By Bianca Iboma
Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State has commissioned a 1000-capacity lecture theatre at the University of Lagos.
The project was in honour of an Alumnus of UNILAG, Chief Executive Officer of First Marina Trust and co-founder of Guarantee Trust Bank (GTB), Late Mr. Tayo Aderinokun.
“When Tayo was alive he made some contributions to the development of mankind and this was part of what he represented,” he said.
Obaseki said commissioning the project was the best way to immortalize Aderinokun.”This project would keep his memory alive whose ultimate goal was to see people get education in a very conducive environment.
The governor said that Aderinokun placed much value on education especially with the vision he had in ensuring that students have more conducive learning atmosphere.
“He had pledged to develop the state of infrastructure a situation that would prepare students in tertiary institutions with the quality and qualitative means that can make students compete with world class tertiary institutions across the globe,” he stressed.
The governor commended wife of the deceased Mrs. Ofure Aderinokun for completing the project which was so dear to her husband’s heart.
“Not all women will obey and support a man’s vision. Through this, she has really demonstrated great virtue and has done extremely well,” he said.
Governor Ibikunle Amosu who was represented by the Secretary to State Government, Mr Taiwo Adeoluwa, lauded the initiative by the wife of the deceased, and said the man incidentally came from Ogun State and contributed to lifting people’s lives.
Adeoluwa described the late Aderinokun as a rare gem who was bent on adding value to the people he came in contact with during his lifetime.
Immediate past Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Rahmon Bello expressed gratitude to Mrs. Aderinokun for making it a reality.
Bello said Mrs. Aderinokun had promised that before he takes a bow from office, she would ensure that the project is part of the activities that would be a farewell gift and today they are commissioning the project.
He appreciated the woman for her resilience, saying that it is project like this that would keep the memory of her husband alive,
In the same vein, wife of the deceased and MD, First Marina Trust, Mrs. Aderinokun said this is a continuation of the charitable deeds of her husband and believed with the completion of the project her husband would find more favour in the sight of God.
“It is true Tayo is gone but the only way I can immortalize his memory is to contribute to the course he believed in,” she said.
