The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Ajimobi

  • Ambassadorial nomination: I saw it coming for Ajimobi

    Ambassadorial nomination: I saw it coming for Ajimobi

    By Kehinde Olaosebikan

    When someone has a quality, it may be latent, but when a person is made of great quality, it is discernible to all. Behind every successful man, they say, there is a woman. Her husband has gone to rest in the bosom of the Lord, but she keeps the flag flying and very far beyond expectations. This is the story of Chief Mrs Fatima Florence Ajimobi, the First Lady of Oyo State from 2011 to 2019.

    During Senator Abiola Ajimobi’s administration as the Governor of Oyo State, his wife was exceptional in supporting and promoting the cause of her husband. In very decent, proactive and respectable ways, Mrs Ajimobi made lasting impacts across the 33 local government areas of Oyo State. Successful as First Lady, Florence Ajimobi has become spectacular out of office and as a widow.

    Appreciating the pedigree, antecedents and great qualities inherent in her, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the president reputed for precision in his appointments just few days ago nominated Florence Ajimobi as an Ambassador.

    Without being vainglorious, I can say that I saw these qualities in her and their manifestation, very long ago. In my piece: ‘The Face of New Oyo Woman’ published in December 2017, I lauded Mrs Ajimobi for the brilliance, momentousness and creativity she brought on board as the First Lady of Oyo State and declared that she was headed for greatness. As I congratulate Mrs Ajimobi on this noble nomination and eventual appointment as an Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, let me share some paragraphs from the write-up.

    “The First Lady of Oyo State, Mrs Florence Ajimobi, is complementing the three-point agenda of Restoration, Transformation and Repositioning of her husband, Governor Abiola Ajimobi.

    “Starting with the Ajumose Food Basket, a programme that gives food items to a number of people across the 33 local government areas of the state on  monthly basis; Access to Basic Medical Care (ABC Foundation),  recently adjudged as the Most Outstanding NGO in the South West by the House of Representatives; to ICT Corner for Women in Public Service and Educate a Rural Child Project that provides educational materials for the indigent students amongst others, Mrs. Ajimobi is concretely connecting with the Oyo  people in all facets of life and in all the nooks and crannies, making living, easier and more meaningful.”

    In addition to all the aforementioned programmes, this paragon of beauty and brain, triggered off the unusual with the introduction of intellectualism into the office of the First Lady. When she came up with the idea of bringing the wives of public office holders in Oyo State under the aegis of Oyo State Officials’ Wives Association (OYSOWA), many had thought the group was for the usual women’s stuff, partying and other frivolities.

    But Mrs Ajimobi toed the line of intellectualism by introducing a yearly conference of women of note to discuss and further the course of development of not just the women in Oyo or Nigeria but also in Africa and across the globe.

    For three years running, the programme has become a huge success. She has, in an unprecedented manner, mobilised fellow First Ladies all over Nigeria and beyond our shores to chart new courses for progress and development.

    Read Also: Nigeria is safe, says ex-British PM Johnson

    This year’s edition, which came to a close on Friday, was attended by over 1,000 delegates including world acclaimed women leaders like the former Zimbabwean Vice President, Dr. Joice Mujuru, former First Lady of Liberia, Senator Jewel Howard Tailor, four state governors, 21 First Ladies. The conference has become a toast to all, eliciting affirmative comments and commendations in public places and son ocial media.

    For this beautiful woman to have successfully turned a supposedly frivolous association in Ibadan to an intellectual hub and well recognised across the continent; it is established that Mrs. Ajimobi has truly changed the face of the Ibadan woman from that of a cloth or pepper seller to that of a beauty and a thinker.

    I must add here that Oyo has been particularly blessed with exceptional First Ladies since the beginning of our nascent democracy. From the motherly and benign Alhaja Sarat Adeola Adesina, wife of the late Great Lam who came in with her well packaged Health is Wealth Programme, it has been positive all through. The Health is Wealth Program of Alhaja Adesina has existed to date in the Office of the First Lady.

