…Former Governor pledges support for Varsity
It was all excitement and fanfare at Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago-Iwoye as the institution celebrated the Vice-Chancellor’s 2022 Christmas Carol of Nine Lessons. The event, which featured enthralling hymns rendition and spectacular performances from the OOU Choir and Orchestra, was staged on Wednesday, 21st December, 2022 at the newly constructed Ogbagba Hall of the Institute for Governance Studies, Main Campus, Ago-Iwoye. Staff, students and guests, all radiant and joyful, were in attendance.
Otunba Gbenga Daniel, and Pastor (Prof.) Dele Balogun at the event
Speaking at the Christmas Carol with the theme, “Prince of Peace,” the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ayodeji Agboola, said the festive season should be seen as a period of gratitude to God by every living soul. He stated that since Christmas represents a time to reflect on the uncommon love, sacrifice and forgiveness shown by Jesus Christ, people should use the special occasion to ponder on the true essence of Christmas and exemplify the spirit behind the celebration.
The Vice-Chancellor enjoined the gathering to share love with others and give a helping hand, especially to those in need. According to him, the Christmas period symbolises giving and sharing. He said, “On behalf of the University Management, I welcome you all to the 2022 Christmas Carol of Nine Lessons. We pray God to accept our songs of praise. In the atmosphere of love that we are in, I want to appeal to all of us to extend the love to others.”
“As we are ending this session with love, by the grace of God we are going to start the new session with happiness and we are going to end the coming year (2023) full of joy andprogress in our lives.
‘’I believe that God, in His Majesty, will work with us and help us to achieve our greatness. May God continue to be with everyone of us and continue to take the University forward in giant strides.”
Prof. Agboola, who disclosed that the University Management had made adequate arrangements to ensure the staff celebrate the yuletide, however, called for moderation in celebration during the festivity.
“My dear people, we are in a merrymaking period now, but let us do it with moderation. Too much of everything is bad. Ensure that you have exchange of gifts and express love to mankind because this is the only thing you can be remembered for,” he added. The Vice-Chancellor further urged the staff of the University to utilise the opportunity of end-of-the-year break to refresh themselves and fully prepare for the task of moving the institution forward in 2023. He thereafter wished all categories of staff and other members of the University Community a merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.
The special guest of honour and former governor of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, congratulated the Vice-Chancellor, the Principal Officers and the entire University Community for witnessing this year’s Carol. He admonished the congregation to imbibe the lessons of the season.
Daniel, who recalled that his administration relocated the University from the old campus to its permanent site, expressed satisfaction with the level of progress and development at the institution.
His words: “I remember that when I became governor, part of my responsibility and challenge was to relocate this University from the old campus at Ago-Iwoye Secondary School and I’ve not been here since I left as governor officially. The only other time that I came was when I came with the Awujale, Oba (Dr) Sikiru KayodeAdetona, to see how this edifice is turning out. So, this is my first and non-official visit in probably 15 years.
“Mr Vice-Chancellor, I hope that the next time I’m coming here would be when this edifice would be officially opened. I just want to thank you and this University Community as I also join in saying a happy Christmas and a happy New Year ahead.”
The former governor applauded the performance of the University choir and orchestra, among other performers at the Christmas Carol, and expressed interest in sponsoring the event in subsequent years. He urged the students to remain focused and committed, noting that they are on the right track. Daniel remarked, “In those days as a young man I was part of what they called select choir. I played the keyboard, I was the school organist. So, you can imagine that anywhere there is good gospel music, I spare no thought in making sure that I find my way there. That’s why I’m here today.
“My word of encouragement to you all is that the whole world is changing. When we were young, how dare you say you want to go and sing? Your parents would say no and command you to either study as an engineer or a medical doctor or a lawyer. Later on you can be an architect, no more! But these days, musicians are now employing engineers, doctors, architects and other professionals. So, all those things that we used to jettison that our parents told us is no-go-area have become the place to go.
“I just want to encourage you all because I’m trying to look at the history of the people who have become superstars in music; most of them started with gospel music. Even Chief Commander Ebenezer Obey, after he has done everything, he went back to gospel music. So, it’s either you start from gospel and go to something else or you go to something else and come back to gospel. Whatever it is, you are on the right track,” the ex-governor submitted.
