companies (packaging, printing & publishing), while he was in government as Governor of Lagos State, I was under strict instruction to ensure that the Group had no business dealing with the Lagos State Government.  This was an instruction, which we obeyed to the letter such that in 1983 when the Military came back under Major-General Muhammadu Buhari and were harassing State Governors on their out-of-office activities, there was not much they could do on this score with Lateef”.

Reading through his chapter, I felt I was not only going through the achievements of Alhaji Lateef Jakande but taking a walk through his soul and the history of Nigeria. This chapter is powerful and reveals to you the way his mind works and the principles that underpinned his actions. It speaks of a man whose every career choice was based on service to the Nigerian people and, in particular, the economically vulnerable.

The chapter takes us through his early career as a journalist, through his years of political activism that earned him jail-time with Chief Awolowo to his tenure as Governor of Lagos and Minister of Housing of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. In all these areas he recorded great successes. Even as a journalist he was always driven by service and sought to build lasting structures and institutions such as the Nigerian Union of Journalists and Nigerian Institute of Journalism. The setting up of the Department of Mass Communication at the University of Lagos is also an example of his impact and achievement. To give you a little glimpse into his mind, I quote from him on why he moved from journalism to partisan politics:

“as a journalist, we are usually more involved in the goings-on in the country because as a member of the Fourth Estate, we were part of the process of nation-building … I got interested in partisan politics because of what I saw as the poor state of the people. Improving the welfare of the people was a major reason for joining politics”.

His achievements during his tenure as Governor earned him the name ‘Action Governor’ and ‘Baba Kekere’ (Chief Awolowo being ‘Baba Agba’). A theme that recurs as we read about his tenure and management style is his belief in those he appointed and respect for the separation of powers in governance.

As we continue reading through the mind and life of this value-based service-leader, the chapter speaks to an era when public service was driven by values and highlights the achievements recorded during his tenure that makes him till today extremely popular and well-loved in Lagos. This chapter highlights what is best in Politics and is an inspiration to young and upcoming politicians that a life of service is possible and worthwhile in Nigeria. His love of the common man and his passion for service are encapsulated in the speech he made on October 1, 1980 at the first anniversary of the civilian administration in Lagos State:

“Those of us who were elected to govern our people at this point in history have a wonderful chance to immortalize ourselves simply by lifting up our people from abject poverty, community neglect, deplorable housing, ignorance, and want. The needs of our people are simple. They do not want sky-scrapers. They do not ask for prestige-projects. They do not envy the genuinely wealthy. All they ask for are the basic necessities of life — shelter, good and adequate food, potable water, good roads, children’s education, healthcare, a decent wage, public transportation, and reasonable comfort”.

— Quintessential Jakande, the man of the people!

His love of writing and mastery of the craft laces this chapter of fine speeches and elegant writings by Alhaji Jakande and will be a rich resource for lovers of history and literature. His management style, the basis for the choice of those he appointed, and his ability to inspire those he led make this book a must-read, for administrators both in the public and private sectors.  The chapter concludes with testimonials from former Governors, Journalists, activists, politicians and his family and a brief write-up about the home front. Through the family testimonials we get a view of LKJ, the family man who, though a disciplinarian,was loving, supportive and respectful of his children’s life choices. He is married to his love, friend and confidant,Alhaja Sikirat Jakande, our mama, who is always by his side.

Professor Adetokunbo Oluwole Lucas, OFR, MD, FRCP, FFPHM, FWACP, HLR

The Foreword to this chapter was written by no other than the erudite emeritus Professor of Medicine, Professor O.O.Akinkugbe, CFR, another Role Model. There could have been no better person to write this Foreword than him, and I suspect that the two men constantly bump into each other in the rarefied stratosphere where great intellectuals tread!

At the onset of the chapter is an intimidating list of awards — National and International — that have been given to Professor Adetokunbo Lucas, a Professor of Preventive & Social medicine and the Grandfather of Public Health in Nigeria.

The author takes us through his impressive genealogy, a long line of high achievers on both sides of his family tree. Early on it is obvious that his father had a profound impact on the way he would choose to live his life. Of his father The Revd. Jonathan Olumide Lucas, OBE, Professor Lucas had this to say:

“His life and achievements were not only an inspiration but also a challenge. If he could achieve so much with the limited resources at his disposal, I felt with all the advantages that he and my mother had provided for me, I should at least do as well as he did, if not better”.

