Prof Taoheed Adedoja Worthy of Celebration at 75 — Oba Rashidi Ladoja.
By Adewale Owoade.
The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, has described renowned educationist and former Nigerian Minister of Sports and Special Duties, Professor Taoheed Adedoja, as an illustrious son of Ibadanland whose life and achievements are worthy of celebration.
The revered monarch stated this while paying glowing tributes to Adedoja on the occasion of his 75th birthday anniversary.
Oba Ladoja noted that Prof. Adedoja had remained at the forefront of efforts aimed at bridging gaps in teachers’ continuous professional development across Nigeria and West Africa.
The Olubadan recalled working closely with Adedoja during his tenure as Governor of Oyo State between 2003 and 2007, when the celebrant served as Chairman of the Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB).
“As an educator and institution builder, Prof. Adedoja had the opportunity of working with me as Chairman of Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board when I served as Governor of Oyo State between 2003 and 2007.
“He was the board chairman when we carried out comprehensive education reforms, which culminated in the 30-students-per-class policy. If Oyo State emerged as the second-best state in education in Nigeria during that period, it was due largely to the lofty contributions of people like the celebrant,” the monarch said.
The chairman of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs also prayed for God to strengthen the academic and statesman to continue shaping minds, bridging divides and contributing to a better education system.
The monarch noted that Adedoja’s 75th birthday coincided with the celebration of Children’s Day and Eid al-Adha.
In the same vein, the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes, under the leadership of its President-General, Chief Barrister Sulaiman Ajeniyi Ajewole, also celebrated the former minister.
Ajewole described Adedoja as an exemplary leader, globally renowned educationist, epitome of humility, political heavyweight and a complete gentleman who has remained a pride to Ibadanland.
According to him, Ibadan indigenes across the world have every reason to celebrate Adedoja for his numerous achievements and contributions to education, governance and national development.
”Adedoja has held several notable positions in Oyo State and Nigeria, including Provost of the Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo; Chairman of Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board; Commissioner for Education in Oyo State.
”Minister of Sports; Minister for Special Duties; and Chairman, Governing Council of the Federal College of Education, Chairman of Governing Council of Federal University Dutse in Jigawa State, Obudu, ” Ajewole said.
The media space was also flooded with goodwill messages from the University of Ife Alumni, Kano Teachers College Old Students Association, Associations of Persons with Disabilities, and several other organisations and individuals across the world in honour of the consummate academic and administrator.
Also goodwill messages from top politicians from across the country.
Adedoja, who was also the Action Congress governorship candidate in Oyo State in 2007, marked his quiet 75th birthday celebration at his Ikolaba residence with scholarship and empowerment schemes for children and Persons with Disabilities.