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Tag: OAU

  • Church lecture tomorrow

    The Archbishop Vinning Memorial Church Cathedral will on Thursday hold a lecture to mark its 50th anniversary.

    The lecture, which will be delivered by Lagos lawyer Dr Tunji Braithwaite, will start at 11am. Dr Braithwaite will speak on the topic: “The Church Today”.

    Former Vice-Chancellor of the Obafemi Awolowo University ( OAU), Ile-Ife, Prof Wale Omole will chair the occasion. Eminent Nigerians and church leaders, including the Bishop of Diocese of Lagos West, Anglican communion, Bishop James Odedeji, are expected at the occasion billed for the church’s auditorium in Ikeja, Lagos.

     

  • AAUA satisfied with athletes’ performance

    AAUA satisfied with athletes’ performance

    Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko (AAUA) on Monday said it was satisfied with the performance of its athletes at the 24th Nigerian Universities Games Association (NUGA) Games concluded on Saturday.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Games were held at the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun, from February 12 to 22.

    AAUA emerged 13th on the medals table with two gold, three silver and one bronze medal. AAUA Sports Coordinator, Ayodeji Oladuti, told NAN in Akure that the school was satisfied with the outcome of the Games.

    “We are satisfied with our athletes’ performances at the Games. They did not disappoint us after all during the games. Our school is the second best state university after LAUTECH which was the best at the event and seventh on the NUGA medals table.

    LAUTECH won six gold, four silver and five bronze medals at the Games.

    “I am satisfied with the performance of my athletes, in sports, you win some; you lose some, you just have to take it as it comes,” he said.

    According to him, Omolara Omotoso, an Olympian, won the first gold in 400m female athletics event, while Blessing Fajugbagbe won the second gold in chess.

    The coordinator added that Alabi won the first

     

    silver in taekwondo, while the pair of Adesola

     

    Afolabi and Olorunmaye Bolanle won two silver

     

    medals in table tennis female doubles event. He

     

    said that Gbemisola Obanoyen won bronze in 100m

     

    female swimming.

    Oladuti said the school would work on its male

     

    taekwondo and female swimmers where, he said, it

     

    lacked athletes to fully represent it at the Games.

     

     

     

     

     

  • ‘Drop the books and lace the boots’

    ‘Drop the books and lace the boots’

    The long-awaited 24th Nigeria University Games (NUGA) has begun at the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in Ile-Ife, Osun State. It was opened by former Minister of Education Prof Taoheed Adedoja, report OLUWAFEMI OGUNJOBI (400-Level Language Arts) and KEMI BUSARI (400-Level Political Science).

    •NUGA begins at OAU

    After initial delays, the 24th Nigeria University Games (NUGA) took off at the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in Ile-Ife, Osun State, last Saturday.

    The game is returning to the institution 30 years after of first hosted the event.

    The campus was a beehive as the Local Organising Committee (LOC) members received participants on arrival at the university’s main gate. Gigantic billboards, with the inscription: “Time to drop the books and lace the boots”, welcomed them at the gate.

    The opening ceremony was held in the Main Bowl Sports Complex.

    Osun State Deputy Governor Otunba Titi Laoye-Tomori led dignitaries, including the Pro-chancellor and Chairman, OAU Governing Council, Prof Rowland Ndoma-Egba, Vice-Chancellor (VC) Prof Bamitale Omole, his predecessor, Prof Michael Faborode and the VCs of Ekiti State University (EKSU), Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU) and Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED) Prof Oladipo Aina, Prof Saburi Adesanya and Prof Oluyemisi Obilade respectively.

    Prof Omole said the ceremony ended the uncertainties surrounding the hosting of the event, which he said was part of activities marking the institution’s 50th anniversary. He said the fiesta was scheduled to hold in 2012, but was postponed because of the National Sports Festival in Lagos and “unforeseen circumstances”.

    Ahead of the game, the university rehabilitated facilities needed for its hosting, Omole said, adding that OAU has a history of excellence in sport. Many students of the institution, he said, had excelled in athletics because of the foundation laid by the late Director of Institute of Physical Education, Mr. Isaac Akioye.

    “As the competitions progress, I enjoin our visitors to take time to visit some historic centres in Ile-Ife. Sports are seen as well-structured physical activities guided by rules and regulations. I, therefore, appeal to all participants and officials to put up their best performance and adhere strictly to the rules and regulations governing the event, so that we can have successful competitions,” Prof Omole said.

