By Seyifunmi Odunuga
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State, Engineer Oyedele Hakeem Alao (Allow Alao), has been honoured as the Grand Patron of Great Independence Hall, University of Ibadan.
Alao was honoured at the maiden Personality Lecture with the theme, “Integral Role of Campus Demographic in Nation Building”, organised by the students leadership of the Hall, held at the Cafeteria of the Hall.
Also honoured at the ceremony as great alumni of the Hall include Prof. J.O. Akintayo; Prof. S. Ademola Ajayi; Mr. Waidi Omotola Ifafore and Prof. Olukayode Olopade.
The Administrator General of the Hall, Samuel Eniola Ogunremi, said though is not alumnus of the Hall or attended University of Ibadan, he was honoured because of his dedication to what concerns the youths and younger generation and what he has been able to achieve in his career as a civil engineer.
According to him, “It is a delight for us the teeming students of the University of Ibadan resident at the Great Independence Hall to honour Engineer Oyedele Hakeem Alao who in the political parlance known as Allow Alao as the Grand Patron of our dear Hall.
“His intimidating curriculum vitae speaks volume of whom he is as a first class scholar and a role model to the younger generation. We have no doubt that with this honour he will promote and advance the values, activities, achievements, and interests of the Hall locally and internationally.”
The Asiwaju of Irokoland who was represented at the event by Rev. Adebayo Ajagbe, described the honour as noteworthy, stating that it not only presents an opportunity to contribute his own quota to the development of the first university in the country but also a chance to shape the experiences of the current and future generations of students.
“I wholeheartedly appreciate the honour of Grand Patron of the Great Independence Hall, University of Ibadan. I consider it a highest honour coming from the students who are the leaders of tomorrow. I want to assure that I will not disappoint them.”
Speakers at the ceremony are Victor Oyejide, Co-founder Recycledge and Raphael Stephen, Founder, The FAME Foundation.