Oje Owode, Ọ̀yọ́ State – The Oloje of Oje Owode Land, His Royal Highness Oba Abdrasheed Oyinloye Olagbenro, has on behalf of the entire good people of Oje Owode, extended warm congratulations to the people of Okeho community on the recent establishment of the Federal University of Agriculture and Technology, Okeho (FUNATO).
In a statement issued from his palace to news men, the monarch described the new university as “a blessing not only to Okeho, but to the entire Ọ̀ke Ògùn zone, Ọ̀yọ́ State, and Nigeria at large.” He emphasized that the creation of FUNATO marks a turning point in the history of the community and will serve as “a beacon of knowledge, growth, and opportunity for generations yet unborn.”
Oba Olagbenro noted that the presence of a federal university in Okeho would transform the socio-economic landscape of the town, creating jobs, boosting commerce, and opening new frontiers of development for youths and families in the region. He prayed that the institution would flourish and contribute immensely to national and international development through quality research, teaching, and innovation.
The Oloje also used the occasion to felicitate with the pioneer Vice Chancellor of the university, Professor Jacob Babayemi Olaniyi, describing his appointment as “a well-deserved recognition of decades of academic excellence and leadership.” According to him, Prof. Olaniyi’s wealth of experience in the academic world is a strong assurance that FUNATO is in capable hands.
“We are confident that your intellectual brilliance, dedication, and capacity to lead will steer FUNATO towards greatness, innovation, and international relevance,” Oba Olagbenro said. “We pray for divine wisdom, strength, and grace as you chart the course of this institution toward excellence and global recognition.”
In the same vein, the monarch congratulated the pioneer Bursar of the university, Dr. Kazeem Olarewaju Popoola, on his appointment. He commended Dr. Popoola’s integrity, financial expertise, and passion for accountability, describing him as the right man to lay a solid fiscal foundation for the young institution.
“Your proven track record in financial management will no doubt ensure transparency, stability, and effective resource administration at FUNATO. We pray that your tenure brings lasting structures that will sustain the growth and credibility of this noble university,” the monarch declared.
The statement concluded with a prayer for enduring peace, unity, and cooperation among stakeholders in Okeho and the larger Oke Ogun region to support the new institution. Oba Olagbenro further expressed optimism that FUNATO would not only bring honor to the host community but also serve as a catalyst for innovation and human capital development across Nigeria and beyond.
“With this historic development, Okeho has been placed on the global educational map. We trust that the management team, staff, and students will make this university a model of excellence, discipline, and service to humanity,” the royal father affirmed.
The establishment of FUNATO, recently approved by the Federal Government, has continued to generate excitement across Oke Ogun and Ọ̀yọ́ State as stakeholders celebrate the dawn of a new era in the region’s educational and developmental journey.