    Otunba Laoye-Tomori, who represented Governor Rauf Aregbesola, spoke on “Building a healthy man of learning”, saying: “The cardinal objective of a university is to produce individuals that are well grounded in knowledge and virtue. The attainment of good education must include the building of a sound mind and a healthy body; this as I have observed, necessitated the hosting of NUGA. This type of game takes place everywhere in the world with huge positive impact on the society.”

    She urged participants to embrace the spirit of sportsmanship and use the event to strengthen relations among themselves.

    The University of Ibadan (UI) led the procession during the march past, which was conducted in alphabetical order. The OAU team came last.

    The University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) team was hailed by the crowd, for fielding the highest number of athletes despite the insecurity in Borno State. It is being represented by 167 athletes and 31 officials. Yobe State University (YSU) has the lowest number of athletes – two students.

    The NUGA oath was taken by Olatunde Olutayo, a Physical Health Education student and athlete in OAU team, after which the contest was declared open by former Minister of Education Prof Taoheed Adedoja.

    The NUGA torch was lit by Catherine Shitta, a 100-Level student of Philosophy, following which the contest started, with a football match between the host and Ekiti State University. The OAU team won by four goals to one.

    Celebrating the victory, the coach of the OAU team, Mr Chike Eluminu said: “I am happy my team won; expect more wins in the subsequent fixture.”

    The defeated team’s coach, Adeniyi Olubi, said: “My boys did not play according to instructions. That was why you noticed that our defence was porous. The boys played below my expectation. The whole team was poor. Despite playing friendly matches before the event, the boys still put up poor performance. But let me assure you that we will improve on our performance.”

     

     

  • OAU hosts NUGA to mark 50

    OAU hosts NUGA to mark 50

    The 24th Nigeria Universities Games (NUGA) begin next Wednesday at the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in Ile-Ife, Osun State. Over 60 universities are expected at the games. Dhikru Akinola (400-Level Political Science) reports.

    arring any last-minute hitch, sportsmen and women from over 60 universities will gather next Wednesday at the opening of the 24th Nigeria Universities Games (NUGA) at the Obafemi Awolowo University in Ile-Ife, Osun State.

    The games, initially billed for October, last year, were postponed twice because of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) strike, which lasted for more than five months. The sport fiesta will take place between February 12 and 22. The institution is hosting the university games to commemorate its 50th anniversary.

    In preparation for the event, members of the management and Local Organising Committee (LOC) were in Lagos last September to unveil the games logo. The event hosted former international footballer Mutiu Adepoju, Nollywood stars Afees Oyetoro (Saka), Bayo Bankole (Boy Alinco) and rights activist Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin, who were chosen as ambassadors for the games.

    To herald the coming of the game, the school is now adorned with posters of the event. Visitors are welcomed with a big billboard, with the inscription: “Time to drop the books and lace the boots”.

    The LOC has put finishing touches to facilities to be used for the games, making OAU the first institution to host all the events on campus. The Olympic-sized swimming pool and an eight-lane athletics track have been fitted with drainage conduits to prevent flooding. The International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) rated the track as meeting the association’s technical requirements.

    “It is not easy to host a competition featuring over 15 events in the same environment but OAU has shown its capabilities in this direction,” a member of the management said.

    The Public Relations Officer (PRO), Mr Biodun Olanrewaju, said the university would ensure the maintenance of the facilities.

    On security, the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) Zone 11, Mr David Omojola, promised to guarantee the safety of lives and property. His men, he said, would be on ground for the games.

    The Vice-Chancellor, Prof Bamitale Omole, said the management would request for police protection whenever the need arose.

    There are reports that the university plans to suspend academic activities to get spaces in the halls of residence to accommodate participants. A student said some officials of the university were in his hostel to inspect the facility, quoting an official as saying students would be asked to leave the halls by the first week of February.

    The university, it was learnt, may invite riot policemen to clear the hostels. A senior lecturer, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said members of the Senate were aware of the development, adding that there is no concrete decision on it. He said students would be asked to vacate the halls of residence and return on February 23 after the closing ceremony.

    Dispelling the police deployment rumour, the Chief Security Officer (CSO), Mr Paul Ogidi, said: “To the best of my knowledge, I have not been given any order to bring mobile policemen in to eject students from halls of residence. I don’t have such directive from the management. We should have been informed if the police would be invited.”

