Gov. Udom commends UNILAG as alumni inaugurate building
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel, on Friday in Lagos commended the University of Lagos (UNILAG) for its growth initiatives.
Emmanuel said this at the inauguration of UNILAG Iconic Alumni Building built in partnership with Zenith Bank Plc.
It was named after the first alumnus Vice Chancellor, Prof. Oyewusi Ibidapo-Obe.
The Governor, who is also an alumnus of the university, thanked Zenith Bank for their contributions to the nation’s economic development, urging it to do more.
He said the honoree did so much in impacting generations that passed through the institution, including himself, and so contributed greatly to capacity development.
“I am one of those who believe that the problem of Nigeria is not unemployment, it is about capacity development, so I really appreciate University of Lagos for building capacity over the period,” he said.
Emmanuel said the university was building a skill development centre where students could start making money from their second year, among other projects.
“The best legacy in life are the people you develop,” he said.
UNILAG Vice Chancellor Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, explained the importance of alumni associations and described the UNILAG body as “very generous.”
Ogunsola reeled out efforts of the members towards capacity building as well as professional and infrastructure development.
She said unlike the stand alone stance between other universities and their alumni, UNILAG was enjoying robust collaboration with its own, who, according to her, have emotional attachment to the university.
“Today we are again at this event enjoying another donation and also having this as a testament of what the university alumni can do,” she said.
She thanked the Founder and Chairman of Zenith Bank Plc., Jim Ovia for technical impact made in the university during COVID-19.
The Vice Chancellor also thanked him for his donations, collaboration and assurance of continued partnership of the institution.
Ovia, also an alumnus, in his speech enumerated facilities available in the three storey building inaugurated, including free internet for benefit of the alumni and the university community.
He said the edifice could be used for live transmission of events, and could also be used as a viewing centre during major national and international events.
Dr John Momoh, President UNILAG Alumni Association (Worldwide) commended the members of the association for their commitment to human capacity development.
Momoh said a lasting legacy was built through the inauguration of the iconic building in remembrance of Prof. Ibidapo-Obe.
He also commended and thanked Zenith Bank for its contributions.
Momoh urged the beneficiaries to make good use of the building and maintain it for future users.
Wife of the late professor, Chief Olusola Ibidapo-Obe, thanked God and appreciated the alumni for the honour of naming the building after her late husband in remembrance of his good deeds.
She said that Ovia and the alumni had demonstrated great love for her husband.
