University of Jos - Nigeria
UNIVERSITY OF JOS
(OFFICE OF THE VICE-CHANCELLOR)
INFORMATION, PUBLICATIONS, PUBLIC RELATIONS & PROTOCOL DIVISION
PRESS RELEASE
LIFE AND TIMES OF LATE UNIJOS CHANCELLOR CELEBRATED IN GRAND STYLE
Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki has paid tribute to the late Olowo of Owo, Oba (Dr) David Victor Folagbade Olateru-Olagbegi III describing the late monarch as an epitome of integrity and a bridge-builder.
The Senate President stated this when the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in collaboration with Redeemed Christian Church of God RCCG organized an Inter-denominational service in honour of the late Olowo of Owo Kingdom who was also Chancellor of the University of Jos at the Mydas Hotel, Owo, Ondo State.
The Senate President who described the Olowo’s death as a monumental loss to the Owo Kingdom, Ondo State and the nation at large disclosed that the Monarch was the first Royal Father to visit him when he became the Senate President. Dr Saraki said the Olowo died at the time the nation needed him the most as a renowned peace maker whose legacy would live long after him.
The Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, in an eulogy, said he learnt so much from the life of the Olowo who had kept assuring him that his time to be the governor would come.
Governor Akeredolu expressed confidence that the late Monarch would not be easily forgotten and praised his widow Olori Ololade Olateru-Olagbegi for always being by his side until his demise.
The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Jos, Professor Seddi Sabastian Maimako said the University of Jos was blessed to have the late Monarch as its Chancellor. The Vice-Chancellor who was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Tanko Ishaya, explained that it was out of the respect for him that the University sent a powerful delegation comprising Council members and the immediate past Vice-Chancellor, to commiserate with the Royal Family and the people of Owo.
The immediate past Vice-Chancellor, Professor Hayward Mafuyai under whose tenure the Olowo was appointed as University of Jos Chancellor noted that the late Monarch was an epitome of humility and love.
He said that the 40th anniversary of the University of Jos witnessed an unprecedented crowd in the history of convocations in the University because it coincided with the investiture of the Monarch as the Chancellor of the University.
The late Olowo’s Liaison Officer to University of Jos, Prince Sunday Aragun Ogunoye, described him as one of the greatest minds of our time who had a wonderful plan for the University. He disclosed that the Late Olowo visited TETFUND frequently to explore avenues towards improving the University’s infrastructure.
Earlier in a sermon, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye speaking on the topic "Death is Inevitable" said the late Olowo lived a fulfilled life and succeeded as a Christian, family man and true professional. Pastor Adeboye was represented by the National Overseer, Joseph Obayemi.
The Late Olowo of Owo Kingdom was born on the 26th of June 1941, he ascended the revered Owo throne on the 21st of February, 1999. He was a lawyer, academic and administrator and was awarded the National Honour of Commander of the Federal Republic CFR and conferred with the degree of Doctors of Letters by three Universities, the lastest being that of the University of Jos. Until his death, he was the Chancellor of the University of Jos having appointed in 2015.
Abdullahi Abdullahi
Deputy Registrar, Information and Publications