Akeem Lasisi
Distinguished statesman, Dr Lalekan Are, has passed away.
The foremost agronomist, industrialist, author, arts promoter, philanthropist and prominent Ibadan chief, died at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, on Saturday.
He was 86.
His passage came about a week after that of another great Nigerian he admired very much, Professor Chukwuemeka Ike, who was the Eze of Ndikelionwu.
Their path had crossed at the University Press Plc, where Are was the Chairman and Ike a director.
Among other virtues, Are was a courageous man who spoke the truth no matter the situation.
But beneath his stern poise was a compassionate and philanthropic soul.
Mr Toye Akinrinola, the Public Relations Officer of the UCH, confirmed Are’s death while his family as well as Punch Nigeria Limited, where Are was a director, has also announced the demise.
Akinrinola said that Are died during a brief illness at the High Dependency Unit of UCH at about 12.30am on Saturday.
A former General Manager of Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority, Are nurtured UPL to become a giant in the Nigeria publishing industry.
It has continued to publish many titles in the educational and creative spheres.
While it has continued to ax stronger in terms of profitability, the company has contributed greatly towards literary development through the annual Authors’ Forum it introduced some years ago.
The program that holds at the Kakanfo Inn brings writers from different sectors and places together.
It features a guest speaker and addresses different areas of the arts, culture and life.
Among others, it has featured poet laureate, Prof.Niyi Osundare, acclaimed scholar, Prof. Okebukola, scholar and writer, Prof. Akachi Ezeigbo, while the likes of Professor Femi Osofisan and the late Akinwumi Isola also played prominent roles.Interestingly, Ike was also at the forum every year.
The deceased was the Chairman Managing Director of Kakanfo Inn, Managing Director, Lekan Are Farms Limited and Director of Punch Nigeria Limited.
The agricultural consultant and farmer was until his death the Laguna Bobajiro of Ibadanland.
