Last Updated on March 4, 2025 by Olasunkanmi Olajide
By Joy Adeyiga
The Director of Sports at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Dr. Sam Olabanji, has been named among the 50 Most Illustrious Alumni of the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) during the institution’s 50th Anniversary celebration.
Featuring in the UNILORIN’s Compendium on Illustrious Alumni, Dr. Olabanji seized the moment to counsel Nigerian youths, urging them to shun the “get-rich-quick” mentality and instead embrace hard work, efficiency, commitment, and ethical values in their academic and personal pursuits.
As a renowned coach and mentor at FUNAAB, he warned against the dangers of seeking wealth through illegal means, citing the harmful consequences of social vices such as ritual killings, internet fraud, drug abuse, and kidnapping. According to him, these acts not only destroy lives but also pose a serious threat to national stability and development.
Dr. Olabanji further emphasised the vital role of educational institutions in shaping young minds, advocating for stronger mentorship programmes, ethical training, and productive engagement platforms within universities. He encouraged students to pursue honourable success, learning from credible role models who have attained greatness through integrity and diligence.
He also underscored the need for excellence and professionalism in the labour market, stressing respect for authority, adherence to the rule of law, and commitment to justice. Dr. Olabanji urged the younger generation to be agents of positive change, revive the values of Nigeria’s past heroes, and exhibit qualities of fairness, hospitality, and God-fearing leadership.
On integrity, he described it as a fundamental pillar of success, embodying honesty, discipline, and consistency. Lamenting its decline in society, he warned that lack of integrity fuels many of Nigeria’s current challenges. He asserted that embracing integrity in all facets of life would contribute significantly to national progress.
In his concluding remarks, Dr. Olabanji reminded youths that true success is not about amassing wealth hastily but rather about making a lasting impact through hard work and dedication. He encouraged them to build a legacy of excellence, ensuring that their names are remembered for good even after they were gone.