    CAMPUSLIFE gathered that men of the National Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Man O’ War and police would be on ground to provide security at the games. Also, Red Cross officials and students’ volunteers will attend to the medical need of the participants.

  • Wanted, an impartial umpire

    Wanted, an impartial umpire

    Students of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in Ile-Ife, Osun State, are kicking against the management’s decision to conduct their union’s government through a transition committee. TEMITAYO AYETOTO (400-Level English) reports.

    Almost three years after the proscription of the Students’ Union Government (SUG) of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in Ile-Ife, Osun State, the management has unveiled plans to restore the union.

    Last year, the university constituted the Students’ Union Transition Committee (STC) as a first step towards bringing back the union. Last week, the STC announced that it would hold elections next month.

    The committee, chaired by Shedrack Toluwalase, a 500-Level Law student, had scheduled the election for September and October last year but the protracted Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) strike truncated its plan.

    The management later called a stakeholders’ meeting and faculty congresses where decision was taken on the matter. The committee members, who were nominated at faculty congresses, were mandated to participate in a leadership workshop organised by the school.

    The STC members are a link between the management and students, pending when the SUG would be constituted. The members were mandated to use the resolutions and communiqué reached at the congresses, and knowledge they acquired at the workshop to organise a free and fair election.

    Speaking to CAMPUSLIFE Shedrack said: “We have been working to put in place a framework that will lead to the restoration of students’ union on campus. We will ensure that the election will be free and fair to bring in responsible, responsive and independent leadership. This will serve students better than what they used to have because this time around, the union that we are planning to restore will be all encompassing.”

    He added that all students would be allowed to participate in the activity to enable them contribute to the emergence of their leaders.

    Condemning violence, Shedrack said: “If there is anything that is inimical to campus life, it is violence. I believe it is the students’ union that must live up to its expectation by resisting violent agitation and protests.”

    However, some students have expressed doubt about the management’s readiness to restore the union. The students are of the view that there can never be an independent union because the process that led to STC’s constitution was initiated by the management.

    The Secretary of Education Rights Campaign (ERC), Olubanji Oluwole, a 300-Level Philosophy student, described the STC as an undemocratic body “composed of individuals who are very close to the management”. He believed the committee members were appointed for reasons not in students’ interest and get directives from the management.

    He said: “Clearly on this union issue, the management does not want a students’ union restored on campus for obvious reasons. Part of the reasons is that if there is an independent union, all the anti-student policies of the management would be rejected. There are so many things the union will defend which will be against the interest of the management.”

    Another student, who did not want his name in print, said there was no way students would have an independent union when management remained the driver of union election. He said: “Students have the right to associate democratically, there should be no influence from any quarter.”

    While calling on students to be conscious, a Political Science student urged his colleagues to unite themselves to demand independent students’ union. He said: “Students’ unionism is a property and heritage of students; it is not an instrument of the university administration. What we want is to get a platform for students to pursue their struggle effectively.”

    It should be recalled that students’ union activities were proscribed on February 22, 2011 following a violent protest against hike in acceptance fee, which rose from N2,000 to N20, 000. Students have since then continued to agitate for the reinstatement of their union through various media. Some of the agitators have either been suspended or dismissed by the management.

  • OAU wins $8m World Bank grant

     

    The Obafemi Awolowo University in Ile-Ife, Osun State, has won a $8 million grant from the World Bank.

    The institution’s Public Relations Officer, Mr Abiodun Olarewaju, said the three-year endowment was meant for the establishment of the OAU Knowledge Park (OAK-Park).

    The Vice-Chancellor, Prof Bamitale Omole said OAK-Park would create a world-class model for uptake and commercialisation of research and technology, adding that it would contribute to the growth of the nation’s economy.

    Prof Omole said the centre would ensure the systematic growth of research ideas in the university and other affiliated institutions in the West Africa sub-region.

    “Our objective is to harness the innovative energy and skill of Nigeria’s teeming youth into entrepreneurial activities by using appropriate skill-enhancing trainings and mentoring models. OAK-Park facility would stimulate creativity and excellence in research and innovation, and expand learning opportunities for staff and students and, indeed, other researchers within the region,” he said.

    He continued: “The centre is also geared towards the development of the next generation of scientists, researchers, teachers, entrepreneurs and product developers through appropriate practices anchored on rigorous capacity building measures. These include industrial immersion schemes, leverage on industry resource support for critical skills development of academics, students and researchers, as well as targeted status enhancement training for industry staff in the university system.”