    The elegant black beauty, Alhaja Mutiat Ladoja, also initiated Idera De Foundation with headquarters in Ido for the disabled and underprivileged, while the gorgeous, vivacious, well-built wife of Otunba Christopher Adebayo Alao-Akala, Oluwakemi, came up with Community Link Advancement Program (CLAP) for the uplift of the less privileged urban and rural women. They all served their purposes well.

    However, with the intellectualism and passionate execution of her projects, it is certain that Mrs. Ajimobi’s projects have not only come to stay, they have individually become a challenge to the future First Ladies.

    That is from the piece about the phenomenal wife of the late former Governor Isiaq Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State. Today, I continue to celebrate her as she takes on the onerous task of representing Nigeria as an Ambassador. I am sanguine, she will excel. Congratulations ma.

    •Olaosebikan is Chief Consultant, Midas Communications Limited.

  • Adelabu congratulates Ajimobi on ambassadorial nomination

    Adelabu congratulates Ajimobi on ambassadorial nomination

    Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has extended warm congratulations to Dr. Florence Ajimobi following her recent nomination for an ambassadorial role by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    In a statement released at the weekend, the Minister described the nomination as a “well-deserved honour and a testament to Mrs. Ajimobi’s exemplary character and dedication to service.”

    The Minister’s statement reads in part, “This nomination is a brilliant choice for our nation’s diplomatic corps. Mrs. Ajimobi is a woman of impeccable grace, sharp intellect, and a proven track record of leadership.

    “Her lifelong commitment to philanthropy, women empowerment, and social development has prepared her aptly for the demanding role of representing Nigeria on the world stage.”

    Adelabu also expressed appreciation to the President over the nomination saying though a well-deserved honour, it is also a testament to “our nation’s commitment to leveraging its best and brightest minds for diplomatic service. It is a choice that reflects wisdom, discernment, and a deep understanding of the qualities required to represent our great country on the global stage.

    “I have had the privilege of knowing Mrs. Ajimobi for many years, not just as the beloved wife of our late, revered former Governor of Oyo State and leader, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, but as a formidable force for good in her own right.

    Read Also: PCMM flays visa fraud, seeks fairer  procedures for Nigerians

    “She is a woman of impeccable character, unwavering grace, and sharp intellect. Her life has been a masterclass in service, resilience, and compassionate leadership.

    “As a seasoned business woman and a dedicated philanthropist, she has consistently demonstrated an acute understanding of socio-economic dynamics and a deep-seated passion for the upliftment of the people. Her work in healthcare, education, and women empowerment through her various initiatives has left an indelible mark on countless lives”.

    Adelabu highlighted that while her contributions will be missed in the domestic sphere, her new position holds significant promise for national interests.

    “International diplomacy is crucial for development in key sectors like power and energy. We are confident that she will be a formidable advocate for Nigeria, adept at fostering international partnerships and attracting investment critical to our nation’s growth.

    “I have no doubt that she will excel in this new role, building bridges of friendship and cooperation for our nation”, he added.

  • Ajimobi remembered as family, political associates gather for 5th memorial prayer in Ibadan

    Ajimobi remembered as family, political associates gather for 5th memorial prayer in Ibadan

    Friends, family members, and political associates on Wednesday gathered at the Oluyole residence of late former Oyo State Governor, Abiola Ajimobi, to offer prayers and celebrate what they described as his enduring legacies.

    The event, which cut across political party lines, marked the fifth annual memorial fidau prayer for Ajimobi, the first governor to serve two consecutive terms in the state.

    Among the dignitaries present were the deceased’s widow, Dr. Florence Ajimobi; Oyo State Deputy Governor, Bayo Lawal; Ajimobi’s former deputy, Moses Alake-Adeyemo; former deputy to Governor Seyi Makinde, Rauf Olaniyan; Senators Sharafadeen Alli (Oyo South) and Fatai Buhari (Oyo North); APC’s 2023 governorship candidate, Senator Teslim Folarin; and former Finance Minister, Kemi Adeosun.

