….Obasanjo headlines launch
The hall of the Metropolitan Club, Victoria Island, Lagos, was filled with warmth, nostalgia, and reverence last Saturday as family, friends, dignitaries, and admirers gathered for the launch of “An Engineered Life”, the biography of C.S.O. Akande, a late engineer.
More than just a book presentation, the occasion became a celebration of a life defined by discipline, vision, and impact. From the arrival of guests to the closing moments of networking, the event reflected the very values Akande embodied: order, excellence, and community spirit.
The event opened with prayers and reflections led by Rotimi Antonio, a pastor, followed by a moment of silence in memory of the honoree. Leke Oshunniyi, master of ceremonies, guided proceedings with a balance of humor and solemnity.
Representing the family, Wole Akande, son of the late engineer Akande, delivered a heartfelt welcome address, pledging the family’s commitment to keeping their father’s legacy alive. Dapo later shared insights into the painstaking research and dedication that went into producing the biography.
Seun Oyefeso, in his review, described “An Engineered Life” as “a masterful documentation of a man whose story reads like a roadmap of service, innovation, and quiet leadership.”
The highlight of the day came when Olusegun Obasanjo, former president of Nigeria and chairman of the occasion, launched the book supported by Jemibewon, a retired major general and the last military governor of Western Region and first military governor of Oyo State. In his keynote remarks, Obasanjo hailed Akande as a patriotic engineer and incorruptible public servant whose dedication helped preserve
Nigeria’s unity during the civil war era.
He emphasized the importance of documenting such lives, noting, “When we fail to tell our stories, we rob the next generation of the wisdom to do better.”
Dignitaries and well-wishers pledged financial and moral support, further underlining the high esteem in which Akande’s legacy is held.
Notable figures in attendance included: David Medaiyese Jemibewon, a retired major general, former governor of Western and Oyo States and, former Minister of Police Affairs; Muhammadu Sanusi II, Emir of Kano and former CBN governor; Ireti Heebah Kingibe, senator representing the FCT; Adeniyi Adebayo, first governor of Ekiti State and Minister of Industry, Trade, Donald Duke, former governor of Cross River State, James Onanefe Ibori, former governor of Delta State; George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, among others.
Kingibe highlighted Akande’s disciplined upbringing at Government College Ibadan and his groundbreaking engineering career as clear testaments of a legacy worth emulating.
As part of the event, Kemi Akande-Taiwo and Iyabo Akindolie announced the establishment of the annual endowment fund for the best science student of Government College Ibadan; a living tribute to Akande’s lifelong passion for science, engineering, and education.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Wole Akande, son of the late engineer, underscored the importance of documentation as a tool for preserving national memory.
“History and culture matter. If we all wrote our stories, there would be no confusion about who we are.
My father’s story is a legacy to remind us of discipline, honesty, and service to family and country,” he said.
He further revealed that a second edition of “An Engineered Life” is under consideration to incorporate new materials and testimonies that have emerged since the first draft.
