A community leader and emeritus Professor of Journalism, Professor Olatunji Dare has donated his residence in Kabba to Kogi State University Kabba
Receiving the House gift on behalf of the university, the Vice Chancellor, Professor K.I.T Eniola thanked the donor for the gift of the edifice, described the gift of the house as laudable and commendable
Earlier, Professor Olu Obafemi, the former Chairman of the Governing Board of the university said a gift to the university is also a personal gift for him. He commended the Governor of Kogi state and the management for the phase of development in the academic and infrastructure at the university.
Professor Olu Obafemi recalled that he was shocked when he heard that Professor Olatunji Dare has decided to offer his only building in Kabba to the university, described the gesture as unprecedented
Speaking at the transfer of the house building to the university, the representative of the donor, Dr. Abayomi Dare commended Professor Olatunji Dare for the donation of his building towards the development and expansion of the university and called on spirited individuals of Okun extraction to contribute to the nascent university for its growth and development.
The Obaro of Kabba and Chairman, Okun Area Traditional Council, Oba Dr. Solomon Dele Owoniyi who unveil the edifice thanked the donor for the gesture and appeal to spirited individuals across the state to come and contribute to the development and expansion of the institution, noting that the university belongs to all Kogites, hence the need for all to come for the progress of the university. The Obaro of Kabba commended the executive Governor of Kogi state, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo whom he noted is doing well is working day and night for the progress of the institution while commending the former Governor for his vision in establishing the university in the area.
Responding, the donor of the residence apartment, Professor Olatunji Dare , who was ably represented by Dr. Abayomi Dare noted that the people of Okunland had been yearning for a university, stressing that education is their industry in the region. Professor Olatunji Dare noted that while everything was in place except political will for the upgrade of Kabba College of Agric to full-fledged university, there is need to protect jealousy what is available for the people.
The donor of the building for the university further noted that the institution should not strive to be just another university, but should instead, explore opportunities provided by the history, culture, ecology and environment of its location to expand the frontiers of knowledge and widen the mental horizon of its students and members of the larger community.
“Within a 30-km radius of this location, you will find an abundance of specialists in practically every subject under the sun and even beyond it, “Professor Olatunji stated.” Take the fullest advantage of this abundance, you will find retired senior policy-makers of every hue willing to impart their wisdom to and share their knowledge with KSU Kabba”s constituencies. This are valuable assets, cultivate them, engage them as resource person “.
“It remains now to hand over the keys and documents relating to this property to the Vice Chancellor, Professor Kehinde Eniola, to hold and to keep in perpetuity, for and on behalf of Kogi state University, Kabba, ” the donor, Professor Olatunji Dare stated. “He prayed that all who will reside in it, conduct official business or inhabit it for one purpose or another, do so in good health, good cheer, and happy contentment” The university has declared every 21st of August as Professor Olatunji Dare day
There were good will messages from dignitaries and friends of the university.