Baba Lana @97: Philanthropist Gifts 1,000 School Bags to Ketu Pupils
Celebrating his 97th birthday, renowned philanthropist and community leader, Otunba Ephraim Lana Akintan, has fulfilled a pledge to support education in Ketu land with the donation of 1,000 customised school bags to primary school pupils across the Ketu community in Ogun State.
The presentation, made through the Otunba Lana Akintan Human Rights Foundation (OLAKHURF), fulfilled a commitment made by the nonagenarian during the 2025 Oja-Odan Education Summit, organised by the Oja-Odan Development Council under the leadership of the community’s traditional ruler.
The school bags were formally presented to His Royal Majesty, Oba (Engr.) Oladapo Oyebanji Adetunji Olowobese Ilagba I, the Oloja of Oja-Odan, at his palace in Oja-Odan, Yewa North Local Government Area of Ogun State.
Presenting the bags on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, the Chairman, Board of Trustees, Otunba Lana Akintan Foundation, Mr Babayemi Ogundipe, said the donation reflected Otunba Lana Akintan’s longstanding commitment to education and human development.
Mr Ogundipe described giving as a way of life for Otunba Akintan, noting that the 97-year-old philanthropist had made significant contributions to the development of Ketuland, particularly in the education sector.
According to him, Otunba Akintan’s interventions have included the construction of classrooms, sponsorship of scholarships, provision of school furniture and support for inter-house sports competitions in schools across the community.
Receiving the donation, Oba Olowobese expressed appreciation to Otunba Akintan for making the pledge and ensuring that it was fulfilled.
The monarch said the gesture would have a multiplier effect on education in Ketu land by encouraging pupils to take their studies seriously while inspiring them to embrace the culture of giving as they grow.
“On behalf of the esteemed people of Oja-Odan and the Development Council, I am happy to express my appreciation to our patriarch, Otunba Ephraim Lana Akintan, for making a vow and fulfilling it today,” the monarch said.
Oba Olowobese described Otunba Akintan as a philanthropist whose “generous works of uplift” are visible across the community, noting that his developmental interventions cut across different sectors. He prayed that God would continue to grant the nonagenarian good health, sound mind and peace of mind.
The traditional ruler also commended the Board of Trustees of OLAKHURF for its stewardship and achievements, expressing appreciation for the foundation’s continued contribution to the development of the community.
The donation marked another milestone in Otunba Akintan’s longstanding philanthropic activities as he celebrates his 97th birthday, reinforcing his commitment to education, community development and the advancement of young people in Ketu land.
