Disciplined, resourceful, patient, selfless, compassionate, encouraging and several other words of commendation were used to speak of Professor Duro Oni in glowing terms at the evening of tributes organised by the Nigerian Academy of Letters (NAL) in honour of his seventieth birthday.
The fully virtual event which held on Monday, December 12, 2022, was well attended by colleagues, mentees, friends and family of the former Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Management Services, University of Lagos (UNILAG), Nigeria and incumbent President of NAL.
Several presentations were made in attestation of Professor Duro Oni’s stellar contributions to design, aesthetics and culture over the years.
In the words of one of the speakers, Professor Sunnie Ododo: “For us, the ‘D’ in Duro Oni stands for ‘Design’. Only few people can lay claims to have provided lighting across so many stages and ages like Prof. Duro Oni.”
His youngest daughter, whom he later referred to as his angel, Mrs. Dolapo Jafojo, revealed how the style of discipline Prof. Duro Oni instilled in his children has been instrumental in their view of life and respect for people irrespective of their age or status. She expressed her gratitude to God that her father is alive and well to receive his flowers and prayed on behalf of her siblings that he enjoys more years in good health and happiness.
This prayer was resounded by several speakers who shared fond stories of how Prof. Duro Oni not only imparted knowledge and wisdom upon them but has been a true friend, mentor, an inspiration and a sage administrator.
Many men and women of repute paid homage in the comments section and verbally to the great lighting and theatre expert. Some of them are: former Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics & Research),University of Lagos, Professor Babajide Alo, FAS; former Registrar, UNILAG, Dr. Taiwo F. Ipaye, FNIM; Professor of French Language, UNILAG, Victor C. Ariole; Professor of English Language, UNILAG, Segun Awonusi; Professor of Linguistics, University of Ibadan, Francis Egbokhare; an alumna from the pioneer set of UNILAG Creative Arts Department, Olufunke Adaramola-Rafiq among others.
In response to the heart-warming comments, Professor Duro Oni expressed his gratitude and disclosed that he always wanted to be a theatre artist and appreciated his ability to have worked in that field all his life.
For information on other event outlined to celebrate the doyen, kindly CLICK HERE.
