First Lady and Senator Oluremi Tinubu reminisced about the stunning landscape of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, during her time as a student there. She expressed concern that the campus’s natural beauty has significantly diminished over the years and called for immediate efforts to restore its environment.
Mrs. Tinubu made these remarks at the inauguration of the 2.7 km Senator Oluremi Tinubu Way, alongside a grand pavilion and monument donated by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and named in her honor.
She attributed the decline in the campus’s aesthetics to a poor maintenance culture and announced, “I will donate N1 billion for the OAU horticultural landscape to be restored. The campus used to be beautiful while I was here. Ife is crying out for help. It used to be a beautiful campus, and the beauty must be restored.”
The First Lady praised the Ooni for naming these projects after her, noting that the inauguration coincided with celebrations for the monarch’s 50th birthday.
In his remarks, Oba Ogunwusi acknowledged Mrs. Tinubu’s significant contributions to education and women’s empowerment. He stated, “A golden statue is erected to immortalize her virtuous person and to showcase the strength of a teacher, a mother, and a wife in her at the very heart of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife.”
He further highlighted the initiatives: “Furthermore, built is a state-of-the-art hostel whose dynamic pavilion reflects her progressive nature. The construction of a 2.7 km road with glowing solar lamps provides a viable alternative for goal-driven students during recent blackouts on campus. This road symbolizes the many paths she has opened for youth, women, and the underprivileged in our society.”
Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, represented by his deputy, Kola Adewusi, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to enhancing infrastructural amenities across Osun.
The event marked a significant step toward revitalizing the university’s environment while celebrating the legacy of leadership exemplified by Senator Oluremi Tinubu.