The duo of Otunba Debola and Otunba Giwa Deji Osibogun have stated that the University of Ibadan was a place of passion where their dreams were realised, saying that they will forever be grateful for what the premier university has done in their lives.
Otunba Osibogun, who made the statement on behalf of himself and his wife, said that the virtues of integrity, dignity, honour, and good upbringing were inculcated in them during their studentship in the “greatest University in Africa,” the University of Ibadan.
He said they were taught to be disciplined and always prove their worth.
The Chairman of Space FM radio station and President of Yoruba Koya Leadership and Training Foundation spoke at his decoration and investiture as a UI@75 Ambassador in Ibadan.
His wife was also decorated.
Otunba Osibogun said his son, Adekunle Osibogun, also deserved to be decorated as a great alumnus of the University of Ibadan, who is making waves in his chosen career.
He assured that his family would leverage their personal resources, associates, and friends to raise funds for the University.
He said: “We had given to UI in the past and will continue to do so. We are not going to be tired of giving, and as much as God has given us, we will give back to the society.”
He stated that his radio station, Space FM, would provide a training ground for students of the university.
Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kayode O. Adebowale, stated that he was highly excited to witness the investiture of both husband and wife, both of whom the University had found worthy to be so honoured.
He acknowledged the commendable contribution of Otunba Osibogun to the renovation of the Wole Soyinka Arts Theatre a few years ago.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the UI@75 Anniversary Committee and Deputy Vice-Chancellor Administration, Professor Peter O. Olapegba, said UI had given 75 years of tremendous service and excellence to society.
He said the university could not allow itself to go into attrition occasioned by poor funding.
According to Professor Olapegba, this explained why the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Adebowale, was determined to raise $200 million to upgrade the University on his assumption of office.
He said that the celebration of the University at 75 was therefore, aimed at upgrading the University’s Endowment Fund, converting research into innovation for national development, upgrading the University into a smart campus, generating clean and alternative energy, providing scholarships for excellent and indigent students and improving staff development and mobility.
Otunba Debola Osibogun obtained a Bachelor of Education (Economics) degree and Master of Banking and Finance while Otunba Giwa Deji Osibogun graduated from the Department of Theatre Arts.
Their son, Adekunle, a Deputy Mayor of Buckingham, United Kingdom, obtained a degree in History from UI.
Both husband and wife were celebrated sports persons while in the university.
The investiture and decoration ceremony was witnessed by members, friends and wellwishers of the Osibogun family.
