Ogunshola, Ibidapo-Obe, others leading lights of maths – NMS
Encomiums poured on the former Chairman
of the Punch Nigeria Limited, Chief Ajibola Ogunshola, on Thursday as
the Nigerian Mathematical Society honoured him with the fellowship of
the society.
Also honoured were the former
Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Prof. Oye Ibidapo-Obe, and a
professor of Mathematics at the Lagos State University, Ojo, Michael
Ajetunmobi.
The NMS honoured the trio as fellows of the society for their contributions to the advancement of Mathematics.
The NMS President, Prof. Ninuola
Akinwande, who conferred them with the honour at a special investiture
held at UNILAG, said the trio, among others, were mathematicians of
international standing and accomplishments.
He said, “The array of Mathematics
scholars on this year’s list is an indicator that despite the rather
harsh teaching and research conditions prevalent in the country, some
have doggedly pursued this field of knowledge, which is dreaded by many
with vigour and determination.
“The awardees are mathematicians of international standing with distinguished accomplishments as attested to in their profiles.”
Akinwande, who stressed the importance
of the subject, said it was the driving force for meaningful scientific
and technological breakthroughs and advancement.
Commending the recipients for their
contributions to lifting humanity to loftier heights through
Mathematics, the NMS helmsman noted that the honour had further elevated
them as life members of the society.
He particularly noted that Ogunshola had
used his exposure to Mathematics and Actuary to lift the Punch Nigeria
Limited to become the best newspaper company in the country.
Akinwande also commended the General
Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye,
for instituting N50m professorial chairs in Mathematics at the
University of Ibadan; University of Nigeria, Nsukka; UNILAG and the
Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife.
He urged other eminent Nigerians to support the teaching, learning and research in the subject.
Ogunshola, whose friends and relatives graced the ceremony, said he was excited about the honour.
According to him, his exposure to the subject has greatly helped him to impact on humanity.
He said, “I am very happy about the
award. I am a professional, but I have been trained to apply Mathematics
to business and that is what I have been doing all my working life. My
mathematical background has been of tremendous assistance in solving
financial-related challenges, which I have handled in various areas of
my life.”
Ibidapo-Obe also said the subject was the elixir for the advancement of other disciplines.
He added, “Mathematics is fundamental to
all other disciplines. More so, it is very important to have a
calculative and analytical mind where everything has to be measured; the
economy has to be measured, productivity has to be measured, and this
is not difficult.”
The former VC, who urged youngsters not
to shy away from the subject, said it was “probably one of the easiest
subjects to study.”
The President, Lagos Chamber of Commerce
and Industry, Dr. Nike Akande; the Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief,
Punch Nigeria Limited, Mr. Ademola Osinubi; a member of the Board of
Directors, Ms. Lola Ibi Aboderin; and the Managing Director of Aframero
Limited, Mrs. Yetunde Oghomienor, graced the ceremony.
Others are a former Commissioner for
Insurance, Chief Eugene Okwor; professors Olusola Adeniran, Samuel Ajala
and Ibiyemi Omojola and Ibidapo-Obe’s wife, Sola.
The Executive Secretary, Nigerian
Academy of Science, Dr. Oladoyin Odubanjo and Ambassador Remi Esan,
among others, graced the event.
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