The iconic Students’ Union Building (SUB) at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, which renovation was at the benevolence of a group of illustrious alumni who are staunch supporters of the Sixty-one (61) year-old institution, led by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Lucky Irabor, has been commissioned for use.
Addressing the large turnout at the reception held in honour of the CDS, General Lucky Irabor, at the Conference Hall of the Obafemi Awolowo Knowledge Park (OAK-Park), Africa Center of Excellence (ACE) in Software Engineering on the University campus, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Simeon Bamire, expressed the University management’s very deep appreciation to the benefactor for his unalloyed support for the development of his alma-mater.
“This University is indeed grateful to General Irabor, one of our own, who has been portraying the excellent image of the University in positive ways. Of course, he is so passionate about the OAU, and has been contributing in no small measure to the advancement of the University”, Bamire stated.
An apparently elated Professor Bamire noted further that the renovation sponsored by the CDS – led team was the first time ever, the University’s Students’ Union Building would undergo such a comprehensive refurbishment, describing the aesthetics of the renovated building as a beauty to behold, fully fitted with the state – of -art facilities.
The Vice-Chancellor seized the opportunity to, again, thank other well-meaning alumni of the University for always rallying round their alma-mater, asserting that government alone can no longer shoulder the responsibilities of the Universities. He disclosed that aside the renovation of the SUB, the CDS, General Irabor, had also promised to partition the building so that the vendors, who were using the building before for their businesses, could go back to their stands, and to also renovate the Department of Electrical Electronics Engineering in the Faculty of Technology, where he graduated from.
The President of the Students’ Union, Mr. Olayiwola Folahan, in his address of appreciation to the donor, noted that the renovation of the Students’ Union Building is symbolic of the renewal of the spirit of aluta within the union, adding that the building had undergone a complete transformation process of rebirth into history and elegance. He expressed optimism that this transformation shall also revitalize the core values and the general strength of the union.
Mr. Olayiwola reiterated the commitment of his administration to the cause of Great IFE students, asserting that the loyalty of the leadership of the union to the generality of the students, was unwavering and would not falter or fade. In his words: ‘‘my administration is ready to care for the welfare and wellbeing of students, ready to make sure their voices are heard, and their needs met. In fact, this remains the reason we liaise with the alumni of our University.’’
The donor. General Lucky Irabor, while speaking, expressed a very strong believe in capacity building for the youths of the country to equip them for leadership of the country. ‘’It is not out of place to provide an enabling environment that would enhance the thinking of the youths so that they can lead well’’, he said.
The CDS, while giving further hint on what spurred him to action, disclosed that he felt compelled to give back to his alma-mater, having taken a look back and seen what Obafemi Awolowo University had impacted in him, which made him to excel in his chosen career over the last three decades.
He added that OAU is his home, which he cannot forget, noting that he saw the occasion as an home coming. The Chief of Defence Staff expressed his appreciation to the University Management for the reception accorded him and his team and for the great hospitality done him. He charged the students to maintain the project and shun any act that is capable of driving them out of school, thereby truncating their pursuit of acquiring University degree, diploma or, and certificate.