An international icon and former Rector, Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Abeokuta, Alhaji Waheed Ayinla Kadiri, has been described as an enigma, a pacesetter and astute administrator.
The commendations were poured on the former National President of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners at the presentation of a book of readings launched in his honour in Abeokuta.
The event, which had numerous notable personalities from the academia, industry professional groups/associations, organized public and private sectors in attendance was organized by the School of Environmental Studies, SENVS, MAPOLY, in his honour.
In his welcome address, the lead editor and chairman of the planning committee, Dr. Adekoyejo Jolaoso, described the celebrant as a trail blazer whose mentorship traits were unequalled.
He said the book presentation/launch titled, “Towards the Attainment of Sustainable Environment” provided an opportunity to rekindle the legacies of Waheed Kadiri as a living legend of our time; and to honour him while he is still alive.
He added that Waheed Kadiri had unique qualities that were worthy of studying and adoption for robust, sustainable, people-centred built environments development.
Jolaoso said Kadiri’s achievements were remarkable while his enduring excellent visionary legacy were committed to shaping the future of the built environment.
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Jolaoso submitted that Kadiri’s scholarly contributions to the academic and the built industry could not be over-emphasized adding that they represented all the wonderful research works compiled.
The chairman of the occasion, Dr. Ayodele Aderinwale, charged professional bodies to uphold ethics as a core value to move the Nigeria forward, saying that Alhaji Waheed Kadiri is a builder of men and institution.
Aderinwale described Alhaji Waheed Kadiri as a personified humility of positive values and a man that is not looking for validation because he is internally validated.
Other important personalities at the event revealed the relevance of Kadiri as indispensable and unquantifiable across any profession or institution.
According to the book reviewer, Prof. Muyiwa Agunbiade, the 387-page book of 24 chapters with 6 themes/sections, was a vital resource for professionals, academics and policy makers committed to sustainable development.
The celebrant, Kadiri, while responding expressed optimism of positive changes in the affairs of the polytechnic and Nigeria saying the future appeared brighter.
The former Rector appreciated all and sundry for the successful packaging of the event which was aimed at sustaining and maintaining the glorious legacies of scholars, justifying his being honoured.
Dignitaries at the event included the chairman, Justrite Ltd, Dr. Ayodele Aderinwale; Mr. Oluranti Oladimeji, CEO One-Life Wonderland Amusement Park; Prof Muyiwa Agunbiade, the book reviewer; Dr. Rabiu Kusimo, member Governing Council, MAPOLY; Management Team of MAPOLY, Arc. Olatokunbo Fowode, former Rector, MAPOLY, Tpl. Kayode Soile, former Deputy Rector, MAPOLY ; Mr. Emmanuel Adeleye, former Registrar, MAPOLY.
Others are Dr. Taofik Salisu (Pioneer University Librarian, FUNAAB); Dr. Chime Ogbonna, President, Nigerian Institute of Planners; Tunji Odunlami, Commissioner for Urban and Physical Planning, among others.
