Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has described the late Christopher Sunday Olatunde Akande as “a rare breed professional and patriot.”
Speaking at the presentation of Akande’s biography, An Engineered Life, which held recently at Metropolitan Club, Victoria Island, Lagos, Obasanjo hailed Akande as a patriotic engineer and incorruptible public servant whose dedication helped preserve Nigeria’s unity during the civil war.
He emphasised the importance of documenting such illustrious lives, noting, “When we fail to tell our stories, we rob the next generation of the wisdom to do better.”
In his welcome address, Akande’s son, Wole, pledged the family’s commitment to keeping their father’s legacy alive. He underscored the importance of documentation as a tool for preserving national memory.
“History and culture matter. If we all wrote our stories, there would be no confusion about who we are. My father’s story is a legacy to remind us of discipline, honesty, and service to family and country,” he said.
While Dapo Akande shared insights into the painstaking research and dedication that went into producing the biography, Seun Oyefeso, in his review, described it as “a masterful documentation of a man whose story reads like a roadmap of service, innovation and quiet leadership.”
As part of the event, Dr (Mrs) Kemi Akande-Taiwo and Mrs Iyabo Akindolie announced the establishment of the Annual Endowment Fund for the Best Science Student of Government College Ibadan – a living tribute to Akande’s lifelong passion for science, engineering and education.
Notable figures in attendance included
Major General (rtd) David Jemibewon, former Governor of Western Region and Oyo State, and former Minister of Police Affairs; His Royal Highness, Muhammadu Sanusi II, Emir of Kano and former CBN Governor; Senator Ireti Kingibe; Otunba Adeniyi Adebayo, former Ekiti State governor; Mr. Donald Duke, former Governor of Cross River State; Mr. James Ibori, former Governor of Delta State; Senator George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, and Prince Adetokunbo Adeyinka Kayode (SAN), former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Defence.
Others were Chief Olajumoke Akinjide, former Minister of State, FCT; Mrs. Olufunke Agagu, former First Lady of Ondo State; Otunba Adesola Osibogun, Otunba Lai Orono and Mr. Segun Okunnu, all directors of Odu’a Investment Company.
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