FASHINA SHAKIRU
FASHINA SHAKIRU
Today marks the celebration of Dr Lawal Babatunde Adams’s birthday, a commemoration of yet another year filled with achievements, blessings, robust health, and abundant wealth for a man, whose life and work have significantly impacted many lives and contributed to the development of Okoo Faji on Lagos Island.
Dr Adams has consistently committed himself to serving his community and humanity with unwavering dedication and purpose. His influence extends deeply into various families, relatives, and associates while fostering philanthropic growth.
Dr Adams’s resolute efforts have introduced programmes such as elder support initiatives, providing financial aid, establishing food banks, and recently arranging a medical outreach benefiting over 5,000 households in Okoo Faji. He went out of his way to set up “Season Smiling” for old-aged vulnerable Lagosians with over 25,000 beneficiaries, making the community thrive through reinforced social commitment to a better healthy life.
To his credit, he has sponsored several community initiatives; provide annual charity programs during Ramadan and Christmas, supports community empowerment, and engages Diaspora members tagged “Fast Finger” program, and participated in community events like the Okoo Faji Walk for Peace and Unity, educational and carnival support and registered with Corporate Affairs Commission, (CAC) with full recognition to enhance community development in Lagos Island.
The celebration of Dr Babatunde Adams is not merely a birthday milestone; it is an intellectual and cultural odyssey, reflecting his enduring commitment to generating and disseminating knowledge. His approach to community development exceeds typical celebrations, engaging deeply with intellectual pursuits and fostering greater awareness of humanity, society, community identity, culture, and history.
As a distinguished figure in academia, governance, and international diplomacy, Dr Adams’s lifelong dedication to knowledge and service merits every accolade he receives. He is an iconic figure within the Okoo Faji community and Lagos Island, challenging others to pursue intellectual endeavours at their own pace.
His philanthropic contributions are reshaping the landscape of Okoo Faji, reflecting deeply on history, culture, and the African intellectual tradition. Dr Adams’s belief in the transformative power of history as a tool to shape identity and consciousness is evident in his local engagement. He stands as a multifaceted man, who leaves an indelible mark on every area he touches, reconnecting with his heritage while giving back to society and deepening his commitment to faith and service to God.
The enormous contributions of Chief Adams to the cultural and historical heritage of his people earned the Kosemani of Okoo Faji, Golden Son of Okoo Faji, Community Ambassador L.I.C.G., and his works on the promotion and propagation of Islam in Lagos State earned him a recent title, ‘Irawo Adinni Lagos Quranic Central Mosque’. A proud son of Isale Igangan, and despite his exposures to the international world, he is always proud of his country (Nigeria).
During his time at Ansar-Ud-Deen Grammar School in Lagos, he was undeniably a beacon of brilliance and inspiration. His academic journey led him to the prestigious Lagos State University (LASU), where he pursued a degree in sociology. His quest for knowledge further proceeded to the University of Lagos (Unilag), where he obtained a Master of Science degree in criminology. Following his academic achievements, he spent a period lecturing in the Department of Sociology at LASU.before being a consultant to Toronto University, Canada, on community health development. To his credit, he has written and published many community books about Lagos State and its environment.
Dr Adams’s relentless work towards cultivating a sustainable and prosperous communalism promises to leave a lasting effect on future generations. Happy 62nd birthday.
– Fashina Shakiru, a journalist and public affairs analyst, writes from Lagos.+2349082036352.
