The National Secretariat of Ibadan Descendants Union, USA, led by Jagun Olubadan Abiola Iyiola has sent a congratulatory message to the Ibadan-born Professor of History and African and African in Diaspora at the Florida International University, Saheed Aderinto, PhD, for his winning Dan David Prize, the largest history prize in the world.
Professor Aderinto is among the nine winners of the highest prize as his highest financial reward for excellence in the historical discipline from Dan David Foundation, receiving a lump sum of 300 thousand dollars.
In a statement signed by the Public Relations Officer of IDU, Mr Shola Bolomope, the umbrella body of all sons and daughters of Ibadan in the Diaspora expressed elation at the meritorious feats being attained by Professor Aderinto globally in History scholarship, especially his audacious foray into uncharted areas in History discipline. The African-American Professor has shown that with determination and extraordinary dedication to human endeavours, there is no limit to what humans can attain.
The National President of IDU-USA, Jagun Olubadan Abiola Iyiola lauded Professor Aderinto’s cutting-edge contributions to the body of knowledge in diverse literatures in the history of sexuality, nonhumans and violence. The National President said IDU-USA was fascinated by one of Professor Aderinto’s recent research endeavours titled “The Making of Fuji: A Documentary”, which brought to limelight again the immense contributions of one of Ibadan glories in the person of Sikiru Ayinde Barrister, said to be the originator of Fuji music in Ibadan and who elevated the art to a global standard. Jagun Olubadan Abiola Iyiola stated that IDU was always excited that there was aboriginal connection between Professor Saheed Aderinto and late Sikiru Ayinde Barrister, being ones of staunch natives of Ibadan, and that Professor Aderinto has been making scholarly research and documentary out of Fuji, a musical art considered local and limited in scope.
“Ibadan has been a blessing to the world in the areas of learning and education. There are hefty scholars of Ibadan descent like Professor Toyin Falola, a Professor of History in several world universities, Professor Moses Mabayoje, a Yoruba language Professor in New York University, Professor Oyekunle Azeez, and others who are making wonderful waves in the world of knowledge production and enhancement globally. Professor Saheed Aderinto is following in the footsteps of giant scholars like Professor Falola and these personalities are part of what makes Ibadan tick,” Oloye Abiola Iyiola asserted.
IDU-USA urged Professor Aderinto not to rest on his oars as the Union admonished him to continue to bring honour and pride to Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria, and Africa by his uncommon scholarly adventures in History discipline and scholarship.
