By Emeka Oluka, Olaoye Oyewole & Joy Adeyiga

The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, His Royal Majesty (HRM) Oba Abdur-Rasheed Ayotunde Olabomi, Odundun IV, the Aragbiji of Iragbiji Land, has appealed to the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba (Dr.) Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, CFR, Okukenu IV, to leverage his influence to facilitate the rehabilitation of the access road from Camp Junction leading to the campus of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), highlighting the road’s pivotal role to attract industry leaders and enhance collaborations.

The Aragbiji made this appeal on July 16, 2024, when the Governing Council members paid homage to the Alake in his Palace.

Addressing the Alake and the High Chiefs, the Pro-Chancellor noted that it was imperative to visit the Paramount Ruler and introduce members of the Council to him before settling down to work.

He commended the Alake for the fatherly and leadership roles he has been playing in Egbaland, acknowledging his efforts in nurturing FUNAAB since its establishment in Abeokuta.

The Pro-Chancellor who noted that FUNAAB has been making the country proud globally, enjoined the Management to engage more in research and training of farmers to ensure food security and make Ogun State the food basket of the nation.

Assuring the Alake of the competence of the Council Members, he solicited support from all members, urging them to commence work in earnest.

Responding, the Alake welcomed the Aragbiji and other Council Members to Abeokuta, adding that the University was a significant asset to Ogun State and Nigeria.

He assured the new Council of his and the Egba people’s support, stressing the Egba people’s reputation for being accommodating and peace-loving.

The Alake, therefore, congratulated the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, for having a versatile King like the Aragbiji as the Pro-Chancellor.

At the Ogun State Command of the Department of State Security (DSS), and the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters, Eleweran, Ogun State, the Pro-Chancellor appreciated the DSS and the Police for their continuous support to the University, ensuring adequate security and sanity on campus.

He solicited more support from both security outfits to ensure that the University continued to enjoy peace and progress, acknowledging that without peace and well-placed security, there cannot be growth and development in society.

In her response, the Director of DSS, Ogun State Command, Mrs. Arinola Adekaiyaoja, appreciated the new Governing Council’s visit, underscoring the importance of security and the need for prompt information from stakeholders to maintain peace.

Similarly, the Ogun State Commissioner of Police, CP Abiodun Alamutu, commended the University’s cooperation with the police, attributing the peaceful atmosphere on campus to the well-behaved students, even as he complimented the leadership style of the Vice-Chancellor.

The CP, therefore, reaffirmed the Force’s support to the University.

The Vice-Chancellor, in turn, lauded the Commissioner’s dedication and support in ensuring the University’s stability.

Highpoint of the visits were the presentations of FUNAAB-made products to the Palace, DSS and the Police.