The engine room of Alhaji Lateef Kayode Jakande’s administration as the first Executive Governor of Lagos State, Chief Tunde Fanimokun, has donated 150 hectares of land to Yaba College of Technology to immediately commence a Green Campus at Apapa/Badagry axis, reports thegazellenews.com
In his earnest desire to promote entrepreneurship and education in Nigeria, the retired Permanent Secretary in Lagos State donated the 150 hectares to commemorate his 80th birthday, the day he joined the Folawiyo Conglomerate and the birthday of his daughter.
In the same vein, he wants to build a N3.5 billion entrepreneurship centre for the college in honour of his mentor, Late Wahab Iyanda Folawiyo.
The Green Campus is expected to run about 22 courses and over 40 other programmes on certification on sustainable development and other areas of developmental needs.
The campus is to be purely to run on Green in all its operations and activities, a new invention and innovation system in the country.
The donor said that he will assist the college in getting financiers amongst his partners abroad to execute the approved plans and proposals for the new campus on 250 acres of lands situated at Snake Island and uniquely bordered by seas.
The donated centre, Fanimokun said will be called Folawiyo Entrepreneurship Centre (FEC), in honour of Alhaji Chief (Dr.) Wahab Iyanda Folawiyo OFR, CON, the founding father of Yinka Folawiyo Conglomerate.
Chief Fanimokun said he joined the business empire of Dr. Iyanda Folawiyo on April 9, 1985 as Executive Director (Projects) and was initiated formally into the twin subjects of entrepreneurship and philanthropy by his employer.
Since he joined the business conglomerate of Dr. Folawiyo, he has become a staunch advocate of entrepreneurship as most vital pillar for sustainable development and everlasting prosperity in Nigeria.
Chief Fanimokun became interested in entrepreneurship after his transition from the Lagos State Government public service at the age of 40 in 1985, since then he has become a strong advocate for the propagation and promotion of entrepreneurship at all levels most especially the younger generations.
The 80-yr-old learnt only formally about entrepreneurship under the first Executive Governor of Lagos State, Alhaji Lateef Kayode Jakande, his boss, mentor and role model, but after his voluntary retirement from Lagos State Government at 40 years of age, he took the subject matter to another level.
The donor of four storey building Folawiyo Entrepreneurship Centre disclosed that the notable areas of former Governor Jakande administrative accomplishments include innovation, transformative agenda, iron determination for audacious projects include Lagos Metroline, Lagos as an oil producing state etc, in pursuit of the greatest good for the greatest number, that was his model of visionary leadership.
The subsequent transition of Chief Fanimokun to the private sector turned out to be an eye opener for a greater understanding which propelled him into intellectual enquiry about entrepreneurship.
Chief Fanimokun first dividend was the publication of a book titled “Yinka Folawiyo: Excellence in Entrepreneurship 1998” and was privileged to get engaged on the platter of gold in the Folawiyo conglomerate immediately after voluntarily retirement without any blemish from public service, and today he remains student of Entrepreneurship.
The retired Permanent Secretary postulated that diversification is the only remaining turning point for the Nigerian economy instead of excessive dependence of revenue from Oil and Gas as a mono-cultural economy,
He averred that entrepreneurship is the key to prosperity, with entrepreneurship training, skill acquisition and promotion of Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs), the sky is the limit for the future of the young ones in our potentially great nation.
The great Mega Smart City; Snake Island Project (SIP), Badagry is one of his latest dream projects, simultaneously with Brotish International School (BIS) model at Badagry and a 400 Mega Watts Power Generation Plant, (PREPOL), Prestige Power Limited.
In his speech, the Rector, Yaba College of Technology, Dr. Engr. Ibraheem Abdul said that he was filled with immense pride and optimism for the future of education in Nigeria, and the ceremony marks a grounding breaking moment in YABATECH history, the beginning of a new and exciting chapter.
Dr. Abdul posited that he was humbled by the vision, dedication and hard work that have brought this College thus far, the project represents another bold step forward, one that will transform YABATECH and the experiences of all its stakeholders.
The 7th indigeneous Rector of YabaTech noted that endowments, permanent funds that provide ongoing financial support are a powerful tool for institutions, and they ensure a dependable source of funding for generations of students, departments, research and programs.
In his words, “Today, we witness history again. We celebrate the ground breaking of a new facility, generously endowed by a true visionary, Chief Tunde Fanimokun. His philosophy of philanthropy, entrepreneurship, and a good governance (PEG) serves as an inspiration to all”.
The Rector explained that the proposed Folawiyo Entrepreneurship Centre will be more than just an academic building, it will be a vibrant hub symbolizing, “our commitment to excellence, progress, and nurturing future generations of successful entrepreneurs who will contribute to our nation’s development”.
The Green Campus at Snake Island, he said, represents another investment in the future of education, environmental sustainability and development of Nigeria’s blue economy.
Since the inception, Dr. Abdul declared, “our administration has been dedicated to consolidating the past and shaping the future. This event exemplifies our unwavering commitment to providing the best resources, environment, and support for our students and staff. The success of these projects would not be possible without the tireless efforts and contributions of many, our esteemed partners, supporters and the entire YABATECH community. To each one of you, I extend my deepest gratitude for your unwavering support”.
Dr. Abdul hinted that with great confidence, he believed that this new endeavour will not only enhance the quality of education, research, and innovation at YABATECH, but also serve as a beacon of progress for the broader community.
According to him, “I express my sincere appreciation to everyone who made this momentous occasion possible, especially Chief Tunde Fanimokun, Founder and Chairman of the DSE Foundation. Let us join in anticipation of the impact and legacy this new development will create and let us move forward with excitement and determination as we embark on this transformative journey together”.