    Others included APC chieftains, political allies, former cabinet members known as the Ajumose Marines, and several political appointees.

    In an emotional tribute, Dr. Florence Ajimobi described the past five years without her husband as deeply challenging, but said the grace of God and the lessons he instilled in her had kept her strong and focused.

    She eulogised her late husband as a devoted friend, mentor, and leader — principled, disciplined, eloquent, and forgiving. She pledged to continue upholding his legacy and expressed gratitude to the Ajumose Marines for their unwavering support.

    Calling for unity within the Oyo APC, she urged politicians to embrace forgiveness and collaboration, adding that her late husband taught her that politics is about managing people and relationships.

    She said, “Five years and it just seems like yesterday to me. Losing a friend, because my husband was not just my husband. He was my friend. He was my number one supporter. He was my mentor. He was my leader. And he was my cheerleader. 

    “So not having him around me just makes me feel so vulnerable. But honestly, I want to say thank you to the Almighty God. The one who has kept me going, the one who has sustained me, and the one who has enabled me to be able to stand on my feet. 

    “Life has not been the same. But I know that one day everybody has to go. He’s not the first to go, and he won’t be the last to go. It’s what we call God’s time. When it is our time, we all go. I miss him so much. I really do miss him. But I know that what he would want is for me to be strong and uphold his legacy.

    “And that’s what I’m doing today, trying to keep the flag flying and holding forth on his behalf. But it has been a tough journey, been a tough five years, tough season. I have seen people in different capacities. I have seen people for who they are. But, like I always say, thank you, God.”

    Several speakers paid tribute to the late governor Ajimobi, describing him as a transformational leader who left a lasting legacy in Oyo State.

    Senator Sharafadeen Alli (Oyo South) in his tribute described Ajimobi as a well-loved leader who left a lasting impact on the state, saying, “We all know that he’s somebody that cannot be forgotten. He left a legacy. And like one of the clerics said, when you go out, people use his regime to compare several others. 

    “That’s to show that he did so well when he was alive. He was somebody that was well-loved, and somebody who loves the state.”

    A former Commissioner of Health, Dr. Azeez Adeduntan praised Ajimobi’s leadership, saying he was the best governor Oyo State ever had, and that his contributions to the state’s development were unparalleled. 

    Read Also: Adelabu pays tribute to Ajimobi five years after ex-governor’s death

    Also speaking, a former Commissioner of Youths and Sports, Farouk Arisekola, remembered Ajimobi as a legend who mentored many youths and transformed the state. He praised Ajimobi’s leadership style, saying he was a true Ibadan man who was never shy about expressing his opinions. 

    Ajimobi son, Idris, who is serving as a Senior Special Assistant to President Tinubu on Livestock Development, also paid tribute, saying he missed his father’s presence and guidance, but was learning to navigate life’s challenges with the lessons his father taught him.

    In his short sermon entitled: “Death is inevitable”, the State Missioner, Ansar-ud-Deen Islam, Sheikh Bashir Olanrewaju Elesinmeta urged the people to be mindful of how they lead their lives, noting that what should be of paramount concern to the people is life after death.

    Quoting from the Koran, Elesinmeta reminded the people of the inevitability of death, saying, “All mortals will taste death hence the need to bequeath worth legacies to incoming generations.”

  • Adelabu pays tribute to Ajimobi five years after ex-governor’s death

    Adelabu pays tribute to Ajimobi five years after ex-governor’s death

    Minister of Power Chief Adebayo Adelabu has paid glowing tribute on the fifth anniversary of the passing of the first two-term governor of Oyo State, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, who died on June 25, 2020.

    In a statement he signed, Adelabu described the late former governor as an exceptional leader who contributed significantly to infrastructural development in Oyo State.

    He said, “As we commemorate the fifth anniversary of the passing of an exceptional leader, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, I join millions of Nigerians, particularly the people of Oyo State, in honouring a man whose legacy remains indelible in our hearts and in the annals of governance.”

