The Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology, Moor Plantation, Ibadan (FCAH&PT), gathered in great numbers to honour and celebrate Dr. Adekoya Olatunde Owosibo, the Executive Provost, during a Valedictory and Thanksgiving Programme on Tuesday, August 19, 2025.

The ceremony, held at the Dr. K.J. Nwufoh Hall, showcased Dr. Owosibo's remarkable contributions over his five-year tenure and was organized by a dedicated Committee of Friends.

The event saw participation from various segments of the college community, including deans, heads of departments (HODs), directors, unit heads, staff, students, family, friends, and well-wishers, all coming together to commend a leader who has left an indelible mark on FCAH&PT. As echoed in Edith Wharton’s poem "Vesalius in Zante," celebrating leadership can be likened to spreading light, and Dr. Owosibo has certainly embodied this principle through his journey.

Among the special dignitaries present were Rev. (Barr.) Solomon Wada, Oyo Axis Coordinator of First Square Gospel Church; Rev. Karounwi Ogunjobi, Ibadan District Secretary; Pastor Ayorinde Awe, Director of Part-Time Programme at FCAH&PT; Prof. Veronica Obatolu, Immediate Past Director IAR&T, represented by Prof. (Mrs.) Farinde; Deputy Provost Academic, Dr. Isaac Ayodeji; Deputy Provost Admin, Dr. (Mrs.) Funmilayo Ogunleke; Auditor of the College, Mrs. Sade Okekunle; Bursar, Mr. Ayodele Olayinka; Alumni President, Mr. W.O. Lumpkin; Acting Registrar, Mrs. Popoola; Dr. Funmilayo Adejimi, Past Provost FCAH&PT; Chief Imam IAR&T, Sheik Mahmud Eleshinmeta; Incoming/Acting Provost, Dr. Chidi Opeze and his wife, Dr. (Mrs.) Victoria Opeze; Immediate Past Registrar, Mr. Nathaniel Jolaiya; Director NIHORT, Prof. Muhammed Atanda; Architect Babatunde Adetunji, MD Organitech Consult Ltd; Director Admin NIHORT, Dr. (Mrs.) Modupe David; Prof. Yinka Odunsi from LAUTECH; Rev. and Pastor (Mrs.) Bola Onafowora from First Square Gospel Church, Ibadan and various dignitaries from the Federal College of Agriculture, Moor Plantation, among others.

The Committee of Friends that sponsored the event included notable figures such as Prof. Omole, Dr. Banjoko, Dr. Ayodeji, Dr. Adejimi, Mr. Olayinka, Mrs. Akinyemi Ajala, Dr. Tunde Ajayi, Dr. Omolara Jemimah Ojezele, and Dr. Akanbi.

In his welcome address, Dr. Isaac Ayodeji expressed, "I am privileged to be here, and you are all welcome to this auspicious occasion. We are here to rejoice and appreciate Almighty God. As staff in this institution, we have all supported our provost to make his tenure a success. While nobody is perfect, I would give Dr. Owosibo a 90% for his unwavering commitment and impact on countless lives."

As the evening unfolded, heartfelt tributes poured in from attendees who took to the microphone to share their appreciations for Dr. Owosibo. Dr. Funmilayo Adejimi remarked, "Today is a day of joy. Our brother is thanking God for completing five years of leadership, and we can all attest it hasn’t been an easy journey. The bar of this college has been raised higher under his guidance."

Prof. Muhammed Atanda added, "Congratulations, Dr. Owosibo, for completing a successful tenure. Our work can often feel thankless, but I can assure you that you are seen as a problem solver and a friend. I have immense respect for your dedication and look forward to your future successes."

Dr. Abass reflected, "Five years looks like yesterday. Owosibo is a childhood friend, and I am proud of what he has accomplished. We thank God for granting him a successful tenure."

Mr. W.O. Lumpkin praised Dr. Owosibo for fostering relationships with the alumni body, stating, "The alumni appreciates your leadership, and we wish you all the best in the days to come."

Pastor Segun Owosibo shared, "I thank God for how He has used you in this college. You have done well, and I am delighted to celebrate you today."

Rev. (Barr.) Solomon Wada remarked, "You came, you saw, and you conquered. The entire Church in Oyo State is proud of you, and we thank the college for supporting you during your tenure."

Prof. Omole commended Dr. Owosibo, adding, "We have gathered to honor you. Being a leader is not easy, and you have represented us well. We also congratulate the incoming provost, who will build on the foundation you have established."

In a brief exhortation, Pastor Ayorinde Awe referenced II Timothy 4:7-8, noting, "Dr. Owosibo has fought a good fight and conquered. It is a battle to balance spiritual and secular responsibilities, and he has managed this with grace. We celebrate your tenure today, thankful for the success you’ve achieved and the legacy you continue to build."

Dr. Owosibo, in his remarks, expressed his deep gratitude: "I am overwhelmed by the grace, favor, and support I have received from God and all of you. My success is a collective effort. I appreciate the management staff, my wife, Mrs. Folakemi Owosibo, my family, my predecessors, and everyone who has contributed to this journey."

As part of the ceremony, attendees participated in joyous dancing and thanksgiving songs, epitomizing the spirit of gratitude and celebration for Dr. Owosibo's tenure.

During the ceremony, Dr. Owosibo was honored with a variety of thoughtful gifts that reflected the deep appreciation the college community holds for his leadership. The accolades included commemorative plaques, heartfelt letters of gratitude, and personalized tokens from faculty, staff, and students, showcasing their respect for his unwavering commitment and significant contributions to the advancement of FCAH&PT. These gifts served not only as a symbol of their admiration but also as a reminder of the lasting impact Dr. Owosibo has had on the institution and its stakeholders throughout his tenure.

As Dr. Adekoya Olatunde Owosibo steps down, the torch of leadership passes to a new generation, but the impact of his vision will reverberate for years to come. The words of Julius Caesar resonate with his legacy: "Veni, Vidi, Vici." He came, he saw, and he conquered—leaving behind an indelible mark on the future of FCAH&PT and Nigeria's agricultural ecosystem.