And he went on to do just that. As the chapter moves through his early education to his professional training as a Doctor, one cannot but be awestruck by his outstanding scholarship. He passed the first MBBS with Distinction for which he was awarded the Tulloch Scholarship “for obtaining the highest marks”.  He got a First Class in Physiology and later was awarded thePhillipson Prize for obtaining the highest marks in the 2^nd MBBS exam. This was just the beginning of a life of achievements and awards. We also get insights into the encounters that shaped him and informed his career choices; for example, were it not for an incident that happened when he was 10 years old and the impact it had on his young mind, we would have lost this gem, this great man of Medicine to Law! Imagine that!

As we read through his biography we are struck by the continuously upward mobility of this role model. By 33 years of age, Professor Lucas had not only become a full Professor but had successfully midwifed and built a formidable Department of Preventive & Social Medicine to international standards and had developed significant collaborations with  international organizations such as  the World Health Organization, Rockefeller Foundation and many others — afeat many academics do not achieve in their life-time. Once he had delivered this “baby” to University of Ibadan, Professor Lucas was ready to move on and conquer new frontiers and so began his years in the international arena first as the pioneer Director of the WHO special programme on Tropical Disease Research where he spent 10 years. This quest to continuously break new grounds characterizes the next 2-3 decades of his life and is well articulated by him when he was asked to renew his tenure for another 5 years at the WHO Tropical Disease Research (TDR) Programme:

“The idea of just coasting along as the head of a smooth-running programme seemed rather dull to me”.

He went on to place his indelible footprints on various other international organizations and schools, including Carnegie Corporation of New York, Edna McConnell Clark Foundation, Governing Board, Global Fund, UNICEF, UNDP, the World Bank, USAID, DfID, Swedish Agency for Research Co-operation with Developing Countries [SAREC], Wellcome Trust Scientific Group on Tropical Medicine, Rockefeller Foundation, Carter Centre, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Institute of Medicine of the US National Academy of Sciences, to name a few.  Truly Inspiring!

The selection of speeches further shows the breadth and depth of his understanding of public health issues and the solutions to them.  There is an impressive and intimidating list of testimonials which include Honorary D.Sc. degrees from various Universities such as University of Emory, Atlanta, Georgia University of Newcastle upon Tyne, and University of Ibadan,  to name a few and ending with testimonials written by his family that portray the heart of this Scholar. Reading through the testimonials by his wife and children a picture is painted of a loving family man, supportive and motivating parent, a friend to his wife and certainly the love of his life considering that he had chosen her when he was only 4 years old!

Going through his biography it is possible to think that this man never had challenges, never faltered, but he did! Despite having Grade One at the Cambridge exams, he failed to get into University College, Ibadan though he then got admitted into Durham University.

One thing that shows clearly throughout this chapter is that this role mode is a man on a mission, a man with a formidable intellect, a man of ideas, a humble unassuming achiever with the spirit of an adventurer.

Chief Olufolake Solanke, SAN, OON, CON, FNIALS, HLR

Our third and final role model is a woman who has broken many glass ceilings. Chief Folake Solanke was born on March 29, 1932 to Chief and Mrs. Jacob Sogboyega Odulate. Chief Odulate was a pharmacist and entrepreneur and renowned for the production of ‘Alabukun’, an analgesic famous till today over 100 years on. She is the first female Senior Advocate of Nigeria. The Foreword to this chapter is written by The Venerable Godwin Bamidele Daramola, JP,  Senior Chaplain, Chapel of Peace and Joy, Lead City University, Ibadan and a former Minister at the All Saints’ Church, Jericho, Ibadan, who not only chronicles her achievements and many firsts, but also testifies to her Christian life and service in the Church.

Her early life was marked by the loss of her mother before she was 2 years of age within a polygamous family with her father’s 6 wives and 12 other children.  She, however, was not deprived of love and a happy family life. The strong influence in her early life definitely was her father who she described as “extra-ordinary … he ensured equal opportunities for all his children, irrespective of gender…”.  She learnt early, good work ethics, by helping her father in his factory.

Going through the chapter her path to law was not direct but her academic excellence was evident from her childhood where she was a straight ‘A’ student coming first in every class and ending up with an early admission into secondary school (Methodist Girls’ High School) with a double-double promotion from class 5 (primary school) into Class 2 at secondary school level.  She continued this culture of excellence throughout her academic life, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts from King’s College, London.

A seemingly inconsequential event in court while she was a prosecution witness, which concerned the “law regarding Hearsay” would result in changing the trajectory of her life and her moving from education as a career after 5 impactful years in education.  She opened her own chambers after tutelage in the Chambers of Chief F.R.A. Williams and Justice Odesanya, becoming the first female lawyer in Ibadan so to do.  She went on to win many cases some of which were landmark cases that finally established her. In 1981, she took the silk and the rest is history. She remained the only female Senior Advocate of Nigeria for the next 8 years.