    CAMPUSLIFE gathered that the university was among the 18 successful institutions in Africa out of a total 51 that applied for the grant.

  • How I reacted when Tunde Kelani told me I couldn’t act –Nollywood actress Jumoke Aderounmu

    How I reacted when Tunde Kelani told me I couldn’t act –Nollywood actress Jumoke Aderounmu

    Jumoke Aderounmu is one of the Nollywood fast-rising actresses. The beautiful actress, who wowed Yoruba movie lovers in Alakada 2, cut her teeth in acting under the legendary cinematographer, Tunde Kelani. In this interview with MERCY MICHAEL, the graduate of International Relations from the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State shares her inspirational journey in the make-believe world.

    YOU put up a good and inspiring performance in the Yoruba movie, Alakada 2. So, what really prepared you for that role?

    Thank you for saying that I acted so fantastically well on that set. But I’m going to tell you that, that is not the best of me. In fact, it can’t be the best of me.

    Concerning your question, I had seen the part one of the movie and I liked it. So, when Toyin Aimakhu called me that she wanted to do the part two, I was like, ‘Oh cool!’ Then, she said that she wanted the character to be like the person her character would be looking up to or someone who would be an influence on her. I was like, ‘Oh, really, that is cool!’

    For me, I can interpret any role given to me.

    So, I just told her that when the script is ready, she should let me see it. She was going to have a script conference and she called me up for it because she wanted me to understand the character very well and give her what she actually wanted. I attended the conference and I listened to the storyline again. I did research on the character and I was like, ‘It’s okay by me.’ And when I got on board, it was fun. Yes, it was really fun filming Alakada 2. There were people I had looked forward to working with it in the industry before I got on that set and when I met some of the cast, I was like, ‘Oh, my God!’

    Was that the first time you were working with Toyin Aimakhu?

    That wasn’t my first of time of working with Toyin. I had worked with Toyin before Alakada 2. My first time of working with Toyin was in Asise Eda 1& 2. I had seen a couple of her movies. But it was the first time I met and worked with her. It was filmed in 2012 and she filmed Alakada 2 around November, December 2012. I met her in a space of one month and shot Alakada 2.

    Alakada 2 was a huge opportunity for me to work with Bukky Wright because it was the first time I would work with her, one-on-one. I had met her before when we were filming Arugba. That was like my first time of acting. I was in Tunde Kelani’s Arugba. It was my debut movie and we didn’t really have any rapport because we did not have anything together. But this time, she worked directly with me on set and because of the fact that I like the way she interpreted her roles, it was easy for me to work as well.

    It was fun for me working with Helen Paul as well. Alakada 2 was the first time of working with Helen Paul. But after Alakada 2, I worked with Helen Paul again on another set. Who else was on that set? Yes, Uncle Hafeez Eniola, who is a very big production manager in the Yoruba genre of Nollywood. I knew him before Alakada 2, but I had never worked with him before. And I have never worked with the director, Adebayo Tijanni, either.

    What has helped you come this far in a short while?

    I give God all the glory for my talent. I’m going to say it over and over again that the best thing that happened to me is that God gave me a huge talent. And I am hoping that I will get the opportunity to make use of my talent anywhere. Secondly, I think that whatever you do, if you do not joke with your education and if you learn from the best hands, it always robs off on you.

    Are you still in school?

    I finished from the Obafemi Awolowo University in 2008 and did my national youth service in 2009, while we were filming Arugba.

    Did you study Theatre Art in school?

    No, I didn’t study Theatre Art in school. I studied International Relations. I thought about acting because, while I was in school, everybody thought I could do it. Uncle Kola Oyewo was my lecturer when I was in my first year. He felt I could do it and he liked my expression. When I do not even open my mouth to talk, I can pass a message. But I didn’t really take it seriously.

    In 2008, there was a major sectional break and I had to come to Lagos. I heard that Tunde Kelani was auditioning for the Arugba character.

    I spoke to my dad and he gave me his contact. Then, I called him on the phone. I scheduled an appointment with him. So, when I got to his office, I told him I wanted to audition for the Arugba character. I am a size eight right now; but then, I was really small. He looked at me and told me it was pointless trying to have a conversation with me. He said I could never be an actor and that he was sorry that I did not fit into the Arugba character. He said the character had to be tall and ebony dark-skinned. When he said he wasn’t even ready to have a conversation with me, I saw it as a challenge.

