Distinguished Professor Martins Agenuma Anetekhai successfully delivers his Valedictory Lecture ...Urges members of staff to remain united, move LASU forward

Distinguished Professor Martins Agenuma ANETEKHAI, Professor of Fisheries, Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Science delivering his Valedictory Lecture

L - R : Distinguished Professor Martins Agenuma Anetekhai with the Vice Chancellor, Professor Ibiyemi Ibilola Olatunji-Bello, mni, fnli, NPOM

L - R : University Librarian, Dr. Omawunmi Makinde, representative of the University Bursar, Mr. Emmanuel Sosu-Olaitan (Deputy Bursar, Faculty Accounting), Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Adenike Omotunde Boyo, Valedictory Lecturer, Distinguished Professor Martins Agenuma Anetekhai, Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ibiyemi Ibilola Olatunji-Bello, mni, fnli, NPOM, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Olufunsho Abayomi Omobitan and the University Registrar, Mr. Emmanuel A. FANU

Was it intentional, or was it a coincidence that Distinguished Professor Martins Agenuma Anetekhai delivered the first Valedictory Lecture under the able leadership of Professor Ibiyemi Ibilola Olatunji-Bello, mni, NPOM, on his birthday?

The Valedictory Lecture titled: "Aquapreneurship: The Pathway to Sustainable Marine and Blue Economy", was held at the 3-in-1 Building, Faculty of Education, Main Campus, Ojo, Lagos.

The Vice Chancellor, Professor Ibiyemi Ibilola Olatunji-Bello, mni, NPOM in her welcome address, described Distinguished Professor Martins Agenuma Anetekhai as "....a man of history who is making history on his historic day."

Professor Olatunji-Bello, mni, NPOM, averred that the valedictory lectures are momentous occasions that go beyond simple farewell, as they encapsulate lifetime of academic dedication, mentorship and contributions, leaving lasting impact on the academic community..."hence, today's historic occasion not only celebrates the academic achievements of our very own Distinguished Professor Martins Agenuma Anetekhai from the Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Science, but also, signifies the collective dedication to knowledge and academic excellence within our University. Today, We are privileged to witness a profound sharing of wisdom and insights from a distinguished scholar", she said.

The Vice Chancellor further stated that Prof. Anetekhai's contributions to the academic community have been exemplary, shaping the intellectual landscape of the 40-year old institution, adding that his dedication to the field of Fisheries has not only elevated Lagos State University's academic standing but has also significantly contributed to the broader scientific community. 

Speaking further, she said "His journey reflects the core values of Lagos State University; a commitment to academic rigour, innovation and a pursuit of knowledge and excellence that extends beyond the confines of our classrooms".

The Valedictory Lecturer, Distinguished Professor Martins Agenuma ANETEKHAI, in his 52-page lecture, extensively discussed the making of a Distinguished Professor; Continental Town And Gown Services; aquapreneurship and aquapreneurs; aquapreneurship development; marine and blue economy in Nigeria; the way forward; policy framework and reform strategy; fisheries and aquaculture value chain down-stream; environment value chain; swot analysis of marine and blue economy in Nigeria; implementation strategy for marine and blue economy; government role in sustainable development of marine and blue economy; private sector, public-private sector and civil society roles in the sustainable development of marine and blue economy; the role of marine and blue economy in addressing Nigeria's unemployment; monitoring and evaluation of marine and blue economy.

Prof. Anetekhai recommended, amongst other things, that the marine and blue economy, being a recent creation in the Federal Republic of Nigeria, must be guided by a well-informed and all-inclusive policy framework and implementation strategies. He added that entrepreneurship must be developed in the upstream, midstream, and downstream of the marine and blue economy value chain with frictionless, intentionally competitive, and well-articulated start-up funding. While noting that successful implementation requires adequate funding, capacity building, strong political environment, he equally mentioned that monitoring and evaluation must begin right from inception and be continuously done throughout the life of the administration and beyond.

The retired but not tired Distinguished Professor highly commended the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ibiyemi Ibilola Olatunji-Bello, mni, NPOM, members of the University Management, Senate, staff? and world-class students of the University for the support he enjoyed while in active service. He thanked the Lagos State Government for supporting the University at all time.

Furthermore, he counselled the members of the university community to remain united and work for the continued growth, development, and progress of the University. "...Vice Chancellor ma, permit me to say this...you have surprised me , you and your team. I have stayed in LASU beginning from Prof. Folabi Olumide and I have seen it all. We are now with Prof. Ibiyemi Ibilola Olatunji-Bello, in all of the Vice Chancellors I have worked with, none is bad...when there is peace, there is progress. LASU is going places." he concluded.

Good will messages were delivered by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Adenike Omotunde Boyo, former Vice Chancellor, University of Lagos and current Chairman, Lagos  State Research Innovation Council (LASRIC), Prof. Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, former Vice Chancellor, Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo, Oyo State, and a Distinguished Prof. at Lagos State University, Distinguished Prof. Dapo Folorunsho Asaju and Dean, Faculty of Science, Prof. Shehu Latunji Akintola.

The Faculty of Science and Lagos State University Centre for Excellence for Sargassum Research presented gifts to the great professor.

The University Registrar, Mr. Emmanuel A. FANU anchored the epoch-making event.

Other members of the University Management in attendance were the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Olufunsho Abayomi Omobitan, University Bursar, who was represented by Deputy Bursar, Faculty Accounting, Mr. Emmanuel Sosu-Olaitan and University Librarian, Dr. Omawunmi Makinde.

The well attended valedictory lecture was also witnessed by a former Vice Chancellor, Fountain University, Osogbo, Osun State, Nigeria, Prof. Amidu Sanni.