.....Honour Fajuyi , Aleshinloye, Ojo-Lanre, Atobom and Others at Leadership Summit
Students and residents of Adekunle Fajuyi Hall, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osu. State have commended the Governor of Ekiti State, Mr Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, for the ongoing rehabilitation and repositioning of the Adekunle Fajuyi Memorial Park in Ado-Ekiti.
The students gave the commendation during the Adekunle Fajuyi Leadership Summit, organised as part of activities commemorating the enduring legacy of the late Lieutenant-Colonel Francis Adekunle Fajuyi and the historic naming of the university hall in his honour.
The summit, themed “Leadership Legacy in Nigeria: Honouring the Past, Addressing the Present, Shaping the Future,” was held at Adekunle Fajuyi Hall, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife.
The Hall Chairman, Opeyemi Michael Awoniyi, said the programme was conceived to preserve the memory of the late military governor and expose younger Nigerians to the virtues of courage, loyalty, integrity, sacrifice and responsible leadership which he represented.
Awoniyi described the rehabilitation of the Fajuyi Memorial Park by the Oyebanji administration as a significant intervention in the preservation of Nigeria’s history and heritage.
He noted that the memorial park was not only important to Ekiti State but also to students, historians, researchers and Nigerians who cherish the ideals for which the late Fajuyi lived and made the ultimate sacrifice.
According to him, the renewed attention being given to the park would help strengthen the historical connection between Adekunle Fajuyi Hall at Obafemi Awolowo University and the memorial park located in the heart of Fajuyi’s homeland.
The students also honoured notable personalities who have contributed to the preservation and promotion of Fajuyi’s legacy.
Among those honoured was Honourable Ayodeji Abass Aleshinloye, a former Chairman of Adekunle Fajuyi Hall and Commissioner representing Oyo State at the Federal Character Commission.
Aleshinloye was recognised for his historic role in mobilising students and other stakeholders for the erection of the statue of Lieutenant-Colonel Adekunle Fajuyi within the hall during his tenure as Hall Chairman.
The gesture, according to the students, gave the hall a visible symbol of the courage, sacrifice and leadership values associated with the late military governor.
Also honoured was the Director-General of the Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism Development, Barrister Wale Ojo-Lanre, who delivered a goodwill address at the summit.
Ojo-Lanre commended the students for sustaining the memory of Fajuyi and for ensuring that the current generation of hall residents remained conscious of the history and values attached to the name of their residence.
He said the administration of Governor Oyebanji was committed to restoring the dignity and tourism value of the Fajuyi Memorial Park through its ongoing rehabilitation.
According to him, the park is being repositioned as a centre for remembrance, education, reflection, recreation and heritage tourism.
He said the rehabilitation would enable the park to serve as a befitting memorial to Fajuyi and as an important destination for students, tourists, historians and researchers from within and outside Nigeria.
Ojo-Lanre urged the students to see themselves not merely as occupants of a university residence but as custodians of the noble values represented by the name Adekunle Fajuyi.
The guest speaker, Dr John Monday Etebom, delivered a keynote address on ethical leadership, national development and the need for contemporary leaders to embrace courage, accountability and selfless service.
Dr Etebom challenged young Nigerians to reject leadership without responsibility and to learn from the life of Fajuyi, whose loyalty, bravery and commitment to principle had remained a reference point in Nigeria’s history.
A major highlight of the event was the memorial address delivered by Princess Adesola Monica Fajuyi-Olajugbe, daughter of the late Lieutenant-Colonel Adekunle Fajuyi.
Princess Fajuyi-Olajugbe gave an emotional reflection on the life, personality and sacrifice of her father, describing him as a man of honour whose commitment to loyalty and principle transcended personal interest.
She appreciated the students of Fajuyi Hall for continuing to honour her father’s memory and for organising programmes that would enable younger generations to understand his place in Nigeria’s history.
The programme also featured a panel discussion on ethical leadership, presentation of awards to outstanding personalities, the unveiling of the Adekunle Fajuyi Wall of Legacy and other commemorative activities.
The Hall Chairman, Opeyemi Michael Awoniyi, thanked the university management, invited speakers, guests, sponsors and members of the Fajuyi family for supporting the programme.
He assured that the students and residents of Fajuyi Hall would continue to promote the ideals of courage, honour, integrity, loyalty and selfless leadership associated with Lieutenant-Colonel Francis Adekunle Fajuyi.
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