NISLT PAYS TRIBUTE TO LATE FORMER ASLTON NATIONAL CHAIRMAN, ANTHONY OSAS IYAMU

The Nigerian Institute of Science Laboratory Technology (NISLT) has paid tribute to the late former National Chairman of the Association of Science Laboratory Technologists of Nigeria (ASLTON), Comrade Anthony Osas Iyamu, describing him as a distinguished professional, visionary leader, mentor and friend whose contributions to the development of the Science Laboratory Technology (SLT) profession remain indelible.

The tribute was conveyed during a visit to the Iyamu family and an Evening of Tributes organised by the Committee of Friends in honour of the late professional.

Representing the Acting Director-General/Registrar/Chief Executive Officer of NISLT, Dr. Peter Adefisoye Oluwafisoye, FISLT, mnip, at the family visitation, was the Assistant Director, Information and Publicity, NISLT, Mr. Christopher Adeyanjie, ANIPR, a member of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) who joined the National President of ASLTON, Mr. Ayotunde Omorilewa, FISLT, members of the National Executive and other professionals at the visit.

Receiving the delegation on behalf of the Iyamu family, the immediate younger brother of the deceased, Comrade Victor Iyamu, expressed appreciation for the visit and the support extended to the family. The visit also featured the presentation of a cheque donation to the family by the National President of ASLTON on behalf of the Association.

The Evening of Tributes subsequently brought together past and present leaders of the profession, colleagues, family members, friends and associates to celebrate the life, achievements and enduring contributions of the late Comrade Anthony Osas Iyamu.

Speaking at the occasion, the Chairman of the Committee of Friends, Dr. Daudu Bamidele, called for the institutionalisation of regular programmes to celebrate and recognise professionals who have made significant contributions to the growth and development of Science Laboratory Technology.

In his sermon, Pastor Akhidenor George (PhD) urged participants to live lives of purpose, service and positive impact. He emphasised that positions and titles are temporary, while the positive impact made on people’s lives remains enduring.

In a tribute delivered on his behalf by Dr. Wunmi Anthonia Okoneye, a former Secretary of the profession and staff member of NISLT, Comrade Babajide Gboyega Alalade, AISLT, described the deceased as “Iyamu the Great.” He recalled his close working relationship with the late Comrade Iyamu during his tenure as National Chairman, noting that Iyamu initially contested for the position of Vice Chairman but eventually emerged as National Chairman when no candidate applied for the chairmanship position. According to him, Iyamu’s leadership was characterised by courage, humility and a strong commitment to advancing the profession.

Also paying tribute, the Edo State Chairman of ASLTON, Comrade Dr. Osagie Kingsley, described the late Pa Anthony Osas Iyamu as a leader par excellence and a distinguished son of Edo State. His tribute, presented by Comrade Okhwokirerhuo O. Francis, noted that the deceased left a significant vacuum in the hearts of members of the profession and the wider community.

He further observed that Iyamu earned the respect of colleagues not through intimidation but through wisdom, fairness, experience and genuine concern for the growth and welfare of members of the SLT profession.

The National President of ASLTON, Pastor Ayotunde Omorilewa, described the late Comrade Iyamu as one who “came, saw, laboured and conquered.” He commended his dedication to the advancement of the profession and his commitment to mentoring younger professionals.

Pastor Omorilewa also highlighted the deceased’s professional progression, noting that Comrade Iyamu joined NISLT as an Associate Member in 1995, attained full membership in 2000 and was elevated to the prestigious rank of Fellow of the Institute in 2004. The milestones, he noted, reflected years of professional competence, sacrifice and dedicated service.

Representing the deceased’s colleagues from the Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN), where he worked before his passing, Dr. Esther Odozie described Iyamu as more than a leader, but also as a brother, friend, mentor and father figure.

She recalled his role as a unifying figure who built bridges across generations of laboratory technologists and remained committed to keeping abreast of developments in the profession while ensuring that colleagues were informed and engaged.

The deceased’s cousin, Mr. Osakpolo Emuetinyan Iyamu, also recalled his humility, accessibility and commitment to family, acknowledging the significant influence his uncle had on his life and development.

The pioneer and former Registrar/Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of NISLT, Dr. Ighodalo Folorunso Ijagbone, used the occasion to advocate regular recognition of professionals while they are still alive.

He urged professional bodies to celebrate their leaders through birthday recognitions, awards and other forms of appreciation, stressing that recognising mentors during their lifetime enables them to witness the impact of their contributions.

Also speaking, a former Council Member of NISLT, Otunba Abiodun O. Williams, noted that the death of Comrade Iyamu had created a vacuum within the profession. He urged professionals to preserve his memory by upholding the values for which he stood and building upon the foundation he helped to establish.

In his vote of thanks, one of the organizers of the Evening of Tributes, Mr. Rawson Anoemuah of Delta State University, Abraka, expressed appreciation to dignitaries, elders, colleagues, family members and friends for honouring the late former ASLTON National Chairman.

He particularly acknowledged the NISLT Public Relations team for its presence and support at the programme and commended the Acting Director-General/Registrar/CEO of NISLT, Dr. Peter Adefisoye Oluwafisoye, FISLT, mnip, for his contributions, including providing a suitable venue and other support that contributed to the success of the event.

The programme ended with prayers and reflections, with participants reaffirming that the legacy of Comrade Anthony Osas Iyamu would continue to live on through the professionals he mentored, the institutions he served and the values and standards he helped to promote within the Science Laboratory Technology profession.

His life was a testament to service; his leadership, a legacy; and his mentorship, an enduring investment in the future of the profession.