Nigeria’s First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has lamented the continued erosion of the green landscape of the Obafemi Awolowo University, OAU, Ile-Ife, Osun State.
This is as she demanded urgent efforts towards regeneration of the environment to return the beauty of the academic institution.
Tinubu made this revelation at the inauguration of the 2.7-km Senator Oluremi Tinubu Way, the grand pavilion and monument on the campus, on Thursday in Ile-Ife.
The projects were donated by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, in Ile-Ife and named after the President’s wife.
Tinubu, who recalled the beautiful landscape on the campus while she was a student of the institution, also donated N1 billion towards the restoration of the OAU horticultural landscape.
She blamed poor maintenance culture for the erosion of the beautiful landscape of the university’s campus.
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 that the event was part of those lined up to mark the 50th birthday anniversary of Oba Ogunwusi.
Represented by his deputy, Kola Adewusi, Governor Ademola Adeleke remarked that his administration has not reneged on its pledge to ensure the upgrade of infrastructural amenities across the state.
Speaking earlier, Oba Ogunwusi said the projects were named after Senator Tinubu in recognition of her contributions to the well-being of humanity.
The traditional ruler said Oluremi Tinubu has over the years demonstrated outstanding leadership and a deep commitment to the cause of education, women’s empowerment, and national unity.
The Ooni 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, and the construction of a 2.7 km 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 the 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.”
Oluremi Tinubu donates N1bn to restore OAU’s green landscape