    “Senator Ajimobi was not just a political icon but a transformative figure who redefined leadership in Oyo State.

    “As the first governor to serve two consecutive terms, he elevated governance through bold reforms in security, infrastructure, urban renewal, and youth empowerment. His visionary policies earned him the revered title of Koseleri (the Unprecedented One), a testament to his unparalleled impact.

    “To me, he was more than a leader; he was a pathfinder whose guidance shaped many political journeys. His unwavering support during my 2019 gubernatorial bid under the APC exemplified his belief in nurturing the next generation of leaders.

    Read Also: Adelabu seeks well-structured policy framework for energy transition

    “Even now, his lessons in strategic governance and integrity continue to inspire my work as Minister of Power, where we strive to mirror his commitment to excellence and service.

    “The Ajimobi legacy extends beyond politics. As we mark this solemn milestone, I pray for Allah’s eternal peace for the departed.

     “Senator Ajimobi’s absence is deeply felt, especially within the Oyo APC, where his unifying leadership once held the party together. The best tribute we can pay is to uphold his values of unity, progress, and selfless service. Let us honour his memory by recommitting to these ideals and advancing the development he championed.”

  • Ajimobi’s legacies will never be forgotten, Says lawmaker

    Ajimobi’s legacies will never be forgotten, Says lawmaker

    Rep. Tolulope Akande-Sadipe, House of Representatives member representing Oluyole Federal Constituency, has described late governor of Oyo State, Abiola Ajimobi, as a true statesman whose legacies will never be forgotten.

    She said this why paying tribute to Ajimobi to commemorate his remembrance in a statement made issued in Abuja on Wednesday.

    Ajimobi passed away on June 25, 2020 at the age of 70 after a brief illness.

    According to the lawmaker, Ajimobi was an exceptional statesman who made indelible marks in public service.

    She also said the late former governor could best be described as the architect of modern Oyo State, saying he left the office with distinct legacies and achievements.

    “He Came. He lived. He Conquered the Myth. He was worthy leader”, she said.

    Akande-Sadipe, the House Committee Chairman on Ethics and Privileges, Assembly saluted late Ajimobi’s patriotic spirit.

    Read Also: Four years after, Folarin, Dare, Adeyemo, Olaniyan, Zach, others converge on Ajimobi’s home

    She said Ajimobi gave her the opportunity to serve in his cabinet, which was the platform she leveraged to be in the position to serve her people in Oluyole Federal Constituency.

    “Sadly the vacuum created by the demise of the former governor and Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in Oyo State, late Senator Abiola Ajimobi is clear to all”, she said.

    Rep. Akande-Sadipe said the late former governor made a significant impact in governance of Oyo state through many innovations and ideas.

    (NAN)

  • Ajimobi’s 4th Fidau anniversary: 25 students gets 200k grants

    Ajimobi’s 4th Fidau anniversary: 25 students gets 200k grants

    No fewer than 25 students of Oyo indigene from various tertiary institutions of learning in the country, on Tuesday, June 25, got a school grant of N200,000 to aid their studies.

    The grant, the first of its kind, is part of an effort to commemorate the fourth fidau anniversary of a former governor of Oyo state, Abiola Ajimobi.

    The presentation made by the wife was done through the Senator Abiola Ajimobi Foundation (SAAF) in the presence of guests, family members, political associates, and party chieftains who gathered to honor the first two-term governor of Oyo state.

    The event which featured special prayers for the deceased held at the Oluyole residence of the Ajimobi.

    Speaking before the presentation, President, SAAF who is also the wife of the late former governor, Dr Florence Ajimobi, said since the unexpected transition of their breadwinner, the family has taken steps to continue to preserve the memory and legacies of the former governor.

    She recounted that part of the effort was the establishment of a Foundation, the Senator Abiola Ajimobi Foundation (SAAF), adding that since the Foundation’s inception, it had gone into collaboration with the Institute for Peace and Strategic Studies (IPSS), University of Ibadan, organizing the Annual Abiola Ajimobi roundtable, thus further institutionalising the Roundtable and preserving the legacies of good governance he espoused.

