A former Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Prof. Oluwafemi Olaiya Balogun held a banquet in honour of Prof. Attahiru Jega at the OK Event Centre, Abeokuta.
Speaking during the occasion, Prof. Balogun appreciated the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, HRM, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, Okukenu IV, including all the Chiefs in Egbaland for making his tenure as the Fourth Substantive Vice-Chancellor of FUNAAB, a huge success.
Describing Prof. Jega as humility personified individual and someone who had assisted him severally, Prof. Balogun said that it was a compulsion for him to host an event to honour him.
According to him, he said Prof. Jega was a completely detribalised Nigerian who has been his close confidant since 2007.
He added that Prof. Jega was a very generous man who did not discriminate against religion or ethnicity.
His words, “I have decided to retaliate all the help Prof. Jega has given to me and my family.”
He noted that he could write an encyclopedia on what he has done for himself and his family, adding that Prof. Jega helped him a lot during his tenure as the Vice-Chancellor of FUNAAB.
Prof. Balogun, also known in FUNAAB community as the Architect of Modern FUNAAB appreciated the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde for deeming it fit to award the Honorary Doctorate Degree to Prof. Jega, noting that it was well-deserving.
In his Welcome Remarks, the Chairman of the occasion, the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, HRM, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, Okukenu IV appreciated the attendees, noting that the person being honoured deserved it.
He recalled the 2015 General Election where Prof. Jega was the Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), saying that he stood up for what was right, thereby preventing the country from plunging into chaos and anarchy.
The Alake, also described Prof. Jega as a model worthy of recognition, noting that his actions were also worthy of emulation.
In their separate Goodwill Messages, the former Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), Prof. Bisi Balogun; Vice-Chancellor, Nassarawa State University, Keffi jointly stated that Prof. Jega was a man of honour who is worthy and deserving of the Honorary Award.
Responding, the Awardee, Prof. Jega appreciated Prof. Balogun for organising the Luncheon in his honour, calling on every Nigerian citizen to join hands together to build the country.
According to him, “We are brothers and sisters, let’s join hands in the progress of our nation.”
In the meantime, the immediate Past Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Felix Kolawole Salako was saddled with the responsibility of presenting gifts to the dignitaries at the event.
Present at the event were the Vice-Chancellor, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Prof. Babatunde Kehinde and wife, Prof. Iyabode Kehinde; Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic, Prof. Olukayode Akinyemi; Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Development, Prof. Kolawole Adebayo; Ag. Bursar, Mr. Olukayode Osinuga; University Librarian, Dr. Abayomi Owolabi; Former Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Bolanle Akeredolu-Ale; Former University Librarian, Dr. Mulikat Salaam; as well as several other top officers from the University.
Others were the Vice-Chancellor, Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED), Ijebu-Ode, Prof. Oluwole Banjo; Former Head of Service of the Federation, Prof. Oladapo Afolabi; Hon. Commissioner of Education, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu; Hon. Commissioner of Agriculture, Hon. Bolu Owotomo; Edo State Head of Service, Dr. Anthony Okungbowa and Mr. Sesan Fagbayi, among others.
