… As Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, Sonny Kuku, Wole Olanipekun, John Momoh, Tunde Fanimokun, Kessington Adebutu, Opeyemi Bamidele, Didi Wilson-Jack, Bayo Ojo, Epiphany Azinge, Kola Adesina, Folasade Okoya receive iconic recognition

When the chandeliers of Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos light up on Friday, October 17, 2025, it will not just be another evening of glitz and glamour in Lagos. It will be a homecoming of greatness — a convergence of minds that have shaped law, governance, media, industry, and national development. As the University of Lagos Alumni Association celebrates a remarkable milestone—55 years of unity, achievement, and impact—with a glittering anniversary dinner, the evening will be one of recognition, reflection, and celebration.

A night to honour excellence, leadership, and service

The 55th Anniversary of the Alumni comes with a unique edge, not just to wine, dine and celebrate, but to also honour some of Nigeria’s most distinguished personalities — alumni and friends whose lives and legacies continue to illuminate the ideals of the University of First Choice.

Leading the roll of honourees is Honourable Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, Chief Justice of Nigeria, whose jurisprudential brilliance and integrity have inspired a generation. Alongside her stands Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN, Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the UNILAG Council, a man whose name is synonymous with legal excellence and institutional leadership.

Also on the honour list are Dr. John Momoh, Chairman of Channels Media Group and trailblazer in broadcast journalism; Chief Tunde Fanimokun, Life Director at Folawiyo Group and development icon; and Sir Chief Kessington Adebutu, CFR, revered philanthropist and business magnate whose generosity has transformed communities.

The recognition extends to other eminent achievers — Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, Senate Majority Leader; Mrs. Esther Didi Wilson-Jack, OON, Head of Service of the Federation; Chief Bayo Ojo, SAN, former Attorney General of Nigeria; HRM (Prof.) Epiphany Azinge, Asagba of Asaba; Mr. Kola Adesina, distinguished entrepreneur, managing director of Sahara Group; and Chief (Mrs.) Folasade Okoya, a symbol of grace and enterprise.

The evening will be graced by the Vice President of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima, GCON, as Special Guest of Honour, while Olor’ogun Dr. Sonny Folorunso Kuku, Ogbeni-Oja of Ijebuland — himself a proud UNILAG alumnus and honouree — will preside as Chairman of the Occasion.

Honour beyond awards

In his remarks ahead of the celebration, the President of the UNILAG Alumni Association, Worldwide, Engr. IfeOluwa Oyedele, described the anniversary as “a tribute to the enduring spirit of excellence and service that defines every true UNILAG graduate.”

“This is more than an award ceremony,” Oyedele said. “It is a reflection of shared values — integrity, innovation, and the courage to lead. The individuals we honour have not only excelled in their fields but have also uplifted others and strengthened the legacy of our great university.”

Honouring Legacies, Inspiring Futures

The 55th Anniversary Dinner will feature the conferment of Platinum, Distinguished Alumni, and Lifetime Achievement Awards — each a symbol of remarkable contribution and lasting impact.

Guests will include royal fathers, academia, captains of industry, and the crème de la crème of Nigerian society. Beyond the awards, the evening promises moments of nostalgia, reconnecting generations of alumni who have walked the same halls, shared the same dreams, and now shape the same nation.

For the UNILAG Alumni Association, this landmark event is not merely a celebration of the past but a declaration of faith in the future — a reaffirmation that the University of Lagos continues to produce leaders who influence policy, drive innovation, and inspire change across Africa and beyond.

As the lights dim and the applause rises, one thing will be clear: the UNILAG Alumni story is still being written — one legacy at a time.

*Special report. Edited by Sanmi Falobi