Her reputation travelled before her and she was invited to be a Commissioner and member of the Executive Council of Western State by the then Military Governor, Brigadier Oluwole Rotimi, where she excelled. This legal luminary was known for her diligence, grace, hard work and attention to detail, which was well-articulated by Chief Justice Mohammed Bello on her 6-month service on a judicial tribunal of enquiry on which he was Chairman;

“It was indeed a pleasure to work with you. I was highly appreciative of your immense contribution to the success of the work. Your complete devotion to duty was evidenced by your perusal of the record of proceedings of every case and the tagging of relevant and important pages which in no small measure assisted the Tribunal and Counsel at the hearing of the reviews”.

The author captured  succinctly all aspects of Chief  Solanke’s life, her work with Zonta International, an organization set up to promote and improve the professional status of women. During her tenure she extended the reach of Zonta to new countries, introduced new programmes and standardized the administrative processes. The impact of her leadership of Zonta International as the first non-Caucasian to head the organization is well-articulated in their testimonial:

“…Your superlative programme of putting HEALTH into the Bye-Laws of Zonta International as one of the primary goals, will confirm your place among the great Zontians who fundamentally improved this organization. … we want to thank you, International President Folake, for many things, or as you always said: ‘’inter  alia’’:

– The correctness you showed in Zonta business [I am a Lawyer].

– The professional way you chaired our meetings.

– The generous way you frequently pampered many of us.

– The humour with which you mastered so many situations…”.

Chief OlufolakeSolanke was a committed women’s advocate and received numerous awards attesting to this. For example, in 2012, on the award of the IBA Outstanding International Women Lawyer of the Year Award by Anne-Marie Hutchinson, OBE, QC, Chair of the IBA Women Lawyers’ Interest Group [WLIG]:

“…Chief Solanke’s career has been long, industrious, filled with achievement and an inspiration to many. Her unswerving commitment to advancing women in the legal profession is admirable and I wholeheartedly congratulate her on receiving this award.

Going through her speeches — which span diverse topics concerned with the negative impact of globalization, morals, quality of education, the environment, the rule of law, women in leadership and development, women’s rights and the Nigerian state — one cannot but be struck by the depth of her understanding of issues and her tendency to often challenge the status quo, raising many uncomfortable questions and forcing us to re-examine our positions. These speeches are a true window into the formidable mind of Chief Solanke and remind us not to underestimate her.

The testimonials from her international associations and professional bodies, eminent Nigerians, mentees, colleagues and Zonta International all attest to her strength of character, quiet confidence, diligence, vision and activism for women’s rights.

Perhaps this excerpt from the testimonial by Chief WoleOlanipekun, SAN, and former President of the Nigerian Bar Association says it all:

“While she was not the first Nigerian woman to be called to the Bar, she was, through the grace of God and by dint of hard work, unparalleled industry, good and impeccable character, coupled with unimpaired disposition and standing, the first woman in this country to take the Silk. Without mincing words, she is a trail-blazer, a path-finder, shepherd and leader of leaders … Despite her elegance, achievements and conquests, she remains ever modest, humble and God-fearing. She is a leader one can follow at any time blind-folded to the battle-front, because one is sure that she will never disappoint, betray, capitulate, compromise or renege on any good pursuit”.

On the home front we can see where she drew her emotional strength. She was happily married to Emeritus Professor of Surgery, Professor Toriola Feyisetan Solanke, who was supportive of her dreams; and they are blessed with 3 children –Yemisi, Tunde and Busola who are all doing well — and several grandchildren. Chief Olufolake Solanke is truly an inspirational leader of both men and women.

Conclusion

Mrs. Patricia OtuedonArawore has put together another inspiring edition of Role Models. This book is about public service and putting Nigeria and the public at the centre of leaders’ plans and actions. It is about visionary leadership and courage to do what is right. It celebrates Three Role Models and their achievements, their vision, integrity, selflessness, dogged determination, tenacity and willingness to be different. A common thread that runs through the lives of these three achievers is that they continually broke new grounds. This is also a book on what is possible in today’s Nigeria if we emulate and learn from these Three Role Models. It is a book of History and Management. It is a book I recommend for all to read. Reviewing this book has left me changed and more determined that we must all buckle down and do our bit for Nigeria.

Professor FolasadeOgunsola,FAS

Acting Vice-Chancellor,

University of Lagos

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