    She said: “I, on behalf of the family of my dear husband, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, gladly welcome you all to this 4th Year Fidau Prayer in his honour.

    Giving glory to the Almighty, it is heart-warming to once again welcome you all to this event, organised to offer prayers for the continued repose of his soul.

    “Also, we glorify Almighty God for sparing our lives to witness another year, as we pray He continues to preserve us all, amen.

    “Since his unexpected transition about four years ago, we have taken steps to continue to preserve his memory and legacies.

    “Among the steps we took was to establish a Foundation in his name, the Senator Abiola Ajimobi Foundation (SAAF). Since the Foundation’s inception, it has gone into collaboration with the Institute for Peace and Strategic Studies (IPSS), University of Ibadan, organizing the Annual Abiola Ajimobi Roundtable, thus further institutionalising the Roundtable and preserving the legacies of good governance he espoused.

    “Your Excellencies, distinguished guests, also within the last four years, the Foundation donated a 400-capacity hall and syndicate rooms to the reputable Institute, and, expectedly, this was named Senator Abiola Ajimobi Resource Centre, which now serves as the venue for the annual roundtable, among other purposes for the premier university.

    “In his lifetime, my husband, Senator Ajimobi stood for worthy causes. He stood for peace, progress and development, among other notable things. These traits manifested in everything he did in his personal and as well as his official life, even when he served the people of Oyo State, as Governor for an unprecedented two-term (eight years) tenure.

    Read Also: Fourth annual fidau: Folarin, Zach, other dignitaries storm Ajimobi’s residence in Ibadan

    “He focused on the ideals of good governance as well as urban renewal, he was highly interested in, and worked for a peaceful society, he was keen on quality education.”

    Speaking on the latest effort, Dr Florence said in arriving at the 25 brilliant, successful recipients, the foundation received 1800 applicants, about 840 met the strict conditions for qualification, adding that, of the number, 333 were in first class CGPA category.

    She added that the applicants were further assessed, and based on their written justification for the application as well as strong recommendations from their institutions, the figure was screened to 86, after which a final rigorous assessment was then made, resulting in the 25 successful recipients.

    She said: “Consequently, and in order to continue that legacy of promotion of quality education, which is one of the goals of the Foundation, we have, this year, instituted an Annual Education Grant for students of Oyo State origin in tertiary institutions in the country.

    “This grant is given without discrimination to either sex or political affiliation, the only conditions are; you must be an indigene of Oyo State, you must be brilliant and be of high moral standard.

    “I want to gladly inform you that 25 successful awardees, after a keenly competed exercise, from various institutions of higher learning are here with us today to receive the grant.

    “In arriving at the 25 brilliant, successful recipients, the Foundation received 1800 applicants, about 840 met the strict conditions for qualification. Of these number, 333 were in first class CGPA category.

    “Subsequently, the applicants were further assessed, and based on their written justification for the application as well as strong recommendations from their institutions, the figure was screened to 86. A final rigorous assessment was then made, resulting in today’s successful recipients.

    “I hereby heartily congratulate the awardees. However, I want to state here that for those who were not lucky to receive this year’s grant, it was not because they were less brilliant, but the Foundation decided to start with a manageable size and increase the figure over the years, as we continue to grow. The opportunity is still there for those who could not make it this year to re-apply next year.

    “And for the successful candidates, I want to enjoin you to see this as another opportunity to continue to improve on your performance. It should also inspire you to give back to the society in the future.

    “Finally, I believe that every minute of your patient attendance at today’s event will be highly rewarding and motivating, towards a better society and a standing legacy for the ideals of Senator Abiola Ajimobi.”

  • Native herbal practitioners, traditionalists hail Ajimobi

    Members of Nigerian Traditionalists and Herbalists Association of Nigeria have praised the outgoing governor of Oyo State, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, for bringing the dividends of democracy to the grassroots, through his various capital projects across the state.

