The Ikorodu Division Resource Development Group (IDRDG), through its Human Resources Development Board (IDHRDB), on Saturday, November 1, 2025, honoured the late Professor Anthony A. Adegbola, a distinguished academic, educator, and community development pioneer with its 22nd Biennial Memorial Lecture.

The event, themed “Alternative Medicine: Perception, Uses and Benefits,” took place at the Ikorodu Town Hall and brought together traditional rulers, scholars, government officials, and residents from across the division to celebrate Prof. Adegbola’s enduring legacy while examining the growing significance of alternative medicine in contemporary healthcare.

They also honored its founding fathers, recognizing their pivotal roles in shaping the organization’s mission and vision. The esteemed individuals honored include Asiwaju Olorunfunmi Basorun, Member of the Governor’s Advisory Council, Lagos State, Prof. Sanni, and Chief Shoderu.

The Keynote lecturer Prof. Adebankola Adefule-Ositelu was also presented with a prestigious Appreciation Award in recognition of her remarkable contributions and dedication.

Delivering the keynote lecture, Professor Adebukunola Adefule-Ositelu, former Chairman of the Lagos State Traditional Medicine Board, highlighted the enduring relevance of indigenous healing practices in Nigeria. She stressed that traditional and alternative medicine, far from being outdated, have historically played a vital role in community health and continue to offer solutions in areas where modern healthcare is less accessible.

She called for structured research programs, proper regulation, and standardized practices to ensure that alternative medicine can be safely and effectively integrated into the national healthcare framework.

She also encouraged collaboration between traditional healers and modern medical practitioners, arguing that such synergy could provide holistic care and reduce the burden on hospitals.

Chairman of the occasion, Mr. Alli Balogun, Lagos State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, praised the IDRDG for its commitment to sustaining Prof. Adegbola’s legacy.

He described the memorial lecture as “a platform that continues to educate, enlighten, and inspire generations across Ikorodu Division.” He elaborated that the lecture not only honours the memory of a revered scholar but also serves as a forum for knowledge sharing, intellectual debate, and practical discussions that can drive development in the division.

He urged young people to view Prof. Adegbola’s life as a blueprint for combining academic excellence with community service.

The event attracted notable dignitaries, including the Oba Abdulkabir Shotobi Ayangburen of Ikorodu Kingdom, Oba Abdulsemiu Orimadegun Kasali the Adeboruwa of Igbogbo Kingdom, Asiwaju Olorunfunmi Bashorun, Senator Adeseye Ogunlewe, Basorun Rotinwa, Sir Amb. Oluseyi A. Onafowokan, KJW, served as Father of the Day, while Chief Deaconess Busola Elizabeth Isikalu, Iyaloja General of Ikorodu Division, was the Mother of the Day.

Throughout the ceremony, speakers and participants reflected on Prof. Adegbola’s remarkable contributions to education, leadership, and community development.

Many emphasized his unwavering commitment to ethical leadership, mentorship, and the empowerment of younger generations. Attendees were reminded that his vision extended beyond academics; he championed the idea that true development involves uplifting communities and investing in people.

The event concluded with calls for stronger collaboration between government agencies, educational institutions, and traditional authorities to foster improvements in education, healthcare, and local development initiatives within Ikorodu Division.