By Correspondent in Lokoja.
A renowned journalism scholar and community leader, Emeritus Professor Olatunji Dare, has donated his personal residence in Kabba to the Kogi State University, Kabba, in what stakeholders described as an unprecedented act of generosity.
The official handover took place on Thursday with the Vice Chancellor, Professor Kehinde I.T. Eniola, receiving the keys and documents on behalf of the institution.
Expressing gratitude, Professor Eniola hailed the donation as “laudable and commendable,” adding that it would significantly support the young university’s infrastructure and academic development.
Also speaking, Professor Olu Obafemi, former Chairman of the University’s Governing Council, said the gift was both historic and personal.
He noted that he was “shocked” when he learned that Professor Dare had chosen to donate his only building in Kabba, calling the gesture “unprecedented.”
Representing the donor, Dr. Abayomi Dare, explained that the decision was driven by a deep commitment to education, which he described as the “industry of Okunland.”
He urged other well-meaning individuals from the Okun community and beyond to contribute to the growth of the university.
The Obaro of Kabba and Chairman of Okun Area Traditional Council, Oba Dr. Solomon Dele Owoniyi, who unveiled the edifice, commended Professor Dare and appealed to all Kogites to see the institution as a collective heritage that deserves support.
The traditional ruler also praised both Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for his commitment to the university and former Governor Yahaya Bello for establishing it.
In his remarks delivered by Dr. Abayomi Dare, Professor Olatunji Dare emphasized that the institution should strive not just to be another university but to leverage its unique location, culture, and ecology to expand the frontiers of knowledge.
He encouraged the management of the university to tap into the wealth of expertise within the 30-kilometer radius of Kabba, where retired policy-makers and specialists abound.
“It remains now to hand over the keys and documents relating to this property to the Vice Chancellor, to hold and keep in perpetuity, for and on behalf of Kogi State University, Kabba,” Professor Dare declared.
He prayed that all who would use the residence would do so “in good health, good cheer, and happy contentment.”
In recognition of the gesture, the university has declared August 21 of every year as ‘Professor Olatunji Dare Day.’
Source: The Nigerian Post.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