    In a chat with our correspondent at their Ibadan zonal headquarters after a regional meeting at the weekend, the herbalists said more than any governor that had ruled in Oyo State, Ajimobi stood out.

    Some leaders of the native herbal practitioners, namely Chief Kareem Oriola  from Ojoo, Ibadan; Chief Adeyemi Ifayemi from Ikare-Akoko, Ondo State, and Chief Ismail Jayeola from Iro, Ogun State, all, in separate interviews, praised the governor for the road construction, rural electrification and water schemes he put in place across the several communities in Oyo State.

    Speaking, Jayeola said, “He has set the standard, not only for his successor but also for other governors in the South-West; and as such, they cannot afford to perform less.

    Speaking in the same vein, Oriola, an engineer, said, “I am happy that the governor also gave we, the traditionalists, relevance, as he is open-minded and never ruled by ethnic, religious or family sentiments, which is common with most of our emerging leaders.”

    Ifayemi, on his part, however enjoined traditionalists not to allow Nigerian traditions to die, stressing, “They must encourage their children not to abandon these treasures handed over to us, as Nigeria is a country of traditions and we must not allow them to vanish.”

     

  • Why opposition must celebrate Ajimobi, by Oyo APC

    THE Oyo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has said that  Governor Abiola Ajimobi’s achievements have attracted a world recognition, UNESCO Award, which is to be received by the incoming Governor, Seyi Makinde, in Medellin, Colombia..

    The governor-elect is slated to travel to Medellin, Colombia between October 1 to 3, 2019 to receive the international award on behalf of the government and people of Oyo State.

    The APC believed the opposition should celebrate the outgoing governor for raising the bar of governance and massively transforming the state to attract world recognition.

    In a statement issued by Oyo APC Public Relations Officer (PRO), Dr.  AbdulAzeez Olatunde, the party said the international award is in addition to the letter of the UNESCO Award on January 3, 2019, recognising Ibadan as a learning city globally.

    The APC hailed the outgoing governor for the giant strides, which, it said, no other governor in the history of the state has ever achieved.

    It said: “No wonder, the out-going Governor of Oyo State has made a lot of seemingly impossible tasks to be possible, culminating in the on-going commissioning spree, starting with Oba Akinbiyi Model School at Oke-Itunu, Mokola, Ibadan, which is all Tiles-floor 40 classrooms with UNESCO Standard Child-friendly facilities like ceiling fans in all the classrooms, 16 water closet toilet facilities on each of the floors, separated as eight for each of the male and female sex.”

    The statement further enunciated that what made the Model School another reference point “is that it is equipped with three standard air-conditioning laboratories for Physics, Chemistry and Biology and also has air-conditioning Art Studio, tastefully furnished Home Economics Laboratory, air conditioned Libraries, separately for staff and students and of course air-conditioned Computer Laboratory with Wi-Fi.

    “The uniqueness of the model school is better appreciated by the provision of handicapped route staircase to the topmost floor of the two-storey building, which eliminated any discrimination towards the physically-challenged pupils.

    “There is fully air-conditioned multipurpose hall that can equally serve as Examination Hall for Final year and Public Examination students. Standard Lawn for Handball, Basketball, Volleyball, Lawn Tennis, Badminton etc for Sports and Leisure complete the facilities without forgetting the borehole for the water needs of the school.

    “Other model schools like Islamic High school, Bashorun Ibadan and Baptist High School, Saki, also have exactly the same facilities as of Oba Akinbiyi Model School.”

    Against the claims of the opposition, the party noted that the achievement of Senator Abiola Ajimobi on Education “is not restricted to building Model Schools alone. In fact, Mr. KOSELERI impact on Education with innovative approaches for Schools Governing Board (SGB) and OYOMESI intervention approach did not only attract about N5 billion to the Schools Facelift but also UNESCO Award, which is to be received by the in-coming Governor, Seyi Makinde in Medellin, Colombia between October 1st to 3rd, 2019.

