First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on Thursday, donated N1 billion to revitalize the once-beautiful horticultural landscape of Obafemi Awolowo University in Ile-Ife, Osun State.
This initiative seeks to restore the campus’s natural beauty to its former glory.
She fondly reminisced about the lush, vibrant landscape that once adorned the campus of Obafemi Awolowo University in Ile-Ife, Osun State, during her time as a student.
According to The PUNCH, while speaking at the inauguration ceremony of the 2.7km “Senator Oluremi Tinubu Way” and the grand pavilion and monument, Mrs. Tinubu expressed concern over the deterioration of the university’s greenery, which she attributed to a poor maintenance culture over the years.
The projects were donated by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, as part of celebrations marking his 50th birthday, with the road being named in honor of the First Lady.
In response to the environmental degradation, Mrs. Tinubu pledged a donation of N1 billion to restore the once-beautiful horticultural landscape of the campus.
“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,” she declared, underlining her commitment to the regeneration of the university’s surroundings.
Reflecting on the projects named after her, Mrs. Tinubu expressed her gratitude for the gesture, emphasizing that the event was part of the series of celebrations for Oba Ogunwusi’s milestone 50th birthday.
Earlier in his address, Oba Ogunwusi praised Senator Tinubu for her dedication to improving the lives of Nigerians, particularly in the areas of education, women’s empowerment, and national unity. He highlighted her strong leadership qualities and commitment to societal progress, which inspired the royal father to honor her contributions with the naming of these significant campus landmarks.
“A golden statue is erected to immortalize 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,” Oba Ogunwusi noted, paying tribute to the First Lady’s enduring legacy.
He further elaborated on the other projects, including the construction of a state-of-the-art hostel, which, alongside the grand pavilion, symbolizes Senator Tinubu’s progressive vision.
The 2.7km road, now known as ‘Senator Oluremi Tinubu Way,’ is lined with solar-powered street lamps to provide a reliable alternative during recent blackouts on campus.
This road, according to Oba Ogunwusi, is symbolic of the many opportunities Mrs. Tinubu has created for Nigerian youths, women, and marginalized groups.
In attendance at the event was Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, represented by his deputy, Kola Adewusi.
Speaking on behalf of the governor, Adewusi reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to upgrading infrastructure throughout Osun, ensuring the university and other institutions across the state benefit from this ongoing development effort.
