Last Updated on February 18, 2025 by Olasunkanmi Olajide
By Olasunkanmi Olajide & Tofunmi Adebayo
The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) Branch, today, February 12, 2025, honoured distinguished individuals and retirees at its Annual New Year Prayer and 2nd Retirement Celebration Programme.
The Immediate Past Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Felix Kolawole Salako, and the Immediate Past Registrar, Dr. Bola Adekola, were conferred with the Distinguished Personality Award in recognition of their exemplary leadership, encouragement of Non-Teaching staff and contributions to the University during their tenures as the 6th Substantive Vice-Chancellor and the Registrar of FUNAAB, respectively.
Similarly, the Merit Award was presented to the Executive Director, Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute (NSPRI) and former Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development), Prof. Lateef Sanni; former Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ololade Enikuomehin; former Bursar, Dr. Chukwunwike Ezekpeazu; and Senior Pastor, Victory Life Bible Church (VLBC), Apostle Lawrence Achudume, for their invaluable service and support to the Union and their roles in bringing peace to the University.
In addition, 41 retirees who voluntarily retired from active service as of December 31, 2024, were celebrated for their outstanding dedication and commitment to the University.
Speaking at the well-attended event, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, lauded the retirees for their years of service, describing their contributions as instrumental to the growth of FUNAAB. While acknowledging that their absence would be felt, he assured them that their legacy would endure. He also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to staff welfare, promotions, and conversion processes, announcing that the annual retiree celebration would be institutionalised from January 2025. He, therefore, described SSANU as a Union that does Aluta with sense.
Earlier in his Welcome Address, the Chairman of SSANU-FUNAAB Branch, Comrade Olurotimi Fasunwon, celebrated the honourees who retired from active service between January 2021 and December 2024, for their dedicated service. He emphasised SSANU’s continued efforts in capacity-building initiatives, such as seminars, workshops, and vocational training, to enhance the professional and personal development of its members.
Special recognition was given to the Senator representing Ogun Central Senatorial District and Chairman of the Senate Committee on ICT & Cybercrimes, Distinguished Senator Shuaib Afolabi Salisu who was represented by the Chairman of Odeda Local Government, Hon. (Dr.) Folashade Adeyemo was commended for his unwavering support of SSANU’s initiatives, particularly in the road repairs from Camp Junction to the Ceremonial Gate and other welfare programmes.
In his remarks, SSANU National Vice President (West), Dr. Abdussobur Salaam, appreciated SSANU-FUNAAB for its dedication to honouring retirees and fostering unity within the association. He underscored the importance of preserving institutional legacies while ensuring smooth leadership transitions for the continued progress of the Union.
Responding on behalf of the honourees, the Immediate Past Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Felix Kolawole Salako, expressed gratitude to SSANU-FUNAAB and the University Management for organising such a meaningful and dignified celebration for the retirees.
The event’s high points included the presentation of awards and gifts to retirees, as well as a donation of ₦500,000 to SSANU-FUNAAB by Senator Salisu and ₦300,000 from the CEO of Zylus, Mr. Hafeez Adeleke.
Prayers were also offered for the University, its leadership, staff unions, and the nation at large, with a special thanksgiving for the past year and blessings for 2025.
The ceremony served as a heartfelt tribute to the retirees, acknowledging their invaluable contributions to the University, and it also reinforced SSANU’s commitment to celebrating and appreciating those who have dedicated their careers to the growth and development of FUNAAB.
Through this initiative, SSANU FUNAAB has reaffirmed its commitment to honouring its members, ensuring that the dedication and service of former staff members remain an integral part of the University’s history and legacy.
