On Thursday, First Lady and Senator Oluremi Tinubu reminisced about her time as a student at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State, highlighting the campus’s former stunning natural scenery.
Speaking at the inauguration of the 2.7km Senator Oluremi Tinubu Way and a pavilion and monument donated by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Mrs. Tinubu expressed concern over the diminishing greenery on campus.
The First Lady called for immediate environmental restoration efforts to revive the beauty of the academic community, which she fondly remembered.
Blaming poor maintenance culture for the erosion of beautiful landscapes on the university’s campus, Tinubu subsequently announced the donation of N1 billion towards the restoration of the OAU horticultural landscape.
She said, “I will donate N1 billion 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 royal father, the First Lady lauded the gesture, saying the event was part of those lined up to mark the 50th birthday anniversary of Oba Ogunwusi.
Speaking earlier, Oba Ogunwusi said the projects were named after Senator Tinubu in recognition of her contributions to the well-being of humanity.
The royal father 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.
He 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, 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.
The event, held in honor of Oba Ogunwusi’s 50th birthday celebration, saw Mrs. Tinubu expressing her gratitude for the honor bestowed upon her by the Ooni.
