By Thompson Yamput
Prof. Olayemi Akinwumi, Vice-Chancellor, Federal University Lokoja (FUL) has commended Prof. Olu Obafemi, a poet, novelist, and critic, for using literature as a vehicle for social reform and national consciousness.
Akinwumi gave the commendation at the 3rd Colloquium held on Tuesday in honour of Prof. Obafemi as part of activities slated for the 9th convocation ceremony of the University.
He said that the colloquium was one of the intellectual highlights of the forthcoming 9th convocation ceremony slated for Oct. 18 at the Felele Campus of the institution.
He said the colloquium perfectly aligned with the vision of the university committed to celebrating knowledge, excellence, and impactful scholarship.
“Through Prof. Obafemi’s pioneering works in radical and ideological theatre, the role of literature in confronting injustice and promoting moral values is redefined.
“Beyond the poet’s and dramatist creative output, he has served this nation with distinction as a public intellectual, mentor, and policy influencer.
“His conferment with the Nigerian National Order of Merit (NNOM), the highest national honour for intellectual achievement is a testament to his monumental contributions to knowledge, culture, and humanity,” he said.
The VC thanked the speakers and discussants, who shared their insights on the life, works, and intellectual legacies of Prof. Olufemi.
Also speaking, Prof. Ayodele Bamidele of Department of English of FUL, described Obafemi as an avowed realist, who believed that there must be a homology between art and society.
Bamidele made the assertion in a paper entitled: “Agurumo on the Cross: The Social Vision and Revolutionary Aesthetics of Olu Obafemi. ”
According to him, Olufemi believes that art must be made to run the chores of making society a better place for man to live.
“This believes has been his commitment in the entire gamut of his rich dramatic tapestry.
“As a literary historian, he presents the historical evolution of his nation, Nigeria with the aim of annihilating the ‘Agurumos’ of our world for global peace and tranquility.
“We all know that it not yet Uhuru. His vision for his society has not been fulfilled yet. It is work in progress,” Bamidele said.
In his remarks, Obafemi expressed gratitude to the FUL VC for organising the colloquium in his honour and to all who contributed to the success of the event. NAN
