Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan
A heritage initiative documenting the lives, achievements and enduring legacies of 100 of Ibadanland’s most distinguished sons and daughters has opened nominations for members of the public.
A statement issued on behalf of the organisers by Dada Samuel, said individuals, families, institutions, organisations and communities are invited to nominate outstanding Ibadan indigenes whose contributions have made significant impacts in Ibadanland, Nigeria and beyond.
According to the organisers, the Compendium of the 100 Most Illustrious Sons and Daughters of Ibadanland is aimed at preserving the stories of exceptional personalities and inspiring future generations.
“Do you know a distinguished son or daughter of Ibadanland whose life, achievements, service and enduring legacy deserve to be documented and remembered for generations?
“We invite individuals, families, institutions, organisations and communities to nominate outstanding sons and daughters of Ibadanland for consideration in the Compendium of the 100 Most Illustrious Sons and Daughters of Ibadanland,” the organisers said.
The project has been officially endorsed by the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), which the organisers described as a vote of confidence in the initiative to preserve the city’s rich history and heritage.
Nominations are being accepted across several categories, including law and justice, medicine and healthcare, education and academia, business and entrepreneurship, politics and public service, engineering and technology, media and journalism, arts, culture and entertainment, religion and spiritual leadership, science and research, agriculture and agribusiness, sports, banking and finance, traditional leadership, community development and philanthropy, as well as other fields of notable achievement.
The organisers explained that both living and deceased sons and daughters of Ibadanland are eligible for nomination, provided their achievements, leadership, professional excellence, innovation or service have made a demonstrable impact.
“Both historical figures and contemporary personalities may be considered, provided they satisfy the project’s eligibility, research, verification and selection requirements.
“For deceased nominees, the organisers said the project would document their lives, achievements, contributions and enduring legacies, ensuring that their stories are preserved for present and future generations,” the statement said.
Nominations may be submitted by individuals, families, institutions, organisations, professional associations, community groups, socio-cultural organisations, academic institutions, religious organisations and other recognised bodies.
All nominations should be submitted electronically to ibadancompendium@gmail.com.
Prospective nominators are required to provide the nominee’s full name, nomination category and a brief reason for the nomination via the project’s official email address.
The organisers, however, stressed that nomination does not automatically guarantee inclusion in the publication.
“Submission of a nomination does not guarantee selection or inclusion in the compendium. All nominations will be carefully considered through a structured process involving research, historical verification, eligibility assessment and editorial review,” they said.
According to the organisers, the final selection of the 100 most illustrious sons and daughters of Ibadanland will be made by the project’s designated Selection and Editorial Committees in line with approved criteria and procedures.
Describing the initiative as more than a publication, the organisers said it is “a historic heritage project for generations to come”.
“Ibadan’s story deserves to be told by Ibadan people. We are documenting and celebrating 100 Most Illustrious Sons and Daughters of Ibadanland whose achievements and legacies have shaped our great city.”
The organisers also called on distinguished Ibadan indigenes, institutions, corporate organisations and lovers of Ibadan heritage to support the initiative.
“Together, let’s preserve our history. Together, let’s honour excellence,” the statement added.