First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has recalled with nostalgia, the beautiful landscape on the campus of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State, while she was a student of the institution and donated N1billion for the landscaping of the university.
Mrs Tinubu, who said over the years, the green landscape on the campus has been largely eroded, demanded urgent efforts towards regeneration of the environment to return the beauty of the academic community.
The First Lady spoke on Thursday at the inauguration of the 2.7km Senator Oluremi Tinubu Way, the grand pavilion and monument on the campus of the OAU, donated by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, and named after the President’s wife.
Mrs Tinubu, who blamed poor maintenance culture for the erosion of beautiful landscapes on the university’s campus, subsequently announced the donation of N1billion towards the restoration of the OAU horticultural landscape.
She said, “I will donate N1billion for the OAU horticultural landscape to be restored. The campus used to be beautiful while I was here. Ife is crying out for help. It used to be a beautiful campus and the beauty must be restored.”
Commenting on the projects named after her by the revered royal father, Mrs Tinubu lauded the gesture, saying the event was part of those lined up to mark the 50th birthday anniversary of the Ooni.
Speaking earlier, Oba Ogunwusi said the projects were named after Senator Tinubu in recognition of her contributions to the well-being of humanity.
The Ooni also said Mrs Tinubu has over the years, demonstrated outstanding leadership and a deep commitment to the cause of education, women’s empowerment, and national unity.
The Arole Oduduwa then said, “A golden statue is erected to immortalise her virtuous person and to showcase the strength of a teacher, a mother, and a wife in her at the very heart of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife.
“Furthermore, built, is a state-of-the-art hostel whose dynamic pavilion reflects her progressive nature.
“The construction of a 2.7km road with glowing street Solar Lamps; the luminous, glowing, solar-powered street lamps provided a viable alternative for goal-driven Obafemi Awolowo University students during recent blackouts on campus.
“The road that will henceforth be known as ‘Senator Oluremi Tinubu Way’ is symbolic of those many paths she has opened for youth, women, and the underprivileged in our society.
“The biggest hostel and pavilion in the history of Obafemi Awolowo University that bears her name represents her efforts to create spaces of learning, development, and empowerment for all.”
In his remarks, Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, who was represented by his deputy, Kola Adewusi, said his administration has not reneged on its pledge to ensure the upgrade of infrastructural amenities across the state.
