The South West Bureau Chief of the Times Nigeria Magazine, Mr Bola Ogunlayi has been conferred with the Grand Patron Award of the Ekiti State University Alumni Association, Oyo State Chapter.
The Award, according the Alumni Body, was in recognition of his innumerable contributions to the development of the Association ,his ever constant leadership roles and sacrifices at all times.
The Vice Chancellor of Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti,Professor Edward Olanipekun who presented the Award at a colourful ceremony attested to the justification of the honour of the recipient.
“I can attest to the qualities espoused in honour of Mr Ogunlayi today.
We both served as members of the University Governing Council but he was my employer during the period.
“He served diligently with intelligent contributions and had a sound judgement on issues .A credible personality. I am proud of his activities”,the Vice Chancellor remarked .
The Grand Patron Award was bestowed on the seasoned Journalist yesterday at Ashers Palace,Jericho GRA,Ibadan.
Chairman of the Oyo State Chapter of EKSU Alumni,Comrade Adebayo Blessing (AOB) said the Chaoter was proud to have Ogunlayi as a leader who at various times have served the Association with outstanding record of performances.
“He was once the Chairman of the Oyo State Chapter before his election into the national positions including but not limited to, the National Secretary, Public Relations Officer and later the National President of the EKSU Alumni”,Adebayo added.
In a Lecture delivered to mark the end of the year and Award Ceremony of the Chapter’s Alumni, a former member of the House of Representatives, Congressman,Bimbo Daramola challenged the University authorities to rise to the challenge of grooming graduates that can match up with the rising challenge of this century.
He reasoned that the emerging trend in the world University was to produce fast thinking graduates that could add value to the technology of emerging space and technogy.
Its only that academic exercise and curriculum that could prepare them as world best.I am happy the Vice Chancellor who is physically present here would work along this line because he understands it”,the Guest Lecturer submitted.
Highlights of the colouful ceremony was the conferment of Grand Patrons Award of the Chapter to the duo of Bola Ogunlayi and Congressman Bimbo Daramola before a guest of capacity full Hall.
A Committee of the Elders Council of the Body with Bola Ogunlayi as Chairman, Tayo Adegunju as Secretary was also inaugurated at the well attended event.
Award of Recognitions were also bestowed on some distinguished members including ,the immediate Past Chapter Chairman, Ade Adeloye,the incumbent Chairman, Adebayo Blessing,Tayo Adegunju,Mrs Olayinka,Tola Johnson and others.