By correspondent in Lokoja.
The Obaro of Kabba, His Royal Majesty, Oba Solomon Owoniyi, has commended Gov. Yahaya Bello of Kogi for the establishment of a State-owned university in Okunland in the western senatorial district of the state.
The traditional ruler gave the commendation when the delegation of Kogi State University (KSU) Kabba, Implementation Committee led by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Folashade Ayoade, paid a courtesy visit to his palace on Tuesday in Kabba.
The royal father specifically eulogized the governor for fulfilling the yearning and aspiration of the Okun people to have a university in Okunland for many years.
The paramount ruler said the establishment of a State-owned university in Okunland could not be overemphasized, stressing that it would boost the economy and drastically reduce poverty in the area.
The monarch said that the Okun traditional council was planning to set up a special Trust fund in Okunland to support the speedy takeoff of the university.
He appreciated the delegation for the visit and assured the state government of the total support of the entire Okun people and the state at large.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation leader Hon. Wemi Jones, the State’s Commissioner for Education, Science, and Technology, said the delegation was in the palace to congratulate the royal father on the arrival of the University in Oakland.
The commissioner added the subcommittee of the larger committee was in Kabba for an on-the-spot assessment visit to the proposed and permanent site for KSU Kabba.
Jones said that the Governor had directed that students should be matriculated into the university by September, saying “We are moving at a speed that no university has ever witnessed in the history of Nigeria”.
He noted that the National University Commission (NUC) had given speedy approval for the commencement of the university, adding that the NYSC and JAMB, and TETFUND have been duly notified.
Jones disclosed that the NUC affirmed that KSU Kabba was the fastest-approved university since the establishment of the commission, saying NUC’s letters of Recognition and Approval were given to the university the same day.
The commissioner emphasized that the establishment of KSU Kabba “is not politics but a reality”, and commended the governor for his goodwill towards the people of Oakland.
The proposed location for KSU Kabba is the permanent site of the College of Education Kabba (Technical), while the college would be relocated to Government Technical College, Mopa in Mopamuro Local Government.
The KSU Kabba Implementation Committee is headed by Prof. Olu Obafemi, Chairman.
Other members of the delegation were: Commissioner for Finance and Budget Planning, Asiwaju Idris; Commissioner for Work and Housing, Samson Bako; Prof. Abayomi Oloruntoba, Prof. Tolorunju Omolehin, Prof Gabriel Olorunleke, Prof. Rotimi Ajayi, among others.
Reflection.