The Chairman of Food Solutions Group of Companies Nigeria, Pa Festus Oladejo Ajani, has donated a 200 capacity lecture hall to Federal Polytechnic Ayede, Oyo State in honour of his late mother, Madam Hannah Oladebo Ajani.
The commissioning and handover of the edifice, which held at the Iresa-Pupa temporary site of the institution on Friday, drew eminent personalities like the Aresa-Pupa of Iresa-Pupa, HRM, Oba Moses Olayiwola JP, Ajiboye III; the Aalẹ of Okeelerin, HRM, Oba Samuel Babatunde Oyebamiji Amao; Baale Masifa, Ogbomoso, HRH, High Chief Gbadebo Adeoba; former Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Alhaji Sheu Babalola; Alhaji Rasheed Ayinla, C.E.O. of Ragaray Hotels.
Joining the Rector at the event were Deputy Rector (Academics), Mr. Azeez Olasunkanmi Ojo; Registrar, Mr. Akin Odesola represented by Head of Administration in the Office of the Registrar, Mr. Samuel Aderemi Adewole; Bursar, Alhaja Rashidat Titilola Oladepo; Deans, Directors, HODs, staff and students of the Polytechnic.
The Rector of the institution, Engr. Dr. Taofeek Adekunle Abdul-Hameed, in his welcome remark at the event, extolled the virtues of Pa Oladejo Ajani, saying that his contributions to societal and educational development is commendable.
Dr. Abdul-Hameed said, “It is with great honour that I, on behalf of our Governing Council Chairman, Barrister Ademubowale Mercy Adelabu, other Members of Council, Management, staff and students, welcome you all to this momentous occasion – the commissioning and handover of this magnificent building donated to Federal Polytechnic Ayede by our very distinguished father, Baba Festus Oladejo Ajani, Chairman, Food Solutions Group of Companies, Nigeria.
“This great project, named “Hannah Oladebo Ajani Lecture Hall” with office and toilet and other public toilets, represents a significant milestone in our institution’s journey towards providing a conducive and modern learning environment for our students.”
He also lauded the efforts of stakeholders of Ogbomoso zone for their various contributions towards the development of the institution.
He commended Oba Olayiwola for always contacting people to donate to the institution.
“Apart from the fact that we have received numerous supports from sons and daughters of Ogbomosoland, the quintessential role of the traditional rulers from Ogbomoso zone cannot, in anyway, be underestimated.
“For the purpose of this edifice we have gathered to commission today, I see it as a duty to significantly appreciate the untiring effort of our father, HRM, Oba Moses Olayiwola JP, Ajiboye III, the Aresa-Pupa of Iresa-Pupa, on the role he played towards this edifice and other structures donated to us.
“Kabiesi has never, for once, ceased from talking to individuals, philanthropists and organisations to come to our aide in terms of building projects, equipment and other materials that could ease our academic and administrative activities.
“This investment in infrastructure testifies to Baba Ajani’s commitment to education and community development. This project will undoubtedly enhance the quality of education we offer and it will contribute to the overall development of our students, who constitute the centre of our Institution. Baba Oladejo Ajani, your dedication and hard work have brought us to this remarkable achievement that we have gathered here for,” the Rector stated.
He also charged other well meaning individuals to emulate Pa Ajani and donate generously to the institution.
He said, “Like Oliver Twist, it is our passionate appeal to task other well meaning individuals, philanthropists, organisations and government at all levels to assist us on infrastructure, equipment and other materials that will help us achieve our vision of being a world class institution for innovative and technical education reputed for adding value to human developments through enterprising and innovative graduates.”
In his address, Pa Ajani, the donor, thanked everybody who has contributed to the success of the event; the Ajani family; Food Solutions Group of Companies Nigeria and the Polytechnic community.
Pa Ajani said, “I want to express the gratitude of the Ajani family and Food Solutions Group of Companies Nigeria to everyone present here. I extend my thanks to our hosts (the Aresa-Pupa of Iresa-Pupa, Oba Moses Olayiwola JP Ajiboye III and the Rector) for their continuous supports and guidance from inception of the project. My appreciation also goes to the
staff and particularly the Directorate of Works and Services of this Polytechnic.”
The donor also charged the students to strive for excellence and be aware that higher institutions are churning out multiple thousands of students every year.
Oba Olayiwola, Oba Amao and High Chief Adeoba, in separate sessions, commended PA Ajani and Food Solutions Groups of Companies for their contributions not only to Federal Polytechnic Ayede but also to humanity in general.
The trio congratulated the Ajani family, his group of companies and the Polytechnic community for the project which, according to them, would impact the society positively.
Other dignitaries at the occasion were former Chief Medical Director of Bowen University Reaching Hospital (BUTH), Dr. OmoOlorun Olupona; Mr. Dejo Ajani and Mrs. Roklnke Olaogun, (the grandchildren of Late Hannah Oladebo Ajani); HRH, High Chief Oluwaseun Victor Akanbi, Onikueke of Kweke; High Chiefs and Chiefs from Iresa-Pupa, Okeelerin and Masifa; Revd Dr. I. A. Adetola of Masifa Baptist Church, Ogbomoso; Revd E. T. Oyeyisola of First Baptist Church, Iresa-Pupa; Madam Kikelomo Adegbola; Chief Iman of Iresa-Pupa, Alfa Abdul-waheed Azeez Arẹmu, among others too numerous mention.