The family of the late Chief Josiah Sunday Olawoyin, the first Asiwaju of Offaland, disclosed plans for a momentous celebration marking the 100th year since his birth.

As part of the commemoration, the family urged the Kwara State Government to name an institution, particularly the proposed University of Archeology in Esie, after Chief Josiah Olawoyin. They emphasized the need to immortalize him, citing his selflessness and the exemplary qualities he embodied during his lifetime.

The family, in a press conference held today, February 5, 2024, at Pa JS Olawoyin House in Offa, Kwara State expressed their commitment to honouring the great nationalist's enduring legacy.

The press conference was attended on behalf of the family by Mrs. Jejelola Modupe Ajibade (Nee Olawoyin), Chief (Barrister) Oluwasegun Olawoyin, Chief Akinrogun of Offaland, Otunba (Dr) Lanre Folorunsho, Alhaji Rasheed Ibrahim, Alhaji Waheed Olawale Babatunde and Imam Ibrahim Abdullateef (Oluaye Kende).

Speaking on behalf of the family, Otunba Lanre Folorunsho said, "Our Baba, Pa JS Olawoyin was born on the 5th of February, 1925. He joined the great beyond 24 years ago, that is year 2000. Today, 5th of February 2024, we are in the 99th year of his birth. This occasion coincides with two different occasions; we are organizing a centenary posthumous birthday for him which we are programmed to come up on the 5th of February 2025. On that day, we will also be celebrating 25th year of his departure. We have series of programmes to commemorate these two events, on the fore is the creation of a foundation in his name, named JS Olawoyin Foundation. We also want to review and launch his autobiography. The latter will tell the world more about his personality when he was alive.

"There is always an auspicious time to do things. We have been doing things in his memory over the years. But we feel this centenary posthumous birthday is very strategic and we feel it should be the highlight of all the activities we have been using to celebrate him over the years.

"The Foundation will cater for education. It will have a center and a board of trustees. What Baba will be remembered for - as he always wished - was his fight for education for the masses. He always fought on the part of the masses. He felt education is what will benefit mankind."

The late Chief Olawoyin, born on February 5, 1925, made significant contributions to the creation of Kwara State during the Northern Nigeria Leaders of Thought Forum in Kaduna in 1966. Reports highlighted that his motion for the establishment of Kwara State was seconded by Alhaji Abdulganiyu Folorunsho-AbdulRazaq, father of the current governor, Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq.

The family revealed plans for a centenary posthumous birthday celebration scheduled for February 5, 2025, coinciding with the 25th anniversary of his passing. The event will serve as the focal point for a series of programme, including the establishment of the JS Olawoyin Foundation and the review and launch of his autobiography.

The JS Olawoyin Foundation, set to be a beacon for education, will feature a dedicated center and board of trustees. Reflecting Chief Olawoyin's unwavering commitment to education for the masses, the foundation aims to carry on his legacy by championing educational initiatives that benefit mankind.

As the family prepares for these landmark events, they believe that this centenary celebration will serve as a strategic highlight, recognizing and preserving the enduring impact of Chief Josiah Olawoyin's contributions to society.