By Adeyinka Adeniran
Ibarapa Indigenes under the aegis of Association of Ibarapa Staff Indigenes working in Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology (OYSCATECH), Igboora, have donated a staff building worth N15.7million to the College.
The building was donated in honour of a former deputy rector of the school, Dr. Ariyo Okunlola.
Speaking at the commissioning of the Staff Building Complex on behalf of the state government, the Commissioner for Education Science and Technology, Prof. Salihu Adelabu showered encomium on Ibarapa staff Indigenes working in OYSCATECH for the great initiative aimed at assisting the state government in providing infrastructural facilities for educational Institution.
The commissioner said, “I am here because of the giant strides of the Association of Ibarapa Staff indigenes which aligns with the vision of the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology in Oyo State on the provision of infrastructural facilities for learning.
“I sincerely want to appreciate the Ibarapa Staff Indigenes in OYSCATECH because what they did is a landmark achievement.
“This achievement will be documented properly, while they will be invited to the next edition of our programme tagged; A- day with His Excellency which is meant for the Governor to meet with donors and philanthropists who are supporting the education sector. I pray the Almighty God to repay all the people who contributed towards the project in multiple folds.”
Presenting the keys of Dr. Olusanjo Ariyo Staff Building to the Commissioner, the President of the Association, Mr. Peter Oladokun said the sustenance of educational institutions requires continuous collective efforts of all stakeholders.
Oladokun who doubles as a Deputy Registrar in the office of the rector noted that it was amazing to see staff of an institution embark on a building project in order to contribute to the infrastructural development of such an institution.
He said the action of Ibarapa staff indigenes of OYSCATECH, demonstrated their determination and love for the growth of the Polytechnic.
He also appreciated and acknowledged the former Bursar of the institution, Dr. Safara Agbogun who conceived the idea and encouraged them to embark on a building project. He extolled the virtues of Dr. Agbogun as a visionary and exemplary leade, noting that the sendforth programme organized for Dr. Agbogun was their little way of appreciating his immeasurable contribution to the growth of Ibarapa Staff Indigenes and OYSCATECH at large.
He recalled that the idea looked unachievable initially in terms of where to secure monetary support but it was indeed a joyous moment for him to see the project completed and commissioned in honour of the former Deputy Rector, Dr. Ariyo Okunlola, a native of Idere in Ibarapa Central Local Government who served the institution meritoriously, before his retirement.
Oladokun on behalf of Ibarapa staff indigenes thanked the state government for the prompt payment of salaries which made it possible for the staff to contribute their quota on monthly basis through source deduction towards the project.
He also appreciated the Senior Staff Association, the Non-Academic Staff Association for providing loans towards the completion of the building and his fellow Ibarapa Indigenes for their unwavering support towards the execution of the project.
The Rector, Prof. Akinola Akinlabi who could not hide his joy thanked the Association for the donation which he said would bring relief to the institution in terms of shortage of staff offices.
Prof. Akinlabi appealed to individuals, groups, other indigenes of Ibarapa community and well-meaning individuals to support the government by donating classrooms, lecture halls, ICT building and offices towards educational advancement of OYSCATECH as the government cannot do it all alone.
The rector who expressed optimism that additional projects would be commissioned before the end of his tenure, appealed for donation towards the commencement of another projects, while calling on the Association to embark on another project for the development of the institution.
Responding, Dr. Ariyo Okunlola expressed gratitude to the Association for the office complex built in his honour. He encouraged the people never to be discouraged in taking giant strides, rather, they should begin, because God is able to give them victory.
Reacting, the former Bursar, Dr. Sarafa Agbogun who was also honoured with a sendforth programme in recognition of his leadership roles and love for the institution, called for unity, love and dedication among Ibarapa Staff Indigenes and Staff of the Institution in general.
The Chairman of the day, Engr. Azeez Adeoye, the Executive Director, Ogun Osun River Basin Authority commended the Ibarapa Staff Indigenes while pledging his maximum support towards their new project.
Earlier, the Planning Committee Chairman, Mr. Oladapo Atilola appreciated the community leaders, traditional rulers in Ibarapaland, the governing council, political leaders, management team, deans and directors, staff, students, and family members for honoring their invitation.
Other notable individuals honoured at the event include: Hon. Azeez Rufai, Hon. Bayo Aderonmu, Hon. Gbemileke Olawoore, Alhaji Rahmon Alayande, Chief Adeyemi Akinrinade, Chief Isiaka Adekunle, Hon. Yinka Rasheed Gbadamosi, Hon Saheed Oladele, Mr. Adeogun Muideen (legacy), the Akinlabi Alesinmagun family, the Bansa family, Dr, Taiwo Akinyemi, Mr Paul Oyediran, Engr. Salaam Dauda Adeniran, Mr. Suraju Adepoju, Mr. John Oluwaseyi, Dr. Dayo Theodore and Igboora Microfinance Bank Limited.