    I don’t like people saying no to me without even giving an opportunity to know me. So, I sat down in his office. I told him I was not going to leave until he agreed to have a conversation with him. I wanted to know why he said I couldn’t act because he didn’t even ask me to do anything. Then, he said it was because I was too petite and all. Then, I said that I thought it depends on one’s carriage and charisma. And that is what has worked for me so far. He eventually started talking to me and said whenever he wanted to film, he would let me know. And one day, I decided to call him up. I told him I was preparing to go for my youth service. So, he asked me to come over and that was it. So, I am going to say that maybe because I learnt from someone like him, that is why someone like you feels I am fantastic.

    Initially, were you intimidated by the A-list stars you worked with?

    I do not ever get star-struck. I am not a star- struck person actually. Before I saw them in person, I had seen them on TV. Aunty Funke Akindele is like the biggest female actor right now, and I have worked with her about four times. Between 2009 and 2011, I worked with her four times. So, most importantly, I understand that we are all human and we are all the same. But frankly, it is not easy for you to work with strong actors for the first time and then play up your role. I did that with the grace of God and a lot of prayers because for me, everything is God and family.

    What is the difference between Jumoke, the actress, and the real you?

    You are speaking with Jumoke Aderounmu. This is me! When I am on set, it is another me. The natural me is not a diva; I’m very down-to-earth; I am never serious; I am too playful and I never take anything seriously. People that are really close to me ask me a lot of time if I’m joking about something or I’m being serious. Ninety-five percent of the time, I am silly and playful. When I get on set or when I’m on radio, it takes me to psyche myself that, ‘Okay, you are working now.’

    Are you a radio presenter?

    I work with Concert Radio. And in less than one year of being on radio, I got nominated for the Trace Award as Female Radio Personality of Year. I think all that was possible for me because even on radio, I’m just always myself. It’s about my personality. Even my TV show will be launched very soon by God’s grace. When you guys see it, you will understand that it is just my personality. I’m just a very playful person. I don’t take life seriously. I take nothing seriously; but at the same time, I try to get my job done.

    What is the thrust of your TV show?

    It’s a talk show called The Lounge. I just didn’t want to be addressed as an actor or that actress, so I thought to myself that there has to be away around it. I know where I am going and I have prospect. I’m not a white collar person, so I told myself it’s would be entertainment. In 2010, I saw an advert for a TV presenter at Goldmyne Entertainment. I went for the auditioning and I got picked. We didn’t know much about presenting. Goldmyne then sent me and my colleagues to the FRCN training school for basic presentation and all. And I told myself that production is interesting. I’m a workaholic. I channel all my energy into work. So, I was producing and presenting ‘Box Office’ for a while all through 2011. At the time the producer of ‘Box Office’ was going to stop producing it, I just told myself that, okay, I do not want my TV career to just end; so, I spoke to Yolar, my producer, for the ‘Lounge’.

    I spoke to him about what I wanted to do. I told him I wanted a TV show, but I did not know what I wanted to do yet. Then, he said, “When you know what you want to do, let me know.” I thought about it over and over. Then, one day, I was watching the TV with my aunt and she asked me, ‘How do you come about all these TV programmes?’ And I explained to her. Then, it occurred to me that okay, there would be a lot of people who do not understand the making and filming of TV contents; so, I said, ‘Okay, I think I would do something about it.’ So, on my talk show, I will be talking to directors, costumiers, make-up artistes. But it’s going to be done in a proper lounge. I am hoping that people will like it. It’s not easy putting it together. It was a lot of hard work and I am excited about it.

    When is it going to berth on TV?

    For now, I don’t want to let the cat out of the bag.

    What are your plans for 2014?

    I am positive and I know with God, everything is possible. I am open to working more on movie sets and with the right people. I think I have two or three events to host. I am going to be hosting a fashion show in February at the Oriental Hotel.

    Given that you also compere events, which of all these talents has the better of you?

    I don’t know if I can actually say this is the one I fit into more. But I find it really, really exciting when I get on a movie set. I don’t know how, but I just get ignited. Basically, I love radio, TV and films. I just want to do it over and over again. I am excited about the three.

    I read somewhere, where you said you don’t like fake people…

    Of course, I don’t like fake people because I am not a fake person. I can’t contend with lies.

