Encomium, praises and positive testimonies were showered on the Country Director of McArthur Foundation in Nigeria, Dr Kole Shettima, when he featured in the “Impact Series,” of the Akin Fadeyi Foundation (AFF). The inspiring testimonials were delivered by his colleagues, friends, associates, and partners from various disciplines that included the media, academics, civil society, religious and governmental institutions. Spotlighting him, the founder of AFF, Mr.
Akin Fadeyi, described him as “a role-modelling programme for Nigerian youth to embrace the culture of diligence, hard work, forbearance, altruistic pursuit of generosity and mutual respect within our ecosystem.” The platform was in its third edition having launched some weeks earlier with the story of impacts of one of Nigeria’s living legal luminaries and philanthropists, Aare Afe Babalola. As the dignitaries took turn to speak, they spoke glowingly about Shettima reminiscent of those usually found at funerals in Nigeria but surprisingly the forum wasn’t a gathering of mourners.
It paraded an assembly of prominent figures who expressed their fulfillment that they had the privilege to celebrate their hero while alive. The list of these testifiers included the wife of former Governor Kayode Fayemi, Erelu Bisi Fayemi; acting Executive Director of Centre for Civilians in Conflict, Comrade Jude Ilo; Publisher of Premium Times, who doubles as the Exexutive Director of the Centre for Journalism Innovation and De.