Ahmed Ipoola Omisore is scheduled to present the first two volumes of Great Ifes in History in Lagos on Friday, 30 October, bringing together a book launch, symposium and awards programme focused on the lives and contributions of people from Ile-Ife.
The programme is due to begin at noon at Oranmiyan Hall, Lagos Airport Hotels, on Obafemi Awolowo Way, Ikeja. Omisore, a former member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, is organising the gathering with Medomis Corporate Ventures.
The books document distinguished sons and daughters of Ile-Ife, including people whose contributions extended beyond the town. Their public presentation forms part of the Great Ifes in History Symposium, Book Launch and Lifetime Service Awards.
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, and Lagos State Deputy Governor Kadri Obafemi Hamzat are among the announced guests. The Ooni is designated Royal Father of the Day, while Hamzat is listed as Principal Guest of Honour.
The programme lists expected guests; their attendance has not yet been confirmed. Traditional rulers, academics and community representatives are also expected.
Omisore said the publications were conceived to challenge the perception that Ile-Ife’s historical importance rests principally on its monarchy. In a radio interview described by Echonews, he said the town had produced numerous men and women whose achievements deserved wider recognition.
According to the author, more than 70 per cent of the personalities featured in the books are deceased. He said documenting their contributions would preserve a record for succeeding generations and encourage younger indigenes to take an interest in the town’s development.
Some Ile-Ife residents in Lagos told Echonews that their parents appeared in the publications. They welcomed the choice of Lagos for the presentation, saying it would allow them to participate and receive posthumous recognition on behalf of deceased relatives.
The publications bring living achievers and historical figures into the same series, with the awards programme providing a separate opportunity to recognise service.
The symposium is scheduled under the theme “Ife l’Oba… O si l’Eniyan”. Announced contributors include Dr Yomi Layinka of the Ife Development Board and Professor Adisa Ogunfolakan, a historical archaeologist at Obafemi Awolowo University.
Dr M.R. Sanni, a retired chief lecturer at the Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, and Pastor Femi Arilewola are also listed among the discussants. Their session will examine the town’s historical, cultural and social significance alongside its traditional institutions.
Gbenga Adefaye, Provost of the Nigerian Institute of Journalism and President of the Ife Development Board, is scheduled to review the books.
The organisers have also announced business figures, community representatives and public officeholders among the guests and launchers. Chief Lamina Rasheed is listed as chairman of the occasion, with Prince Tokunbo Sijuwade as Principal Chief Launcher.
Chief Dupe Amoo Omisore is listed as Chief Host and Launcher. Former Minister of Aviation Femi Fani-Kayode is also among the announced guests.
The Lifetime Service Awards will accompany the publication launch and scholarly discussion. The announced programme combines recognition of professional achievement, public service and community contributions with the presentation of the two volumes.
Image: separate portraits of the Ooni of Ife and Kadri Hamzat, via P.M. News. Portrait dates and photographers unidentified. This composite does not show the launch or confirm attendance.
