Ayetoro-Oke Community Development Association in Kajola Local Government Area of Oyo State has demonstrated a significant commitment to education by presenting a cheque of Two Million Naira {N2,000,000) to the leadership overseeing the development of the Federal University of Agriculture and Technology, Òkehò (FUNATO).
The presentation, held on Wednesday, October 8, took place at the institution’s temporary site.
The donation was formally presented by a high-profile delegation from Ayetoro-Oke, led by the Gegun of Ayetoro-Oke, Alhaji Oba Najeemdeen Afolabi Osuolale Adesola Gbadewolu. The cheque was received by Dr. Salawu Kasali Adesola, Chairman of Egbe Omo-Ibile Okeho, in the presence of executive members from both towns.
Mr. A. A. Ojeniyi, Chairman of the Ayetoro-Oke Community Development Association, confirmed that the donation was the community’s contribution toward the school’s development, noting that it fulfilled an earlier pledge made to the institution. He expressed hopes for the growth and progress of the school and the entire Oke-Ogun zone.
In his address, Oba Najeemdeen Afolabi Osuolale Adesola Gbadewolu commended those instrumental to the university’s establishment. He also issued a call to the stakeholders overseeing the school’s process, admonishing them to ensure inclusiveness and a sense of belonging for everyone involved.
Dr. Salawu Kasali Adesola, on receiving the donation, praised the people of Ayetoro-Oke for their profound contribution. He remarked that their consistent engagement and support for FUNATO were a clear justification that the communities in Kajola Local Government are fostering closer ties.
Dr. Adesola further highlighted the commencement of meetings involving all eight towns that constitute Kajola Local Government, stating that this unifying development is intended to be extended across all local governments within the Oke-Ogun zone.
Addressing the critical issue of employment within the new university, Dr. Salawu Adesola stressed that all applicants must ensure they are academically qualified for any position they seek. This statement emphasized a commitment to meritocracy in the university’s staffing process.
The event concluded with prayers for the university’s success offered by Alfa Salaudeen Isiaka Ayinde, the Vice Chairman of the Ayetoro-Oke Community Development Association, and Chief Joel Babarinde, the Maye of Ayetoro-Oke, reflecting both Muslim and Christian faiths.
A vote of thanks was delivered by Mr. Sikiru Ismail Lawoya on behalf of the Onjo of Okeho, Oba Rafiu Osuolale Mustapha, and Egbe Omo-Ibile Okeho.
The Ayetoro-Oke delegation also included Comrade Sulaiman Bola, the Secretary, and other key members, underscoring the community-wide commitment to the university’s future. The donation marks a significant milestone in community-driven support for higher education in the region.