    Do you have a social life, so to speak?

    I am always at home and I am trying to actually get out of my shell now. I don’t have friends that I mix with in the industry. And that is the truth. Yes, I go out for events, but very rarely. If I have to go out for an event, I am most likely a part of that production. It was hard for me to be interviewed on the premiere of Alakada because I don’t even like the red carpet. My manager and I used to fight almost everyone now and then about it, until recently. He said to me that you can’t be shy and be in this industry.

    You appear to be a spoilt brat?

    I am not a spoilt brat; I can never be. In my house, they don’t even care if they see me on TV. I’m still a child and I get treated like a child that I am. If I make a mistake, they correct me. At home, they just tell me I am grounded and that is why I can’t be everywhere. If I go out and I say to them that I will be home by 6.00pm and I do not make it back at 6.00pm and I do not call before 6.00pm to say that I’m not going to be home by 6pm again, I will be scolded a lot when I return and will be grounded probably for the next three weeks. Getting grounded is like my second name now. I get tired. All through December, I was grounded. I couldn’t even go anywhere.

    They ring it in my head that I am not going to disgrace the family. They scold me a lot. I still cook. Even if I go to work, when I get back, I still cook for everybody.

    How has it affected the kind of roles you play?

    I can play any role.

    Even a semi-nude role?

    Yes, the only thing that I do is immediately I get the script, I read the script, understand everything about it; and then, I start saying at home that I am going to be on this or that production very soon. I give them scoops before the movie comes out. There was this role I acted, where the character was a smoker. So, I acted smoking cigarette and you wouldn’t believe I don’t even smoke. I can’t smoke or take alcohol.

    There was a day the movie was showing on Africa Magic. Then, my brother just looked at me and said, ‘Okay.’ Then, I told him it was water that they put in the Vodka bottle, that you know I don’t drink alcohol. But they know me. They know what I can do. You cannot come and tell them who their child is. They understand me very well. They are like my greatest fan. They are like my number one critic. The people that matter to me most understand that I am just doing my job.

    And that include the man you are in a relationship with it?

    I don’t want to talk about that.

    What’s your idea of marriage?

    It’s an institution of commitment and having to summit yourself totally to your partner.

  • Parents donate classroom to OAU school

    Any institution that wants to develop must have a rethink and source for funds, Prof Bamitale Omole, Vice-Chancellor (VC) of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in Ile-Ife, Osun State, has said.

    He spoke during the inauguration of a four-classroom block built by the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) of the OAU Staff School.

    Saying that the project underscored his vision for the 46-year-old school, the VC noted that an organisation must introduce new ideas to maintain progress.

    He said: “When I came to lay the foundation for this project, the environment was bushy and when I was told that the project had started, I was surprised. The university never contributed a dime to the building.”

    Prof Omole described the project as a 21st Century building, urging affluent individuals to emulate the gesture. He thanked the PTA, staff, teachers and pupils of the school for their cooperation, urging them to make good use of the edifice.

    The PTA Chairman, Dr Bamidele Amujoyegbe, said the group initially thought it would not be able to complete the project because of financial constraint. “We had to source for funds before we could complete this building,” he said.

    The building project cost N10, 591, 965.

  • Family, others seek Jonathan’s help on missing OAU lecturer

    Family, others seek Jonathan’s help on missing OAU lecturer

    •Professor of Nuclear Physics last seen in Akwa Ibom

    Authorities of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State; family and students of 65-year-old Professor of Nuclear and Medical Physics, James Bolarinwa Olomo, have urged the Federal Government to assist in the search for the professor.

    They also sought the assistance of the Akwa Ibom State government, State Security Service (SSS), police and other Nigerians.

    Prof Olomo has reportedly been missing for over 80 days.

    He is also a radiation safety adviser (RSA) to the Oil and Gas sector.

    Addressing reporters yesterday at the International Press Centre (IPC), Ogba, Lagos, OAU’s spokesman Prof Akinola Adegbola said there had been no information on Prof Olomo since he went missing nearly three months ago.

    Adegbola, who is also the chairman of the university’s branch of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), said the university community, students, family and others were traumatised by the professor’s disappearance.

    He said: “Prof James Bolarinwa Olomo, a professor of Nuclear and Medical Physics at the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, went to Eket in Akwa Ibom State as a radiation safety adviser (RSA) to an oil and gas company on Thursday, October 17, 2013, and was last heard from on Saturday, October 19, 2013.

