Twenty years after the passing of the late Alhaji Kazeem Omosalewa Owonikoko, his memory, values and enduring legacy continue to resonate strongly with the people whose lives he touched and the generations that came after him.
It is in celebration of this remarkable legacy that the Owonikoko family of Iseyin, Oyo State, has finalised plans to mark the 20th anniversary of the transition of their revered patriarch, while simultaneously unveiling a new platform dedicated to extending his legacy through education and human development.
The event, scheduled for today, 15 August, 2026, in Iseyin, is therefore expected to bring together family members, friends, associates, religious and community leaders and other distinguished guests to not only remember a man whose life left an indelible imprint, but also celebrate a legacy that continues to inspire generations.
The landmark occasion, aptly themed *’Reflect on the Legacy That Lives – 20 Years On’,* will also witness the official public launch of the Kazeem and Juweirah Owonikoko Educational Foundation (KJOEF), an initiative established to preserve the ideals of the late Alhaji Owonikoko and his family while creating opportunities for future generations.
Professor Ishaq Oloyede, former Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), will grace the occasion as Guest Speaker, where he is expected to deliver a keynote paper titled, ‘Building a Legacy That Lives Beyond Us.’ Drawing from Islamic values and practical life experiences, the lecture will examine how education, selfless service and purposeful institution-building can transcend individual lifetimes to create lasting impact, inspire future generations and preserve the values upon which enduring legacies are built.
The Guest Imam at the landmark event is Professor Olaofe of Ansar-ud-Deen Mosque, Abuja Branch, who will deliver a special presentation titled, ‘The Spiritual Significance of Sadaqah Jariyah from the Qur’an and Hadith. His presentation will provide a spiritual perspective on the enduring rewards of charitable deeds, particularly acts of benevolence and investments in humanity whose benefits continue to reach generations long after the benefactor has departed, underscoring the profound Islamic principle that a life devoted to service can continue to yield blessings beyond the grave.
