Re: USA Africa Dialogue Series - Professor Kole Omotoso at 80: A sage of all ages, By Toyin Falola

Thanks a great deal, Ojogbon Agba TF, for honoring this most deserving icon of our time.

Yes, I doff my hat to the octogenarian sage. A man with an enduring legacy of scholarship, seriousness of purpose and creativity that knows no geographical or political bounds. I recall hosting him in Madison, Wisconsin in the late 1980s or early 1990s, and from the moment I picked him up at the airport, to the very last day he spent with us in Madison, there were no dull moments. His personality, shrouded in organic humility would make any mortal stoop in humble adoration and admiration. Professor Omotoso's unique strengths in creative writing, literary criticism, and Arabic scripting are nonpareil! As one of the celebrity scholars at Ife in the 1980s - in the company of peers like Professors O. B. Yai, Biodun Jeifo (some even confused both of them), Wole Soyinka, Akin Euba, Ola Rotimi, Abiola Irele, Rowland Abiodun, Karin Barber, Akinwumi Isola, Barry Halen, GG Darah, and many more, his presence contributed in no small way to the renaissance spirit of an unmatched intellectual presence that overwhelmingly possessed the African Studies and the overall campus atmosphere of the University of Ife of that time. To Professor Omotoso, congratulations are in order. In the prayer of our ancestors, May 200 years be to you like the passage of a single year!

Michael O. Afolayan ('Dejo)

On Friday, April 21, 2023 at 02:35:22 AM CDT, 'Ololade Bamidele' via USA Africa Dialogue Series <usaafricadialogue@googlegroups.com> wrote:

"When I say that Omotoso is a manifestation of grace and an epitome of refined intellectualism, I speak for most people touched by his writings, teachings, and mentorship. Undoubtedly, his works are arrowheads of progressive activism that, on their own, change things for the good of the human world. I admit that he is one of a kind and a global citizen whose words and actions inspire philosophical ideas. He has imparted the world positively, and his generation stands out because of his exemplary contributions. His presence among us has been the most important inspiration to face the world's issues with uncommon courage." - Toyin Falola

Professor Kole Omotoso at 80: A sage of all ages, By Toyin Falola   

Professor Kole Omotoso at 80: A sage of all ages, By Toyin Falola Toyin Falola More than you could have imagined, Professor Omotoso, you have affected humanity with all the refined ideas you ...

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