The Bishop of the Ondo Diocese of the Anglican Communion, Rt. Revd. (Dr.) Stephen Adeniran Oni has advised people to behave responsibly during their sojourn on earth so as to get good testimonies after their demise.

Bishop Oni gave the advice at the commendation service organized in honour of late Professor (Chief) Isaac Adewale Osisanwo by the management of Adeyemi College of Education now Adeyemi Federal University of Education, Ondo held on Tuesday, 15 February, 2022 in the institution.

Speaking on “What Shall You Be Remembered For,” the fiery religious leader emphasized the need for people to exhibit truth and build positive legacies wherever they find themselves, arguing that people would only be remembered after they died for the truth they have spoken and seed sown during their days on earth.

The bishop spoke on time management, its prioritisation and good understanding by people. He cited a passage from the Holy Bible in Psalms Chapter 90 verse 12 to buttress his points, stating that the need for effective and timely usage of time has become imperative in order for one not “to become irrelevant in the scheme of things”.

Expressing serious concern on the current situation in Nigeria of recent upsurge in cases of kidnapping, robbery, abduction for ransom as well as ritual killings, the renowned religious leader blamed the trends on decline in societal values and people hating the truth.

As panacea, the cleric admonished the church to rise up to the occasion in order to play her God-assigned role, focusing of more attention on moral regeneration especially among the youth, saying the move would dissuade them from indulging in sinful activities.

Charging the congregation to abstain from negative acts capable of tarnishing their names at their workplaces, Bishop Oni said every professional engagements, including lecturing, should be regarded as a ministry just like the church where peoples lives are moulded.”

He said: Being a lecturer is like being in the ministry, where you are expected to mould lives. What you do with those lives, you shall be remembered,” he remarked.

The clergyman spoke on the recent elevation of the status of the institution, which he described as heartwarming.

He, however, used the occasion to warn students of the institution, especially the females, not to fall prey into hands of wicked people who, he said, may want to entice them with worldly materials to fulfill their sinister desires.

In addition, the cleric equally admonished staff of the institution to take advantage of the upgrade to seek self-improvement in their career to enjoy the benefits associated with the new university status.

Meanwhile, the Bishop, while paying glowing tributes to the late Professor Osisanwo, described him as a wonderful man of God, an icon, a distinguished scholar, a mentor of mentors, a teacher of teachers, a philanthropist of great repute and a consummate family man whose life should be emulated.

He appealed to members of the deceased academic icons family not to despair over his demise but take solace in the fact that their father lived a fulfilled life.

Earlier in his remarks, the Provost of the institution, Dr. Samuel Akintunde described the late professor of English language as a role model, honest and dependable scholar who would be remembered for his contributions to advancement of knowledge and elevation of education standard in Nigeria.

The Colleges chief executive officer expressed appreciation to the bishop, members of his entourage, principal officers of the institution, as well as deans and directors, heads of directorate and division present at the occasion.

The late Osisanwo served as two-term Deputy Provost and a member of the institution’s Governing Council, where he worked as a lecturer before his retirement, before moving to several other universities including Backcock University, Ilisan-Remo.

The well-attended event featured side attractions − parade by the Boys’ Brigade Ondo Battalion, short drama presentation by the institution’s drama group − and tributes from eminent personalities from academics, institution’s workers’ unions and religious organizations.

Dignitaries present at the occasion included a member of the institution’s Governing Council, who is also a former Deputy Provost and Acting Provost, Dr. Olufemi Abayomi Olajuyigbe.

Also present were principal officers of the institution: Provost, Dr. Samuel Akintunde; Deputy Provost, Dr. Ajigbade Ikuejube; Registrar, Mrs. Olufisayo Fakorede; Bursar, Mr. Ganiyu Abdul and Librarian, Mr. Azino Akpokuriere.

Other personalities present were deans and directors, heads of directorate, division and unit, staff and students as well as family members and associates of the late professor from The Federal University of Technology, Akure, the University of Ibadan and Backcock University.