Filani Family Announce Endowment at the 10th Memorial Lecture Of Late Emeritus Professor Michael Olanrewaju Filani

 

 

 

 

By Glorious Olajire

 

On October 6, 2023, the Large Lecture Theatre of the Faculty of Social Sciences hosted dignitaries from within and outside the faculty to pay tribute to the late Emeritus Professor Michael Olanrewaju Filani.

 Among the esteemed guests were Professor Idowu Olayinka, the former Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Professor A. A. Aderinto, former Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic) of the University of Ibadan, Mrs. Ikotun, former Registrar, Professor Oke and Dr. Mrs. Oke, Professor Olusegun Ariola, former VC, Professor E.E. Nwokocha, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, and Professor A.B.O. Oyediran, among others. Notably, professors from various fields and universities, as well as the heads of departments of Psychology, Political Science, and Geography, joined the gathering.

 The event was presided over by the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Professor K.O. Adebowale, who was represented by Professor A. S. O. Ogunjuyigbe, the provost of the postgraduate college. In his address, Professor Adebowale emphasized the significance of the occasion, stating, "This occasion offers a rare platform for all present here today and generations unborn to reminisce and mirror exemplary life in the discourse and drive to keep our collective desire to build true leaders for national development."

 The 10th memorial lecture, dedicated to the late Professor Emeritus Michael Olanrewaju Filani of the Department of Geography at the University of Ibadan, was delivered by his first PhD student, retired Professor Chris O. Ikporukpo. The lecture, titled "Who Pays for a Loss? The Debate on Financing Loss and Damage from Climate Change," delved into the ongoing dispute between developed and developing countries regarding Loss and Damage Funding related to climate change. The developed world cited excusable ignorance, arguing that past generations were unaware of the consequences of fossil fuel use, while developing countries advocated for climate justice, emphasizing that they suffer the devastating environmental impacts caused by the developed nations.

 Tributes from friends, colleagues, and family members added depth to the event. Dr. Tosin presented Professor Ajayi's tribute, affirming, "The sun has set, yet it rises. Professor Filani, as a writer, would never die." Professor Segun Ariola also shared his tribute, reflecting on Professor Filani's vibrant life and his dedication to elevating the University of Ibadan in various aspects.

 The family, represented by Oladunni Filani MD., conveyed seven valuable lessons learned from Professor Filani's life, including faith in God, the importance of family, hard work, forgiveness, integrity, willingness to help others selflessly, and the lasting impact of the memories we create in the lives of others.

 Engineer Dapo Filani announced a perpetual endowment for the Best Graduating Student in the Department of Geography and the Best Graduating Student in the Faculty of Social Sciences, approved by the university and set to commence with the upcoming graduating class in November 2023.

 The event concluded with an invitation for guests to gather in the Faculty's courtyard for a cocktail reception, while the ITEMs team facilitated Zoom streaming and sound production.