    “He left Lagos on Thursday, October 17, 2013, by flight to Calabar (Cross River State) and to Eket by road via Uyo (both in Akwa Ibom State). He lodged at Hotel Farlem, 8 Archibong Street, Afaha Ukwa, Eket, and spent three nights there. He planned to return to his home in Ibadan (Oyo State) on Monday, October 21, 2013. He was last reached on his phone by a colleague from Ile-Ife about 9pm on Saturday, October 19, 2013. Their conversation lasted over 40 minutes.

    “His secretary, who also spoke with him about 8pm on Saturday, October 19, 2013, told his colleagues and family on Monday, October 21, 2013, that Prof Olomo had not returned from Eket and could not be reached on his phone since Sunday, October 20, 2013. Since then, there have been efforts to contact him. We are yet to make a breakthrough.”

    The spokesman said several efforts, including a journey to Akwa Ibom by a search party, comprising members of the OAU-ASUU and Otan Ayegbaju community in the university, were made to trace or contact the professor.

    According to him, the team was received and taken round Uyo and Eket by officials of the University of Uyo branch of ASUU, led by its Chairman, Dr. Anyim Anyim.

    The OAU-ASUU Search Committee Chairman, Prof Olugbenga Jegede, said: “The matter has been reported to the police and SSS in Osun and Akwa-Ibom states. There has been no clue concerning his whereabouts.

    “Major hospitals in Eket have been contacted and there is no case of any accident linked to Olomo.

    “The police, his colleagues from OAU and family have visited Hotel Farlem, Eket. His bag containing a native dress, a towel, a sponge and three tellers were found in his hotel room. The hotel manager and the attendants said he submitted his room key, left early in the morning of Sunday, October 20, 2013, without checking out or returning.

    “His bag was packed into a store and his room re-allocated to another guest. The hotel workers did not report his disappearance to the police, arguing that they had similar experiences when guests would go out and return few days or weeks later and apologise that they travelled or were busy working on the field.”

    Adegbola sought the assistance of President Goodluck Jonathan, Governors Rauf Aregbesola (Osun); Godswill Akpabio (Akwa Ibom); Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG), South-south, police commissioners of Akwa Ibom and Osun states, director of State Security Service (SSS) and his officers in Akwa Ibom and Osun states, Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Eket, Mr. Sunday Digah, to locate Olomo.

    He also sought the help of Oba Okunade Sijuade, the Ooni of Ile-Ife; Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi, the Obong of Calabar and the paramount ruler of Eket, Dr. Timtiniko Enodien.

    The lecturer said the disappearance of the professor was a mystery and shock.

    According to him, the incident has dealt a deadly blow to his colleagues, students, friends and relations.

    Adegbola said anyone with information on Prof Olomo contact the following people: OAU’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof Bamitale Omole; the Chairman, OAU-ASUU, Ile-Ife, Prof A. P. Akinola – 08056712159; the Chairman, Search Committee, OAU, Ile-Ife, Prof O. O. Jegede – 08034007146; the Chairman Otan Aiyegbaju Progressive Union (OAPU), OAU branch, Ile-Ife, Prof A. J. Farinde – 08033618883 and representative of Olomo Family, Mr. Segun Olomo – 08033580020.

  • Ajimobi appoints SSG

    Ajimobi appoints SSG

    •Sends eight names to Assembly

    Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi has appointed Ismael Olalekan Alli as the Secretary to the State Government.

    The governor has also forwarded names of eight nominees as commissioners and members of the Executive Council, to the House of Assembly.

    This was contained in a statement in Ibadan yesterday by the Special Adviser to the Governor, Dr. Festus Adedayo.

    The SSG, according to the statement, is a graduate of English Language Studies from the then University of Ife, now Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), with a Master’s in Industrial and Labour Relations from the University of Ibadan.

    He was an assistant registrar, Industrial Relations and Staff Development at OAU, from 1986 to 1989. He worked with Data Matics Nigeria Ltd. from 1986 to 2000 and the chief executive officer of Alcomer International Ventures Ltd.

    The nominees include two former Special Advisers, Fatai Buhari and Tayo Koleosho, while a former Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Atinuke Ashunkoya also made the list.

    Others are Fatai Abimbola, Prof. Nureni Tanimowo, Abideen Oladimeji, Bonuola Azeez Oyelade and Iyiola A’bali Hammed.