Governor AbdulRazaq Celebrates Kwara-Born Imperial College Scholar Prof. Popo-Ola at 60, Hails Diaspora Contributions
Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has extended warm congratulations to Associate Professor Sunday Popo-Ola of Imperial College London on his 60th birthday, praising the distinguished academic for his unwavering commitment to community development and youth empowerment.
Governor AbdulRazaq, in a heartfelt tribute, described Prof. Popo-Ola as a shining example of Kwara excellence on the global stage. He commended the Esiè-born scholar for demonstrating that geographical distance is no limitation to meaningful contributions back home.
“Prof. Popo-Ola has shown that you can be anywhere in the world and still be a critical part of your community. Distance has never been a barrier for him to give back to the state and especially to his people in Esiè,” the Governor stated.
Prof. Popo-Ola, a native of the Esiè Kingdom in Irepodun Local Government Area, is a renowned engineer and academic who teaches at Imperial College London—ranked second globally after MIT. He is also the Chairman of the Creative Futures Foundation, Nigeria, and holds the traditional title of Aare Akeweje of Esiè in recognition of his outstanding contributions to youth development and education.
Governor AbdulRazaq particularly applauded Prof. Popo-Ola’s leadership in promoting STEM education among Kwara youth and his pivotal role in several diaspora-led initiatives aimed at enhancing development in the state.
As he marked his 60th milestone, the Governor prayed for the scholar’s continued good health, strength, and greater accomplishments in his service to humanity and to the glory of God.
Prof. Popo-Ola’s legacy, the Governor noted, continues to inspire a new generation of Kwarans both at home and abroad, underscoring the administration’s belief in celebrating excellence and fostering global partnerships for state development.
