Buhari Rejoices with Akin Mabogunje at 90

By Deji Elumoye

President Muhammudu Buhari has rejoiced with renowned Geographer, Prof. Akinlawon Ladipo Mabogunje, as he marks his 90th birthday on October 18, 2021.

The president, in a release on Sunday by his Media Adviser, Femi Adesina, joined the academia in celebrating Prof. Mabogunje and extolled the scholar, administrator and consultant for the historic roles he played in structuring, growth and demography of the country.

President Buhari commended the contributions of the scholar in economic development of the country, serving variously as member of the Western Nigerian Economic Advisory Council in 1967; member, Federal Public Service Review Commission, 1972; Chairman, Nigerian Council for Management Development, 1976; and Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Ogun State University.

The president believes the geographer made great impact with the publication of “Urbanization in Nigeria’’ in 1968, which had remained relevant in predicting some of the social, economic and structural challenges facing the country, and insightfully projected solutions from his research, later guiding the National Census Board and Federal Capital Development Authority.

He congratulated the nonagenarian on the many firsts he scored over many years, which brought glory to the country, including African President of the International Geographical Union, Foreign Associate of the United States National Academy of Sciences and Foreign Honorary Member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and receiving the Vautrin Lud Prize in 2017.

The president, therefore, prayed for the wellbeing of Mabogunje, wishing him more strength and courage to keep inspiring.