By ‘Kayode Awojobi
In May last year, shortly after the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, assented to the bill establishing the Federal University of Technologyand Environmental Sciences, Iyin-Ekiti, Ekiti State, the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele—an indigene of Iyin-Ekiti who represents the senatorial district and championed the bill from inception until presidential assent—donated a fleet of vehicles and equipment to the newly established Federal University of Technology and Environmental Sciences, Iyin-Ekiti, to support its smooth take-off.
Senator Bamidele donated two Toyota Coaster buses, a Toyota Hilux utility vehicle, a Toyota Hiace ambulance, two motorcycles, and other logistical equipment shortly after the university’s Governing Council and principal officers were inaugurated by the Federal Government.
Similarly, at the Federal University of Agriculture and Developmenal Studies, Iragbiji, Osun state, Senator Olubiyi Fadeyi Ajagunla (Osun Central Senatorial District) donated a brand-new 500kVA transformer to ensure a stable power supply for academic activities, laboratories, and hostels.
These gestures, among others, clearly demonstrate the enormous support enjoyed by some newly established universities from political office holders within the senatorial districts where the institutions are located.
However, the situation is quite different at the Federal University of Agriculture and Technology, Okeho (FUNATO), Oyo State. Since its establishment and approval by the National Universities Commission, the institution has largely depended on the personal sacrifices and limited resources of its principal officers.
Although the efforts of political and non-political actors who worked tirelessly to bring FUNATO into existence are well appreciated, there is still a pressing need to do more.
Without mincing words, FUNATO would not be in existence today but for the immeasurable influence, uncommon vision, and fatherly commitment of Professor Segun Gbadegesin, CON, the Asiwaju of Okeho. His rare passion for the development of his people, coupled with his close relationship with Mr President, gave birth to what we proudly celebrate today as FUNATO. Sir, your tireless efforts, quiet sacrifices, and steadfast dedication turned a noble dream into a living reality. Your selfless service has etched your name in gold, and generations yet unborn will forever remember you as a true patriot who loved his people wholeheartedly and worked relentlessly for their future.
The invaluable support of the FUNATO Planning Committee, under the distinguished leadership of Mr. Moyo Ajekigbe, MON, remains deeply appreciated and truly unquantifiable. Likewise, we salute the Okeho Development Association, both at home and in the diaspora, as well as the unwavering dedication and commitment of Egbe Omo Ibile Okeho under the purposeful leadership of Dr. Kasali Alarape. Your collective sacrifices, resilience, and unyielding belief in this vision have brought FUNATO this far, and history will undoubtedly be kind to you all.
It is also important to specially commend and eulogise the Distinguished Senator Fatai Buhari, representing Oyo North Senatorial District, whose consistent legislative advocacy, commitment, and contributions in the Senate were instrumental to the birth of the Federal University of Agriculture and Technology, Okeho. His passion for educational development in Oke-Ogun and his dogged pursuit of this noble vision remain deeply appreciated.
In the same vein, Hon. Oyeshina Oyedeji, representing Kajola/Iwajowa/Itesiwaju/Iseyin Federal Constituency, deserves commendation for his visible efforts, support, and collaboration in the House of Representatives, which helped bring FUNATO to reality. His role, alongside other patriotic lawmakers, underscores the power of purposeful representation and people-centred leadership.
Beyond political office holders, the management and host communities of FUNATO indeed and sincerely acknowledge and appreciate all individuals, organisations, associations, community groups, and corporate bodies that have, in diverse ways, donated resources, facilities, materials, and financial support to the university since its inception.
Profound accolades must be extended to all well-meaning indigenes of Oyo state and Oke-Ogun in particular for their collective commitment and unwavering support toward the growth and prosperity of FUNATO. Their sense of ownership, sacrifice, and community spirit has continued to provide a solid foundation for the institution’s steady takeoff. Most especially, Barrister Ahmed Raji, SAN, deserves exceptional commendation for his rare generosity and patriotic zeal in releasing a 100-room facility to be used pro bono during the two crucial verification exercises. Beyond this noble gesture, his initial financial contributions and various forms of material and moral support stand as eloquent testimonies to his deep belief in the vision of FUNATO and his selfless dedication to educational development.
However, appreciation must not end in gratitude alone.
As FUNATO prepares to fully commence academic activities as the admissions and recruitment is still ongoing, the institution urgently requires operational vehicles, modern office equipment, laboratories, lecture halls, staff and students accommodation, power infrastructure, and other critical resources necessary for a smooth and credible take-off of academic session.
This is, therefore, a passionate call to political office holders across Oyo State and beyond, prominent sons and daughters of Oke-Ogun, corporate organisations, and public-spirited philanthropists to rise once more in support of this noble project. Members of the National Assembly and Oyo State House of Assembly, particularly those representing the ten local governments of Oke-Ogun, are urged to rally round FUNATO and embrace it as part of their enduring legacy.
The Federal University of Agriculture and Technology, Okeho, must not merely exist; it must be empowered to thrive.
Now is the time to invest in FUNATO, to adopt it, support it, and build it into a centre of excellence that generations yet unborn will be proud of. The future of Oke-Ogun’s educational, agricultural, and technological advancement depends on the collective action taken today.
Kayode Awojobi is a multiple award-winning Broadcast Journalist, Social and Political Commentator. He writes from Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State.
