It was a day of praises and encomiums for the communication scholar, late Prof Lai Oso, who died in a motor crash on June 24, 2023, as the academic community and students at the Lagos State University celebrated the exit of the media icon on Tuesday.
Speaking at the special tributes service organised for him by the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies at the Buba Marwa Auditorium of the university, on July 11, 2023, the Vice chancellor of the University, Prof. Ibilola Olatuni-Bello, said the death of the professor of mass communication was a great loss to the academic community.
The Vice Chancellor who was represented by Deputy Vice Chancellor, Administration, Prof Adenike Boyo, described Prof Oso as “A topmost strategist whom everyone matters to. He valued friendship and networking.” She prayed for the repose of his soul and pray God to give the immediate family and friend the fortitude to bear the loss.
READ ALSO: Prof Lai Oso: Alumni, Institutions, Communication scholars, others hold day of tributes
Also, the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic, Prof. Olufunsho Omobitan, who is the immediate elder brother of Prof Oso’s wife, said the late Oso has left a big vacuum that would be hard to fill. He described his death as a rude shock and said even in death, the late scholar demonstrated great influence.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Dean of the School of Communication, Prof Olayinka Alawode, spoke about the vacuum that has been created with the demise of Prof Oso. He said he would be sorely missed by both by his colleagues in the faculty, students, mentees, and many others in the university community who have come to see him as a father figure.
Other eminent scholars and journalists were also there to pay their tribute and speak of the good legacies he has left behind. Both Professors Sola Oyero of Anchor University, Ipaja-Lagos and Tejumaiye of the University of Lagos spoke of the role he played in the academic community and prayed to God to grant his soul repose.
Dr. Dare Ogunyonbo, who spoke on behalf of the Association of Communication Professionals of Nigeria (ACSPN), an association of media scholars of which Prof Oso was the founding president said, the late professor of mass communication demonstrated immense quality of character in leading the association.
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Many other scholars and students spoke glowingly of his influence on their lives and academics.
Prof Rotimi Williams Olatunji, the immediate past Dean of the Faculty, described Oso as “a great mentor, scholar, pathfinder, light bearer and a bridge builder across the country.” According to him, this is because his influence and academic prowess spread beyond his immediate geographic domination. He was known across the county and abroad for his deep knowledge and humanity.
In a vote of thanks for the honour accorded their father, his son, Moyosola Oso, expressed the family’s gratitude to the university’s leadership and community, the faculty, students, colleagues and all for “the outpouring of love and testimonies about the good work of our father.” He prayed that God would give the strength to sustain their father’s works and legacies. The event was attended by the widow Mrs. Abimbola Oso, the children and a host of family and friends.
The university’s Department of Music was on hand to provide solemn songs for the guests throughout the ceremony.
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