By James Samuel, Ilorin
As preparations are in top gear for the remembrance of late Benjamin Adekunle, Dr Olayinka Oyegbile, a journalist, playwright and media scholar will give the maiden lecture at the Memorial Leadership Lecture.
The lecture is to mark the 10th anniversary of the death of the late war hero, Brigadier General Benjamin Maja Adekunle (popularly known as Black Scorpion) which is holding on September 18, 2024 in Ogbomoso.
It’s well noted that Gen Adekunle commanded the dreaded 3rd Marine Commando which captured most of the areas in the Southeast and South south that were under the control of Biafra during the Nigeria Civil War from 1967-70.
The war hero died in Lagos on September 13, 2014, at the age of 78.
The maiden annual lecture which is scheduled to hold at the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso under the theme: ‘Ogbomoso Military Gallantry and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.’
Those to speak at the event are Prof Omotoye Olorode and Rear Admiral Jacob Ajani (rtd). While the Special Guests/Hosts at the memorial lecture are Chairmen of both Ogbomoso North and South local government.
A statement on behalf of the family by Mrs Busola Olagunju (nee Adekunle) said the Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, the Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, Orumogege III, former Governor of Oyo State, General Oladayo Popoola, the Oyo State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade and a host of others are expected to grace the event.
The lecture on September 18 is part of a weeklong remembrance activities from Friday, September 13, 2024, with a private Anglican Church Service for family and close friends, followed by a Golf Kitty the following day on September 14, at Ogbomoso Recreation Club and another service at St. David’s Anglican Cathedral, Ogbomoso on Sunday, September 15, 2024.
After the service, dignitaries are to be hosted to a Commemorative Lunch by a retired Federal Permanent Secretary, Sir Olusegun Adekunle, on behalf of the extended Adekunle family. While other prominent Ogbomoso personalities expected in the event are Senator Fatai Buhari, Oyo North, the Bishop of Ogbomoso, and the Vice Chancellor of Ladoke Akintola University Ogbomoso, Professor Razaq Kalilu.
In honour of their late father’s philanthropic nature, the children and family of the late war hero have plan a ‘Support our Vulnerable Initiative’, for Tuesday, September 17, where various forms of palliatives including food, clothing, school bags and exercise books will be distributed to members of vulnerable groups such as widows, the blind and the aged at the Soun’s Palace.
The weeklong event is said to be rounded off with a football match between the Black Scorpion Football Club and the Valiant Football team in a novelty match at Soun Stadium, Ogbomoso, on September 18th.
