By Olasunkanmi Olajide & Raymond Osemene
As part of activities to kickstart its 27th Global Convention and 26th Annual Lecture, the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) Alumni Association, led by its Global President, Mr. Bolaji Gbadamosi, on January 8, 2025, paid a Courtesy Visit to the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman, Governing Council, HRM, Oba Abdur-Rasheed Ayotunde Olabomi, Odundun IV, Asoludero, the Aragbiji of Iragbiji Land at his palace in Iragbiji. The visit, aimed at receiving the royal blessings of the highly-revered monarch, was marked by a warm reception from the palace staff.
Delivering his Address, the Global President of the Alumni Association, Mr. Bolaji Gbadamosi, expressed gratitude to God for the appointment of HRM Oba Olabomi as the Pro-Chancellor of the University describing him as a thorough-bred technocrat with outstanding leadership qualities. He commended the Aragbiji for overseeing FUNAAB’s rise to prominence, noting its global ranking as the Best University of Agriculture in Africa and 7th in the world.
Mr. Gbadamosi highlighted the Association’s tradition of supporting students through the payment of tuition fees, revealing that ₦20.5 million had recently been disbursed for this purpose, alongside the provision of food supplies. He also appealed for the alumni’s involvement in the operations of the newly established Federal University in Iragbiji. Additionally, the Director of Alumni Ventures, Mr. Abiodun Ajayi, presented the layout of a proposed farmland and sought the monarch’s support in its development.
Responding, Oba Olabomi expressed appreciation to the alumni, his chiefs, and the media for their support. The Pro-Chancellor specifically commended the Association’s efforts in paying students’ tuition fees and providing food supplies to deserving students during examinations.
The monarch extended his gratitude to the Federal Government for appointing him as Pro-Chancellor and expressed joy over the ongoing palliative works on the Camp-Alabata Road. He assured the gathering of his commitment to further engage the Honourable Minister of Works on the project. Addressing the need for staff quarters on campus, he noted that construction would commence soon.
On the issue of the newly introduced student loan scheme, Oba Olabomi urged the alumni to encourage students to apply. He revealed that a sum of ₦1 billion is expected to be released to FUNAAB for mechanised farming activities, soon.
Present at the event were the Elende of Eko Elende, Oba Abdul-Wahid Adekunle, other High Chiefs of Iragbiji and several executive members of the Alumni Association, including the Convention Committee members.
