The Federal University of Agriculture and Technology Òkehò (FUNATO) received a significant boost of support on Tuesday, October 14, as the Elero of Ileroland, His Royal Majesty Oba Wasiu Oyedele Saka, led a delegation to the institution’s temporary site.
The monarch, accompanied by the Elero-in-Council and the leadership of the Ilero Community, pledged the community’s full backing for the development and growth of the new academic institution.
The FUNATO temporary campus, situated behind Awoyemi Commercial High School along the Isemi-ile road, is the venue for the courtesy visit.
The visiting delegation was warmly welcomed by the leadership of the Ègbé Òmọ-Ibile Òkehò, ably led by its Chairman, Dr. Salawu Kasali Adesola.
In his address, Oba Oyedele Saka expressed profound joy and offered heartfelt congratulations to the people of Òkehò and the wider Oke-Ogun region on the successful establishment of the university.
He showered encomiums on key figures whose efforts were instrumental in the fruition of FUNATO, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Seyi Makinde as the institution became feasible during his tenure, Professor Segun Gbadegesin, Senator Fatai Buhari, and Alhaji Ahmed Raji, SAN among others.
The monarch also expressed his confidence in the newly appointed principal officers of the university, led by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Jacob Babayemi. He described the leadership as capable hands who would undoubtedly steer the school to enviable heights.
He also extended heartfelt cheers to Onjo of Okeho, HRM Oba Rafiu Osuolale Mustapha and the entire Oke-Ogun Council of Traditional Rulers on togetherness and love which necessitated its possibility.
Oba Elero thanked those who have contributed in kind and cash to the school, including Dr. Seyi Ige(an Ilero indigene) and others whose contributions were described timely and appreciable.
Furthermore, the Monarch emphasized the critical importance of unity, love, oneness, and togetherness as pivotal factors that would ensure the school’s sustained development and progress.
Calling on landlords, landladies, commercial motorcyclists, motorists, market women and others to ensure that the prospective students and staff are given warm reception and however refrain from astronomical increase in the prices of goods and services.
Dr. Salawu Kasali Adesola, Chairman of Ègbé Òmọ-Ibile Òkehò, conveyed his gratitude to the Elero, the Elero-in-Council, and the Ilero community leadership for their patriotism and genuine congratulatory motive in visiting the site.
Dr. Adesola subsequently outlined the institution’s commitment to upholding the highest standards in its operations, particularly regarding personnel. He firmly stated that the academic institution shall adhere strictly to principles of openness and meritocracy in the appointment of academic staff, who would serve as lecturers and occupy other top echelons of the institution.
He further reiterated a commitment that appointments would be justly and fairly done, ensuring they are spread across different communities in line with the principles of the Federal Character Commission.
Prior to the formal presentations, Dr. Adesola led the visiting team on a comprehensive tour of the available structures at the temporary site. The delegation was shown key facilities, including the Chemistry and Physics laboratories, the administrative block, lecture rooms, a main hall, the library, and toilet facilities.
The courtesy visit symbolized a strong, unified show of communal support for the new federal institution. The delegation from Ileroland included prominent figures such as Hon. Comrade Sunday Bamigbade, Alhaji Akinade, and members of the Elero-in-Council.
The reception party from Ègbé Òmọ-Ibile Òkehò included Dr. Salawu Kasali Adesola, Mr. S.A. Ayorinde (Vice-Chairman), Mr. Sikiru Ismail Lawoya, and Alhaji Musodiq Adele Alawiye, among others.
The event concluded with interfaith prayers offered by the Chairman of the Ilero Community, Hon. Comrade Sunday Bamigbade (Christian), and Madam Chief Shittu Sherifat, the Otun Iyalode of Ileroland (Muslim). Alhaja Fatimoh Adejoke Ojedokun delivered the vote of thanks, drawing a memorable close to the pivotal visit.
The pledged support from the Elero and the Ilero community marks a promising foundation for collaboration between FUNATO and its host communities, setting a positive precedent for the university’s future growth and success in the region.
