Emmanuel Kehinde, Ilorin
The ECWA Theological Seminary, Igbaja, kwara state on Friday 12th of November, honored Reverend Professor Julius Bamidele Lawal with a mentorship and meritorious service to the College and festschrift, a book written by diverse scholars.
In his welcome address, the Provost of the Institution, Dr. John Olu Adetoyese, said Rev Prof. Julius Bamidele Lawal, is a man who lived his life to serve God in building structures and people, added that he is one of ‘Baba Lawal’ discovery and mentorship.
He added that many people prefer to come around ‘Baba Lawal’ “because of his uniqueness, charisma and his leadership style. No one can be like him; he does not compete with nor envy anyone”
He, charged attendees to imbibe good qualities of the honoree, said Live well, do not compete with anyone but with yourself, do not look down on anyone, appreciate positions and opportunities as gifts from God, strive to be remembered for good, whatever you have is temporal, forgive and shun bitterness”
Provost however disclosed that the school management is planning another form to immortalize’ honoree said “we are proposing J.B. Lawal’s Centre for Theological Research, a project to immortalize Rev. Prof J.B. Lawal. Upon completion, the centre will purely be dedicated to scholarly studies in area of leadership and mentoring”
The book was reviewed by a former provost of UMCA, Ilorin, who is currently lectures at the Kwara State University, Malete, Professor Peter Awojobi, noted that the honoree, popularly called ‘Baba Lawal’ is a great leader with full of humor, that always ready to mentor and assist anyone that comes his way to grow to the pinnacle of career.
A forty-chapter book, centered on academic, Church based, social relevant and Theological research, with special attention to Christian mentorship and national transformation through purposeful leadership.
Prof Awojobi, disclosed that the contributors to the book are season pastors, missionaries and teachers who rose through experiences, noting that the book is very rich and writing in a simple words.
He added that the book is a good material to proffer Solution to some of our leadership problems in Nigeria, and as well capable to raise future leaders. He, however recommended it to schools, churches, people in position of leadership, students and teachers.
Professor Julius Bamidele Lawal held various positions at ETSI, include:
Dean of Academic Affairs 1984-1991, Acting Registrar –1986, Post-graduate, Dean 1995-97, Provost -1997-2002 and 2007-2013.
Prof Lawal, an illustrious son of Igbaja in Ifelodun local government area of kwara state, said to engaged seriously in community and humanity services in his hometown (Igbaja) and two terms president of National Executive Council of Igbaja in 2007 and 2013, with numerous achievements recorded.