    “Imagine that, State General and Maternity Hospital at Agbadagbudu-Yemetu was commissioned in 1928, U.C.H was built in 1959 while Ring Road State Hospital was built in 1977 and since 42 years ago, no governor or government deemed it fit to consider the astronomically expanding population of Ibadan until now, 2019 that Ajimobi proved Martin Luther King right that “intelligence plus character is the goal of true leaders”, which has reflected with about to be commissioned Abiola Ajimobi Maternity and Paediatrics Centre, Olodo.”

    Oyo APC insisted that when one considers the population of the axis of its location, Olodo and the distance to the State Hospital, Yemetu, we can only praise Sen Abiola Ajimobi for his vision and foresightness.

    Among other notable achievements of the outgoing governor, the party said, were the establishment of additional mediation centre aimed at decongesting courts, beautification of Ibadan city, massive investment on security, acquisition of agricultural equipment, and providing permanent solution to the hydra-headed perennial flooding in the city amongst others.

  • Ajimobi swears in 11 permanent secretaries

    OYO State Governor Abiola Ajimobi has urged workers in the employ of the state government to be more hardworking, noting that hard work never go unnoticed.

    He gave the advice yesterday in a remark during the swearing-in ceremony of 11 permanent secretaries.

    The event, which held at the Executive chamber of the Agodi Governor’s Office, was witnessed by the deputy governor, Otunba Moses Adeyemo; the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Olalekan Alli; the Head of Service, Mrs. Hannah Ogunesan, APC Chairman Chief Akin Oke, other top government functionaries, religious leaders, friends, families and well-wishers.

    Noting that the appointment of the new permanent secretaries to head the various ministries, departments and agencies was strictly political, the governor urged the newly elevated workers to use the position to make the state better and not for personal gains.

    With the new appointment, Ajimobi said his administration had elevated 34 permanent secretaries since he came to power in 2011 because of his understanding of the importance of the role of civil service to governance.

    He said: “This administration has appointed 34 permanent secretaries altogether till date to fill the vacuum created by the retirement of their predecessors.  Today, we are swearing-in another batch of 11 permanent secretaries to fill existing vacancies across our Ministries, Department and Agencies (MDAs).

    “Abhijit Naskar, an author and neuroscientist once said, ‘Take the Civil Service out of government and the country will collapse…’, The civil service is the engine room of any government, hence, our administration’s deliberate resolve to reform the civil service on assumption of office in 2011.

    “We not only reformed, we introduced many incentives to boost their morale and for better service delivery, including free transportation, enhanced loan facilities, local and foreign training etc.

    “To whom much is given much is expected. The enviable position of a PS is the peak of any civil servant career and it comes with a huge responsibility and commitment to advance the course of the state.

    “ I, therefore, admonish you to be up and doing, to be more resourceful, productive, dedicated and join hands with the incoming administration to take our dear state to the next level.”

  • Ajimobi and Tech-U

    First Technical University (Tech-U), Ibadan, Oyo State, is a visionary‘s idea. The institution’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ayobami Salami, acknowledged the innovative inspiration of Governor Abiola Ajimobi, who leaves office this month after two pacesetting terms.

    Salami said:  ”I must give credit to the Visitor to this university, His Excellency, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, who conceived the idea. I keep on saying that he’s the dreamer and visioner, I’m just the interpreter of that dream. When we started, not too many people gave us a chance. People thought it was not going to work. We came at a point when the economy wasn’t too good. People wondered and asked how we were going to pay salaries, get students and all.”

    The university’s story is a study in focus and self-belief.  Salami was appointed in May 2017. Three months later, the National Universities Commission (NUC) approved 15 programmes for the university. The university’s first set of students started their studies within six months after the NUC’s verification. Its first matriculation in January 2018 involved 190 students.   Courses available at Tech-U include Mechatronics Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Food Sciences and Technology, Cyber Security, Computer Science, Software Engineering, Physics with Electronics, Petroleum Engineering, Industrial Chemistry and Statistics.

