PHOTOS: Obasanjo, Bayo Lawal, Akintunde, Buhari, Alli, Olubadan, Others Felicitate Federal College of Forestry At 81
Dr. Yunus Akintunde, Oyo Central Senator, was the distinguished guest of honour at the elaborate 81st celeberation and convocation ceremony of the Federal College of Forestry, which was held today in Ibadan.
At the occasion chaired by the former President of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, represented by one of his aides, Senator Yunus Akintunde, who is also the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Environment, was personally present at the event.
Akintunde recognised the relevance of the college as regards critical issues of the environment in the nation building, representing a citadel of learning where top-class professionals in forestry management are being trained.
The recognition of the institute’s continuous celebration of excellence, a weeklong event, also included the convocation ceremonies for the about seven-year backlog of students who have graduated and been awarded Ordinary and Higher Diplomas of the institution.
Chief Bayo Lawal, Oyo State Deputy Governor, was the chief host and special guest of honour. Other dignitaries in attendance were His Imperial Majesty, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, the Olubadan of Ibadan, who was the Royal Father of the day; Chief Bayo Oyero; and Chief Soladoye, both former chairmen of the Council of Ibadan Indigenes(CCII).
In his remarks, Senator Akintunde assured the institution of steady legislative support to improve the status and capacity of the citadel of learning. He emphasised the commitment and efforts of the Director General of the Institution and the research engagements.
Akintunde pledged a sum of 15 million naira in support to the institution on behalf of himself and his other colleagues, Senator Abdufatah Buhari and High Chief Senator Sarafadeen Alli, who sent in their representatives.”For me, it was a huge responsibility and commitment for me to be personally present at this occasion despite my very tight schedule, moreso that the Federal College of Forestry and the Forest Research Institute of Nigeria as an institution are the only agencies outside Abuja within the supervisory roles of the Senate Committee on Environment of which I am the Chairman.”
“At the Environment Committee and the Senate, we hold the institution in very high esteem and appreciate the relevance of your contribution to the critical issues of green and clean environment.”
“Also the commitment of the Director General and his team, their combined efforts, strategic management style, and cordial relationship we have established are compelling appreciations that must be honoured and eciprocated.”
“I wish the Director General, his team, the students, and the entire members of the institution greater heights and successful celebrations,” Akintunde submitted.
Kunle OLATUNJI,
Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to Senator Yunus Akintunde.
