News

#FundLAUTECH hits N4m in 12 days.

Published

9 years ago

June 24, 2017

•Social commentator faults initiative.

THE initiative conceived and conceptualized by Almuni Association of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, LAUTECH, Ogbomoso dubbed #FundLAUTECH aimed at raising fund for the institution has generated a sum of N4 million (N4,091,089.15).

According to sources, the initiative which was activated 12 days ago has received donations from 74 people including the Ooni of Ile Ife Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, Senator Rashidi Ladoja , former governor of Oyo state and national leader of the Accord Party (AP) , and some members of the Oyo state House of Assembly among others.

Mega Icon Magazine reliably gathered that donations from the Ooni of Ife and Accord caucus in the House of Assembly are not included in the amount as Ooni’s cheque is yet to be presented , while the lawmakers are yet to present their donations as well.

Some Chieftains of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo and Osun states were alleged of shying away from identifying and supporting the #FundLAUTECH concept because of its political implications and relationship with their respective governors.

Interestingly, a social commentator, Mr. Biodun Ladepo who took to his Facebook page (Biodun Ishola Ladepo) few hours ago faulted initiative, just as he expressed fear, saying that the promoters will succeed in getting a huge amount of money from the Ooni. He added that they will succeed in foisting guilt and guilty conscience on many others who will donate to the cause.

Ladepo further warned perceived donors stressing that their donations will be an exercise in futility or at best, a bandage on an open and festering sore.

In his words: “If you are able to fund Lautech this year (and I seriously doubt that enough money can be raised through this effort), how are you going to fund Lautech next year and the years after?

“Since when has a university been sustained through ‘babiAllah-type of funding? If you call yourself enlightened and you know the government is refusing to pump more money into an institution that lacks accountability, you should know the solution is not duping the generous individuals in our society into contributing money to the same unaccountable, bottomless pit of an institution.

“The Oyo State government claims Lautech has not accounted for the billions it has received during the past 15 -16 years…that the bursary cannot satisfy forensic auditors’ questions. And we want to keep pumping money there?

“This is one of the reasons I am opposed to wholesale subsidy of universities by government. If the school had to generate most of its funding, I bet the bursar and other administrators would be more transparent and more accountable”, he opined.

Refreshing your memory, the #FundLAUTECH initiative was launched 12 days ago to raise N1b in 3 months with the aim of providing financial assistance to the institution which is entangled in financial crisis.

News

Oseni Hails Arapaja’s Public Service Record at 68

Published

19 minutes ago

November 10, 2026

Mega Icon

The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Oyo South Senatorial District, Engr. Aderemi Oseni, has congratulated former Oyo State Deputy Governor, Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja, on his 68th birthday, describing his years in public office as a significant chapter in the political history of the state.

Oseni, in a statement issued on Tuesday by his Media Aide, Idowu Ayodele, acknowledged Arapaja’s contributions to public administration, legislative duties, governance and international diplomacy.

He said the birthday was an opportunity to reflect on a career that had taken the former deputy governor through different levels of public service and leadership.

“At 68, Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja has every reason to look back with gratitude on a journey that has taken him through different responsibilities in public service. His experience in local government administration, the National Assembly, the Oyo State Government and international diplomacy speaks to a life shaped by service and public responsibility,” he said.

The federal lawmaker noted that the value of leadership should not be measured solely by the offices occupied but by the impact made on people’s lives and the institutions strengthened for the benefit of future generations.

He added that Oyo State needed the wisdom of experienced leaders, stronger institutions and a collective commitment to development beyond political affiliations.

“Public service is a responsibility, not a personal entitlement. The enduring worth of any leader lies not simply in the offices occupied but in the positive difference made in the lives of the people. Our state needs the wisdom of experience, the strength of institutions and a shared commitment to development beyond political affiliations,” he added.

Oseni, who represents Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives and chairs the House Committee on the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), wished Arapaja good health, renewed strength and many more years of fulfilment.

He also prayed that God would continue to grant the former deputy governor the wisdom and grace to contribute to the progress of Oyo State and Nigeria.

News

Ibadan Mogajis Back Oseni’s Senatorial Bid

Published

1 day ago

November 9, 2026

Mega Icon

The Ibadan family heads known as Mogajis have thrown their weight behind the 2027 senatorial ambition of the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Oyo South, Hon. Aderemi Oseni, saying his support would be needed in the Senate to advance the agitation for the creation of Ibadan State.

‎The Mogajis made their position known when they received Oseni at the historic Olubadan Palace, Oja’ba, Ibadan, over the weekend.

‎They commended his contributions to the development of Ibadanland and said his experience, capacity and performance informed their decision to support his ambition.

‎This development was contained in a statement issued on Monday by the Head of the Remi Oseni Media Office (ROMO), Idowu Ayodele, and made available to journalists in Ibadan.

‎Speaking on behalf of the Mogajis, their president, Mogaji Asimiyu Adepoju Ariori, described Oseni as a friend of the masses who had made contributions to the lives of individuals and communities.

He said their decision was not based on party affiliation but on their assessment of Oseni’s character and record of service.

‎“Our support for Hon. Aderemi Oseni is not driven by party affiliation but by our conviction in his character, generosity and commitment to the development of our people.

‎“The struggle for the creation of Ibadan State requires credible voices and committed advocates in the National Assembly. We believe that having him in the Senate will give our aspiration the needed representation and legislative support,” Ariori said.

‎The President of the Mogajis recalled that Oseni was the first to support the Ile-Eke building project with a donation of ₦10 million. He added that the project was ready for commissioning.

‎Ariori also mentioned Oseni’s contributions to other initiatives aimed at promoting the social, cultural and economic development of Ibadanland.

He expressed the hope that Oseni’s election to the Senate in 2027 would provide an opportunity to give the agitation for Ibadan State greater attention at the National Assembly.

In his response, Hon. Aderemi Oseni, who currently represents Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives and chairs the House Committee on the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), thanked the Mogajis for their endorsement. He described them as an important part of Ibadan’s traditional institution and cultural heritage.

He said he appreciated the confidence they had expressed in him and would not take their support for granted.

“I do not take this confidence and endorsement for granted. The Mogajis represent an important institution in the history, culture and traditional administration of Ibadanland.

“If elected to the Senate, I will regard the mandate as a call to greater service and will work with critical stakeholders to advance the interests of Oyo South,” he said.

‎Oseni assured the people of the senatorial district that he would not let them down, pledging to provide purposeful and people-centred representation.

News

2027: Makinde’s Successor Must Be Muslim, Aare Musulumi Declares

Published

4 days ago

November 6, 2026

Mega Icon

The Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Edo and Delta States, Alhaji Dahud Makanjuola Akinola, has insisted that Governor Seyi Makinde’s successor in 2027 should be a Muslim, throwing his weight behind the All Progressives Congress governorship candidate, Senator Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli.

Akinola said the governorship ticket should go to a popular Muslim candidate, citing an alleged understanding reached between Muslim and Christian leaders in Oyo State ahead of the 2023 governorship election.

He stated this on Thursday at a special empowerment programme organised by the Asiwaju Musulumi of Oyo State, Alhaji Mutiu Oladejo Azeez Onimalu, at his residence in Egbeda, Ibadan.

According to him, the understanding was that Muslim and Christian leaders would support Makinde’s second-term ambition in 2023, with the expectation that a popular Muslim candidate acceptable to both religious groups would receive their backing in 2027.

The Islamic leader described Alli’s emergence as the APC governorship candidate as divinely ordained, claiming that the senator had secured the support of Muslims and Christians across the state.

He urged residents to rally behind Alli, expressing confidence that those involved in the reported agreement would honour their commitment.

Akinola also commended Onimalu for his contributions to the growth of Islam and his philanthropic activities, noting that his humanitarian efforts had continued to make a positive impact on the lives of the people.

In his welcome address, Onimalu disclosed that his foundation planned to empower at least 10,000 people, particularly unemployed graduates and widows, to cushion the effects of the prevailing economic hardship.

He said the initiative was designed to make beneficiaries financially independent and reduce their dependence on relatives and acquaintances for survival.

The Asiwaju Musulumi also declared support for Alli’s governorship ambition, expressing confidence in his victory at the 2027 election.

He maintained that the reported understanding between Muslim and Christian leaders in the state should be respected, urging the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and other Christian organisations reportedly involved in the arrangement to honour their commitment.

Onimalu consequently called on residents to support Alli and vote for him in the February 2027 governorship election.