The family of the late Brigadier General Benjamin Maja Adekunle has sought the Federal government recognition for the revered Civil War hero noting his contribution to the oneness of the country.
Adekunle an Ogbomoso born distinguish soldier who trained at the Sandhurst Military Academy, died 10 years ago.
He was known for his leadership quality in reclaiming the Delta and other riverine areas from the Biafran forces during the Nigerian Civil war.
Speaking with Journalists during the Golf Kitty organised by the family at Ogbomoso Recreation Club on Saturday, Adekunle’s eldest child Barr. (Mrs) Busola Olagunju said the recognition is long overdue. She added that her father did his best for the country and there was need for proper recognition.
“My late father was a patriot who loved his country and sacrificed everything he had for the unity of this country, he was a good father, and we still miss till today.
Asked how she wanted to be properly immortalised, Barrister Olagunju said; “The same thing they did for other patriots and nationalists, by naming notable monuments, institutions, roads, etc, could be named after him just for people to remember that such patriotic person existed.
“I believe with time, some of the issues in the past will be corrected. we are hopeful that whatever the case may be in future more recognition will be accorded him for his achievements and contributions to Nigeria”.
Brig Gen Samuel Gbenga Ladipo in his remark said ‘ I am happy that the family has put this together because for a long time, Black Scorpion has not been given the recognition he deserved and I want to believe that charity begins at home. Now that black scorpion is being recognized at Ogbomosoland in no distant future Nigeria will accord him the recognition he deserves.
“Brig General Benjamin Maja Adekunle is one of the Heroes of the Nigerian Civil War, all this is well documented, however you can hardly find any monument, road or a military Installation named after him now that Ogbomoso has begin to recognized his own I want to believe that the late black scorpion deprived of, in Ogbomoso i will suggest we name a major road after him nothing can be too much to immortalise him”.
A retired Permanent Secretary at the Federal Civil Service, Sir Olusegun Adekunle, OON. KJW while expressing optimism that that late civil war hero will be given adequate recognition said “I believe that process is underway, there is no time that God cannot touch the heart of a leader to remind him of somebody who deserves to be honored. It happened in the bible and I am sure it will happen in our lifetime.”
Adekunle a nephew to the late warlord said “He played great roles in my upbringing and my career. He loved the family and the nation. I am proud to be associated with him”.
Adekunle added; “This is a unique event because we are celebrating the 10th remembrance anniversary and we are thanking God by putting this up golf kitty is to bring life into the kitty and it is sending a message that keeping alive is part of the legacies he left behind”.
He said the family would take over the sponsorship of hole 9 named after him by the Ogbomoso Golf Club and will be financing an annual golf tournament in his honour.
Engineer Aderibigbe Adeyinka, captain Ogbomoso Recreation Club Golf session said golfers from IBB Golf Club Abuja, Tiger Golf Club Ibadan Ilorin Golf Club Ilorin, and others have arrived for the competition and prizes will be won.
The remembrance programme continues tomorrow with thanksgiving at St David Anglican Church Agboin, Ogbomoso while Monday there will be a visit to orphanage home and empowerment program on Tuesday.
The highlight of the memorial will be the inaugural Benjamin Adekunle Memorial Leadership Lecture, themed “The Ogbomosos, Military Gallantry and the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, from 9:30 AM at the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) Auditorium, Speakers at the lecture will include Rear Admiral Jacob Ajani (Rtd), Dr. Olayinka Oyegbile, and Professor Omotoye Olorode.
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