‘See Kindness as Deliberate Choice’ — Ogunsola Tells Dignitaries at Veteran Photojournalist Ajidagba’s Memorial Lecture

By Angel Attah

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Professor Folasade Ogunsola, has urged Nigerians to embrace kindness as a deliberate and intentional choice, capable of creating lasting legacies, rather than viewing it as a random act of goodwill.

Ogunsola made the call while delivering the memorial lecture in honour of veteran photojournalist and trade unionist, the late Bola Ajidagba, on July 16, 2026, at the Nurudeen Alao Auditorium, UNILAG.

Themed, “Seeds of Kindness: A Shade for Tomorrow,” Ogunsola challenged attendees to reflect on individuals whose selfless actions have positively altered the course of their lives.

“I want you to think privately of one person who has done something good for you that they did not have to do,” she said.

She noted that every genuine act of kindness plants a seed that may continue to bear fruit long after the giver is gone.

Drawing from personal accounts shared by members of Ajidagba’s family, Ogunsola recounted several instances where the late photojournalist’s generosity resurfaced years later to benefit his children.

She narrated how individuals whose school fees had been paid by Ajidagba, or who had received assistance from him during difficult moments, later extended similar kindness to his family without being asked.

According to Ogunsola, these stories demonstrated that genuine kindness does not expire but remains alive in the hearts of those who receive it.

“It does not expire,” she said.

“It does not get old.

“It sits in the hearts of the people who receive it, waiting for the right moment to grow and provide shade.”

Ogunsola urged the young attendees not to wait until they attain wealth or influence before making meaningful contributions to society.

She encouraged them to see kindness as a conscious decision that anyone could make, regardless of their status or resources.

“To the younger people in the room who feel they have nothing to plant yet, the seeds Bola planted did not require influence or wealth; it was a decision,” she said.

The VC also drew parallels between Ajidagba’s legacy and notable figures in Nigerian history, whose selfless investments in people and education transformed generations.

She cited business tycoon, Alhassan Dantata; education reformer, Obafemi Awolowo; labour leader, Michael Imoudu; and educationist Tai Solarin as examples of individuals whose deliberate sacrifices continue to benefit society decades later.

Ogunsola stressed that kindness should not be seen as an emotional impulse but as a conscious investment in humanity.

“We often talk about kindness as if it were merely a feeling,” she said.

“Kindness is structural.

“It is about intention.

“The seeds we sow today eventually grow into something that affects someone we love.”

Ogunsola said the audience should focus less on immediate rewards and more on the long-term impact of their actions, adding that while people may never witness the full harvest of the seeds they plant, future generations will continue to benefit from them.