Encomiums poured on the former Chairman of the Punch Nigeria Limited, Chief Ajibola Ogunshola, on Thursday as the Nigerian Mathematical Society honoured him with the fellowship of the society.
Also honoured were the former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Prof. Oye Ibidapo-Obe, and a professor of Mathematics at the Lagos State University, Ojo, Michael Ajetunmobi.
The NMS honoured the trio as fellows of the society for their contributions to the advancement of Mathematics.
The NMS President, Prof. Ninuola Akinwande, who conferred them with the honour at a special investiture held at UNILAG, said the trio, among others, were mathematicians of international standing and accomplishments.
He said, "The array of Mathematics scholars on this year's list is an indicator that despite the rather harsh teaching and research conditions prevalent in the country, some have doggedly pursued this field of knowledge, which is dreaded by many with vigour and determination.
"The awardees are mathematicians of international standing with distinguished accomplishments as attested to in their profiles."
Akinwande, who stressed the importance of the subject, said it was the driving force for meaningful scientific and technological breakthroughs and advancement.
Commending the recipients for their contributions to lifting humanity to loftier heights through Mathematics, the NMS helmsman noted that the honour had further elevated them as life members of the society.
He particularly noted that Ogunshola had used his exposure to Mathematics and Actuary to lift the Punch Nigeria Limited to become the best newspaper company in the country.
Akinwande also commended the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, for instituting N50m professorial chairs in Mathematics at the University of Ibadan; University of Nigeria, Nsukka; UNILAG and the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife.
He urged other eminent Nigerians to support the teaching, learning and research in the subject.
Ogunshola, whose friends and relatives graced the ceremony, said he was excited about the honour.
According to him, his exposure to the subject has greatly helped him to impact on humanity.
He said, "I am very happy about the award. I am a professional, but I have been trained to apply Mathematics to business and that is what I have been doing all my working life. My mathematical background has been of tremendous assistance in solving financial-related challenges, which I have handled in various areas of my life."
Ibidapo-Obe also said the subject was the elixir for the advancement of other disciplines.
He added, "Mathematics is fundamental to all other disciplines. More so, it is very important to have a calculative and analytical mind where everything has to be measured; the economy has to be measured, productivity has to be measured, and this is not difficult."
The former VC, who urged youngsters not to shy away from the subject, said it was "probably one of the easiest subjects to study."
The President, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Dr. Nike Akande; the Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief, Punch Nigeria Limited, Mr. Ademola Osinubi; a member of the Board of Directors, Ms. Lola Ibi Aboderin; and the Managing Director of Aframero Limited, Mrs. Yetunde Oghomienor, graced the ceremony.
Others are a former Commissioner for Insurance, Chief Eugene Okwor; professors Olusola Adeniran, Samuel Ajala and Ibiyemi Omojola and Ibidapo-Obe's wife, Sola.
The Executive Secretary, Nigerian Academy of Science, Dr. Oladoyin Odubanjo and Ambassador Remi Esan, among others, graced the event.
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