By Onyekpe Okechukwu Derrick
Obafemi Awolowo University popularly known as “Greatest Ife” or “of the greatest GBA GBA” turned 60 on Tuesday 8th June, 2021. With a week-long event, the university celebrated 60 years of absolute excellence in the academic world.
The school has produced a lot of notable and respected alumni such as David Mark, Gov Akeredolu; Governor of Ondo state, Dr Femi Adesina, Femi Otedola, Ibukunle Awosika, Pastor E.A Adeboye and many more. This goes to show that the school has produced graduates who are holding notable places in almost all sectors in and outside the country.
The Diamond jubilee celebration started on Sunday, 6th June 2021 with an interdenominational church service at All Soul’s Chapel, religion ground and will end on Friday 11th June 2021 with a Jumat service at OAU Central Mosque.
The university management still set examples for the students on reverencing the power of God. On Sunday, prayers and thanks were given for the achievement and prayers were rendered for the years to come.
A press conference followed on Monday, 8th June 2021 at Floor ‘O’ of the university hall. Here, notable members of both the academic and non-academic staffs and students were in attendance; The V.C Prof Eyitope Ogunbodede, The Registrar Mrs. M.I Omosule, and The Public Relation Officer of the University, Abiodun Olanrewaju.
The program on Monday was anchored by Abiodun Olanrewaju. It kicked off with the recognition of guests and dignitaries for their presence at the event. The
singing of the national anthem and the ever melodious school anthem followed. A welcome address was offered by Professor Charles Ukeje the chairman, 60th anniversary celebrations committee. He thanked everyone for their presence and explained what the celebration signifies. This was followed by a beautiful performance from the dramatic arts students. The Vice Chancellor of the school Professor Eyitope Ogunbodede , who able to address the attendees and in his words;
“We have had a wonderful 60 years, just as we are celebrating let us also plan ahead for the next 60 years”.
His speech was short, precise and fun.
The department of music orchestra gave a euphonious performance. The Pro chancellor and chairman of the council, Owelle Oscar Udoji also addressed the school. He started with a quote for the students;
“It doesn’t matter where you are coming from or where you start from all that matters are you know where you are going to”
He also agreed that the accommodation situation on campus was in a deplorable state, he promised that the council under his leadership would work better to sort accommodations for students before the end of the year 2021.
The unveiling of the 60th logo was accompanied with great cheering as the Vice Chancellor and Owelle Oscar Udoji both unveiled the logo. Pictures were taken with dignitaries and guests in attendance.
Also, the anniversary cake was cut after the spelling of ‘OAU at Sixty’. The Kegites club International Headquarters Ile Ife came out with the last performance of the day.To end the event, the national anthem was observed again. The event was an enjoyable and notable one. It was a perfect fit for OAU at Sixty.
The event continues on Wednesday, 9th June 2021 with a Novelty Football match at Main Bowl, Sport Center.
0 comments: