Professor Lateef Sanni an esteemed alumnus of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), current Executive Director of the Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute (NSPRI); and a Mogaji of Olukunle Compound, Ibadanland on Thursday delivered a thought-provoking lecture titled “Arise O Compatriots for the Advancement of Ibadanland” at the prestigious 2025 Chief Kola Daisi Annual Lecture.
His address was both a celebration of Ibadan’s legacy and a clarion call for collective action to drive its renaissance. He urged the indigenes to trade selfishness for synergy, tradition for transformation, and silence for civic duty. It was not just a ceremonial oration, but a blueprint for Ibadan’s future.
Held in the historic city of Ibadan, the lecture drew dignitaries from all walks of life and served as a platform for deep reflection on the state of the city and the collective responsibilities of its indigenes.
ValidViewNetwork reports that Prof. Sanni began with a sweeping overview of Ibadan’s rich legacy, from its rise as a military powerhouse in the 19th century to its position as a thriving economic and intellectual hub. He noted that the city remains the third largest in Nigeria and a nerve center for Yoruba cultural heritage, home to notable institutions such as the University of Ibadan, the first TV station in Africa, and the University College Hospital (UCH).
He proudly asserted “Ibadan is not just a city; it is a symbol of Yoruba resilience, leadership, and pride.”
ValidViewNetwork reports that the Professor posited that the presence of iconic institutions such as the University of Ibadan, University College Hospital (UCH), and the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) should be maximized. He argued that much more needed to be done to align tradition with innovation and infrastructure with vision.
Speaking as both an academic and a traditional leader, Prof. Sanni challenged the people of Ibadan to embrace a renewed sense of collective purpose. According to him, “Fun ogo Ile Ibadan is more than a slogan; it is a mandate,” urging citizens to rise above the prevalent culture of individualism.
ValidViewNetwork reports that he called for a new sense of purpose and collective awakening among indigenes, urging all stakeholders to rise above individualism and embrace a shared vision.
His words : “Our greatest weakness today is not a lack of resources, but our refusal to pool them together for the greater good. ‘Emi nikan ni’ must give way to ‘awa papọ ni.’”
He lamented the effects of unplanned urban growth, land grabbing, infrastructural decay, and youth unemployment. Highlighting recent efforts by the Oyo State Government to criminalize illegal land sales, Prof. Sanni called for greater vigilance and responsibility.
He warned, “We must resist the careless sales of critical lands and ensure our heritage is preserved not just in memories, but in deeds.”
ValidViewNetwork reports that he emphasized the importance of strategic collaboration between government, academia, the private sector, and traditional institutions to foster a modern, inclusive Ibadan. In his words, “We must advance through synergy, harnessing our human capital, modernizing infrastructure, digitizing land systems, and promoting agricultural and technological innovations.”
He proposed a comprehensive framework of seven strategic thrusts to reposition Ibadan for sustainable prosperity including human capital development, urban renewal, agricultural transformation, digital empowerment, and stronger academia-community links. Prof. Sanni, however, stressed that implementation must be locally driven.
Being a Mogaji himself, Prof. Sanni emphasized the role of traditional leadership in steering this new direction, stating, “We must go back to the strength of the Agboole, our family compounds. He reasoned that they are not only residential spaces but institutions for mentoring, moral education, and economic cooperation.”
“Let the Agboole become centres of mentoring and moral renewal. Let our Mogajis, Baales, and Olubadan-in-Council not just wear titles but drive progress.”
Prof. Sanni made an impassioned plea: “Let every youth, elder, professional, and community group see themselves as stewards of Ibadan’s destiny. The time to arise is now, not later, not tomorrow, but today.” His message was not one of blame but of opportunity, a call to reawaken civic pride and take decisive action.
In an undoubted call to action, he stated : “The advancement of Ibadan must now become a shared civic mission. Let us arise not in words alone, but in vision, in planning, in collaboration, and in unwavering commitment.”
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ValidViewNetwork reports that the audience, which included royal fathers, scholars, policymakers, and youth leaders were visibly moved by the depth of thought, cultural pride, and clarity of vision. They responded with a standing ovation, a clear sign that the message of unity and action resonated deeply.
Ibadan’s best days are not behind her. They lie ahead, if only her sons and daughters will arise and heed the call to action of Prof. Lateef Sanni, ValidViewNetwork reports.
