The Northern Nigerian Writers Summit (NNWS) has expressed delight with the forthcoming confirmation of the Doctor of Letters on its Chairman of Board of Trustees, Professor Olu Obafemi, NNOM, by the Federal University Lokoja, “with great joy, happiness and immeasurable appreciation.”
A statement signed by Khalid Imam on behalf of the northern writers, said the honour was not only bestowed “to our father and elder statesman but to the entire NNWS Family.”
Professor Olu Obafemi, a scholar, renowned poet, playwright, newspaper columnist, and brilliant critic, has been one of the towers of strength to members of the Northern Nigerian Writers Summit and a reliable whetstone to young writers, academics and innovators for decades, said Imam.
He added, “This award of Doctor of Letters to Professor Olu Obafemi is an honour well deserved, considering his immense contributions to scholarship, creativity, society and humanity.
“Without sounding hyperbolic, his life has been a great source of delight and motivation to generations across Nigeria and beyond its borders.
“His, to stress, is a worthy life of doggedness, selflessness, productivity, commitment, resilience and creative genius.
Professor Olu Obafemi is a passionate educator, a seasoned administrator, a solid bridge and tireless peacemaker, who always relentlessly and willingly offers himself to serve the greater interest of unity and peace wherever he is or his statesmanship is needed.”
The NNWS community, therefore, wished to thank the Senate, staff and students of Federal University, Lokoja, for the honour done to “one of our most faithful and doting fathers, who, for decades, remains a sunbeam to us and a great supporter.”