Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi has expressed condolences on the passing of renowned scholar and first African President of the International Geographical Union, Prof. Akinlawon Mabogunje who died on Thursday at the age of 90 years.
Dr Fayemi, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Yinka Oyebode, said the late Prof Mabogunje was a cerebral scholar whose contributions to the academia, especially in the field of Geography, cannot be forgotten.
The Governor said it is on record that the late Prof Mabogunje made extensive researches especially in the area of urbanization and state formation, providing far-reaching and insightful suggestions on managing urban settings.
Dr Fayemi also noted that the deceased made indelible marks by shaping nation building with his perspectives on industrial geography and historical geography which are contained in many of his publications.
While commenting on Mabogunje’s ingenuity, Dr Fayemi said the renowned scholar was an icon of excellence and brilliance which earned him many awards and nominations into several boards and councils.
“ Prof. Akin Mabogunje’s death is a colossal loss. He was a great scholar and pathfinder in the field of Geography in Nigeria and the African continent. His hard work, brilliance and scholarly contributions earned him many recognitions and leadership positions including his election as the first African to become Foreign Associate of the United States National Academy of Sciences; member of the Western Nigerian Economic Advisory Council;
Member, Federal Public Service Review Commission; and
Consultant, National Census Board, among others and as Adviser to the Secretary General, United Nations Second Conference on Human Settlement.”
The Chairman, Nigeria Governors’ Forum, said the late Professor lived a fulfilled and impactful life and left behind legacy of honour and excellence, for which his children and indeed all those who came in contact with him would forever be proud of.
While noting that the departure of the renowned Scholar would be greatly felt, Dr Fayemi said Prof Mabogunje’s exit is a celebration of a life well spent in the service to nations and humanity in general.
” On behalf of the Government and good people of Ekiti State, I commiserate with the family of our highly reverred Prof. Akin Mabogunje and pray that the Lord would grant them the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss”, Fayemi said
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor
