FUNAAB Sports Director Honoured Among UNILORIN's 50 Most Illustrious Alumni
Dr. Sam Olabanji, the Director of Sports at FUNAAB, has been recognized among UNILORIN’s 50 Most Illustrious Alumni during its 50th-anniversary celebration.
Chris Oyeoku Okafor 
The Director of Sports at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Dr. Sam Olabanji, has been recognized as one of the 50 Most Illustrious Alumni of the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) as part of the institution’s 50th-anniversary celebration.
Dr. Olabanji’s remarkable achievements and contributions to sports development earned him a place in the UNILORIN Compendium on Illustrious Alumni. Speaking at the event, he used the opportunity to advise Nigerian youths to reject the "get-rich-quick" mentality and instead embrace hard work, efficiency, commitment, and ethical values in their academic and personal pursuits.
As a highly respected coach and mentor at FUNAAB, Dr. Olabanji expressed deep concern over the rising trend of social vices among young people, including ritual killings, internet fraud, drug abuse, and kidnapping. He warned that these illicit activities not only ruin lives but also pose a significant threat to national stability and development.
Highlighting the role of educational institutions in shaping young minds, Dr. Olabanji called for stronger mentorship programs, ethical training, and productive engagement platforms within universities. He urged students to seek honorable success by learning from credible role models who have attained greatness through integrity and diligence.
Dr. Olabanji also emphasized the need for excellence and professionalism in the workforce, advocating for respect for authority, adherence to the rule of law, and commitment to justice. He encouraged the younger generation to become agents of positive change by reviving the values of Nigeria’s past heroes and exhibiting qualities of fairness, hospitality, and God-fearing leadership.
Speaking on integrity, he described it as a fundamental pillar of success, which embodies honesty, discipline, and consistency. He lamented its decline in modern society, warning that a lack of integrity fuels many of Nigeria’s current challenges. According to him, embracing integrity in all facets of life would contribute significantly to national progress.
In his concluding remarks, Dr. Olabanji reminded youths that true success is not about amassing wealth hastily but about making a lasting impact through hard work and dedication. He encouraged them to build a legacy of excellence, ensuring that their names are remembered for good even after their time has passed.
