Ololade Adeyanju/
Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), Professor Joseph Fuwape, has paid glowing tributes to the late industrialist and philanthropist, Chief Bode Akindele, who died on June 29, aged 87.
Fuwape, in his tribute to the late Parakoyi of Ibadanland, described him as a philanthropist who used his resources for the benefit of humanity.
He recalled in particular the donation of an ultra modern eddifice to the School of Management Technology and his productive partnership with the institution on youth and integrated farming development through the Bode Akindele Yield Initiative (BAYI).
“The Late Chief (Dr.) Olabode Akindele’s footprint in the sand of time is simply indelible. The late great philanthropist, as a proverbial gold fish in a fish bowl, could just not be hidden in his life time. Tried as he could to be a silent achiever, the magnitude of his accomplishments kept advertising him.
“The Federal University of Technology, Akure saw a father figure in him and earnestly requested for his support in the onerous task of sustaining its image as the Best University of Technology in Nigeria, and quite characteristically, he gladly obliged.
“The late philanthropic Patriarch donated the complex where the School of Management is fittingly domiciled.
“To give an idea into the size of that legacy structure, the list of the departments occupying the building would suffice Accounting, Business Administration, Economics, Entrepreneurship Management, Project Management Technology, and Transport Management Technology.
“The impact of that donation alone on our nation through the transformation of thousands of youths, in learning and in character is better left to imagination. Suffice it to say that the Late Chief (Dr.) Olabode Akindele left our side of eternity with bountiful, sweet memories behind; he was a colossus in every sense of the word. He will be sorely missed by everyone who had had an encounter(s) with him”, Fuwape stated in the tribute.
“In appreciation of the rare large-heartedness of the late Patriarch, FUTA awarded him Doctor of Philosophy (Honoris causa) in Business Management Technology in December 2006. The relationship has been growing in leaps and bounds ever since,” Fuwape added.
A two man delegation comprising Professor Tomola Obamuyi, Director University Advancement Centre, and Adegbenro Adebanjo, Deputy Director, Corporate Communications, represented the University at the final rite of passage which kicked off at his Alomaja residence in Ibadan on Thursday.
Obamuyi, while commiserating with the Akindele family, said they should take pride in the enduring legacies of their departed Patriarch, saying his footprints of development in FUTA and across Nigeria and beyond cannot be erased.
He urged wealthy Nigerians to take a cue from Akindele by supporting worthy causes that will outlive them and benefit all and sundry perpetually.
He prayed that God will grant the family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
Akindele remains were interred at his Alomaja residence after a funeral service at the Agbeni Methodist Cathedral, Ibadan, yesterday.
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