Kwarans, Shao community bid farewell to First Graduate Pharmacist in Northern Nigeria, Chief Joe Olarogun
Farewell
By Kehinde Akinpelu
June 7, 2025. Kwarans and the people of Shao Community on Friday bid a farewell to the Asiwaju of Shao and the First Graduate Pharmacist from the entire Northern Region of Nigeria to qualify from a Nigerian University, Chief Joe Taiwo Oyewole Olarogun.
The funeral service which was held on Friday at Seventh Day Adventist Church ,Grace Outreach, Alaarun Shao, Kwara Conference witnessed a massive turn out from families, friends, colleagues,well wishers and national figures across the globe.
Late Olarogun who died @87, was described as a dedicated member of of his community, leaving a lasting impact on the lives of those around him and also figured out as the first person to furnish the community town hall which later become a significant landmark in the community.
Being a devoted supporter of education, he served as the Chairman of the Board of Governors at Awonga High School,Shao. He donated textbooks to the school library and learning materials which emphasized his dedication to education.
His contribution to church development was second to none as Baba played a crucial role in establishing the SDA Church Grace Outreach Alaarun Shao by donating his building for worship services before the church moved to its permanent site.
He was passionate about health and wellness,often giving free seminars and lectures on the importance of exercise, hydration, and a balanced diet to the community members irrespective of their status.
The late pharmacist was described as an active sports man who has led sports teams to tournaments in Britain and Egypt between 1979 and 1981. He was once the captain of Ilorin Golf club in 1997/1998 and has led the Kwara State Golf Team to National Sports Festival in Owerri in 1998.
In later life , Olarogun was at various times a member of the Lagos and Kwara State Sports Councils, and has been for several years the Chairman of the State Squash Racket Association in both Lagos and Kwara States between 1975 and 1981.
Due to his hard work and dedication to professionalism, Olarogun was first elected Secretary to the Lagos State Branch of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria and later served as National Secretary of the Society for three years. He also rose to the position of West African Pharmaceutical Federation from 1981-1984.
The Late Icon was a member of Nigeria Institute of Management and the British Institute of Pharmacy Management but later appointed as Chairman of the Kwara State Branch of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria from 1982 to 1987.
Baba was autographed in ” Who is Who in the World” in 1978 in the 8th Edition of Marguis Publication Board of USA.
Joe Olarogun was conferred with the Chieftancy title of Asiwaju of Shao in 1997 by the Ohoro of Shao, Oba Afolabi Oyerinde 1 at a colourful Ceremony.
Chief Olarogun is happily married to Janet Abiodun Olarogun, a product of Queen Elizabeth School,Ilorin, a former Principal of C&S College Ilorin and one of the Five children of late Pa Gabriel Akintokun and Madam Beatrice Akintokun of Ijebu-Jesa. Chief Olarogun has Four Children, three sons and one daughter.
At retirement, Chief Olarogun is the Superintendent Pharmacist of Corporate Pharmacy, ( on part-time arrangement) situated at Balogun Fulani/ Saboline Junction,Ilorin.
The Son of the deceased, Dr Olufemi Olarogun described the late pharmacist as a leader, friend and more than a father figure.
He promised that the the children will follow the good legacy set by the father and support the community development.
” My father is a philanthropist, a lover of his community and a lover of Christ. We will emulate his gesture and never allow the legacy to die,” he said.
Prof. Joseph Ifatola Adelodun of Backock University, Llishan Remo, Ogun State, described the late pharmacist as an embodiment of love who deserved to be emulate.
Adelodun described the demise of the pharmacist as a big loss to the Shao community and the country at large.
According to him, Chief Olarogun was a peace maker and always want to invest in people to make them better.
” Asiwaju love to invest on human. He add value to people, he support people and love to make peace where there is crisis.
” We still want baba around because it will be difficult to fill the void he left behind. His legacy will remain.,” he said.
The Professor of Mathematics called on Shao indigene to come home and build their town and emulate the late pharmacist style and passion to his community.
On his path, Elder Julius Adebara described late Olarogun as transparent, honest and pious man who is always objective.
Adebara said olarogun always motivate everyone around him to be better and instill discipline in them.
He urged the upcoming generations to try and emulate the late elder state man gesture by showing love to their community.
End.
