A renowned professor of International repute, Professor Eyitayo Rufus Ifedayo (ERI) Afolabi was on Wednesday celebrated heroically by his academic colleagues, students of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, technocrats, and other well-wishers from all walks of life, as he retired from the federal civil service and marked his 70th birthday anniversary.
The academic guru from the Faculty of Education, the Department of Educational Foundations and Counselling of the OAU was flanked by his wife, Professor Margaret Olubunmi Afolabi at the two in one programmes tagged: “70th Birthday And Retirement Thanksgiving Service”, Organised in his honour, was described as an icon of icons who have dignified himself by standing tall with impeccable academic records in the academic arenas.
The events which were turned into carnival likes, attracted Mammoth crowd including servants of God from the Christian and Muslim circles who came in large numbers to grace the historic occasion laced with encomiums, eulogies, and point-blank spiritual doctrinal messages centres on contributions to humanity.
In his sermon, at the first programme held at the All Souls Chapel of the university, Most Rev Simeon Oluwole Borokini, Bishop of Akure Diocese and Archbishop of Ondo Province, described the retiree as an epitome of humility and a sacrificial giver divinely chosen to impart life.
According to him, Prof. Afolabi’s leadership style had resulted in massive growth, progress, and expansion of scholars and urged him to see his old age as an opportunity to right every wrong he has faced in the past and forgive those that had wronged him in the past.
He however remarked, “We celebrate our brother, an epitome of humility, a sacrificial giver and lover of God, a good family man, a man with one wife.  Professor Eyitayo Ifedayo Afolabi, we have come to celebrate you and congratulate you
The clergyman argued that, “By clocking the age of 70, it is time to appreciate the gift of God in you, considering the state of our academic challenges. Your ecclesiastical commitment, both in Akure and Ife. What of your personal commitments to societal expectations and family duties? You are standing in good health, sound minds and you are still in good shape. It can only be God.
“Today, with the heart of gratitude to God, we celebrate this gift of God to humanity for our brother. You started your journey from primary to secondary to university of getting your PhDÂ climbing the ladder of success.”
“As you clock the age of 70 today, God is saying, rest. The rest is not the state of stepping aside or inactivity or slow motion when your work is done you rest.
“In our text (1 Corinthians 15:7), Paul the Apostle recognized the grace God bestowed upon him, the apostle recognizes his identity in God therefore, celebrate the grace of God in your life”.
“Forgive those that wrong you and beg those you wronged for forgiveness forget the past and be ready to move on obviously as a scholar you would have produced many scholars. You have written books and have many children towing your paths. Volunteer yourself to be used by God.”
“See your old age as an opportunity to write every wrong you have faced in the past decades The grace of God is not perfect. No one is in of truth will not rise to the position of a professor that will you must step on toes, your action must have wronged some people.”
“Do everything in your capacity to help your community, celebrate with the less privileged ones, and do your best to better their lives.”
Meanwhile, the reception/valedictory service was held at the campus Ifelodun Cooperative Society hall.
In his Speech, the retiree and the celebrant, Professor Eri Afolabi, thanked all and sundry who had in one way or another contributed immensely to his success in life.
and then