    Obviously, the university’s courses have a 21st century character. Tech-U is designed to produce entrepreneurial techies.  French is compulsory for every student, which says something about the university’s international outlook. In addition, every student is required to take two skills in any field of artisanship along with any course of their choice, and must be certified in such skills before they graduate. This blend of academic, entrepreneurial and vocational education is expected to prepare the university’s graduates for the challenges of the 21st century.

     The university’s programmes show that it is on course concerning its orientation. Tech-U has demonstrated that it understands the meaning of specialisation.  This is a lesson in a country where specialised universities are known to have gotten off track.  Two years ago, the Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu, said: “Some of these specialised institutions include universities such as Universities of Agriculture, Universities of Technologies, Universities of Medicine, amongst others. The Federal government has observed that these institutions have derailed from their statutory responsibilities, thereby running programmes that are antithetical to their mandates.”

    Adamu added: “The government notes the unfortunate situation where Universities of Agriculture offer programmes in Law, Management courses such as Accounting, Banking and Finance, Business Administration, among others. As if that was not enough, some institutions change the nomenclature of some of the courses to read, for instance, Banking Engineering, Accounting Technology, among other names. This is an aberration and should be stopped with immediate effect.”

    Deviation from specialisation has been attributed to funding challenges. On the issue of funding, Tech-U, according to Salami, has pioneered “a new model of tertiary institution entirely. This university is today the only self-sustaining public university in Nigeria.”

    Salami explained:  ”This is a university that was established from the word go to be self-sustaining; a public university with private-sector orientation. So with that, except the law is changed, I do not see any problem with that. Let me say clearly that this university is not running on government subvention. What government gave us is the take-off grant; apart from the take-off grant, we are supposed to really, you know, generate resources to actually forge ahead while the government takes care of infrastructural development and that’s what we have been doing in the last one year. We have been partnering with so many agencies and we have been running the university smoothly.”

    Governor Ajimobi had emphasised Tech-U’s public-private partnership model at an event last year:  ”The commitment of government is to provide resources for its takeoff; after this, you pay your bills. While government will honor its commitment in this regard, it is imperative that the university begins to look out for partnerships that would make it attain full financial autonomy as a self-sustaining university.”

    There is no doubt that the Tech-U model calls for creative thinking on the part of the institution’s management. It is a model that deserves to be emulated by tertiary institutions in the country that continue to cry about poor funding. Salami’s words: “We are supposed to solve problems and we can’t solve problems without having resources. We don’t depend solely on government subvention. Yes, government has a responsibility to support education but what we are saying is that we are not going the way of other public universities that rely solely on government. We are able to survive because we do not depend solely on government.”

    A particular arrangement highlights Tech-U’s internationalism. “We are focusing on the international – in terms of research, staff, content, faculty,” Salami said. “ To that effect, within the first one year, we have gone into collaborative arrangement with Texas Tech University, in America… we are signing ‘4 plus 1 X’ arrangement which allows our students to spend 4 years here if you have come for a 5-year programme. And once you can afford it, you spend the next one year in Texas Tech University and come back here to earn our degree and use that our degree to have automatic admission for master’s degree programme in Texas Tech in the U.S. This means that our curriculum (with what is going on in Texas) is comparable, and that means we can exchange our staff. We want to create an environment whereby our students can be here and get instructional materials from Texas Tech and then our staff will go into joint research partnership with the staff over there so that we look at the Nigerian environment and the challenges; and then we take advantage of the findings we have there to really deal with our local problem in the country.”

    Tech-U is for brilliant students, irrespective of their socio-economic context. Its scholarship basket, which attracts contributions from government and the private sector, had over half a billion naira in less than one year. “Those who ordinarily wouldn’t have seen the four walls of the university, even a public university, are now being brought to a university like this through scholarship and they are embracing it with both arms. They are very happy about it from the feedback we have,” Salami remarked.

    Governor Ajimobi’s Tech-U idea is the stuff of legacy. It should inspire forward-thinking governance.