The ongoing construction of the Sir Kessington Adebutu Resource Media Centre at the Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ) will be completed in September 2024.
Sir Kessington, popularly known as Baba Ijebu, represented by Aare Kola Oyefeso made this known at the sod-turning/groundbreaking of the project on Monday.
Aare Oyefeso acknowledged the significance of the project to the monotechnic, stating that it will enhance learning, thereby elevating the school.
He commended the management for its doggedness in making the project come to fruition – and reiterated that the 350 seater auditorium will be commissioned in September.
Chairman of NIJ Governing Council, Aremo Olusegun Osoba, who was represented by the former National President of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Mr. Lanre Ogundipe expressed gratitude to Sir Kessington emphasising that people make promises, however, they do otherwise.
“Many people will give promise but won’t fulfil it. We can’t thank him enough. Today, we have someone who is donating to us 350 seater hall at no cost, it is an added advantage for the profession of journalism and I must commend the provost and his team for ensuring this is achieved,” Mr. Ogundipe said.
He stressed that the journalism profession in Nigeria can be better – and urged NIJ to lead the path.
“NIJ should lead, not only by example but in the practical aspect of journalism and that is why the board under Aremo Olusegun is working relentlessly to ensure that this school move from the present status to a bigger institution. I am assuring you that in the next couple of months, you will see that change and we are leaving no stone unturned to ensure that it is achieved.”
Ogundipe equally congratulated the students – and encouraged them to be proud students of NIJ.
The Provost of NIJ, Mr. Gbenga Adefaye in his address lauded the philanthropist for his kind and generous donation, which led to the special day.
His words: “He didn’t just promise, he is doing it and we all can see. We are particularly glad that you said it will be completed in four months. So, this is not just about having an abandoned project. We will be here in September by God’s grace for the commissioning.”
Mr. Adefaye also applauded the input of Aare Oyefeso in the ongoing development maintaining that his support and impact transcends NIJ.
“NIJ can’t thank you enough, the media can’t thank you enough. Years ago, when people thought I will not meet my goals for NIJ, you helped me to achieve my goals for the institution,” the former Editor-in-Chief of Vanguard Newspaper revealed.
He further thanked the members of the governing council and management of the monotechnic- as well as the media for their support.
Similarly, the President of NIJ Alumni, Dr. Olusanya Awosan disclosed that every area of education in Nigeria need attention.
Dr. Awosan said: “We need to bring back the old glory of our institutions, especially the public institutions.”
He charged the government and well-to-do Nigerians to invest in education explaining that “the greatest legacy that can be given to anyone is education.”
Commenting on the media centre and its impact on the students, the member of NIJ Governing Council stated: “It is the beginning of so many things that will happen in this school. Very soon, this institution will become a degree awarding one.
“The project is a great impact to the students, to education and generally Nigeria. Having a 350 seater media centre is education under conducive environment.”
The practicing journalists led by the President of the Students’ Representative Council (SRC), Oluwatosin Awelewa presented a picture frame to Sir Kessington Adebutu in appreciation for his generosity.
Awelewa opined that the project will be of huge benefit to the students, thereby giving room for more experience.
“It is going to add a lot to the students. Although, the facilities that will be in the media resource centre are still unofficial but I can tell you that what they want to do is a massive one. It will expose students, provide an opportunity to do better and have more experience as it concerns journalism as a whole,” the final year student disclosed.
Dignitaries present at the sod turning ceremony include the Deputy Provost of NIJ, Dr. Adeboye Ola; Registrar of NIJ, Mrs. Patricia Kalesanwo, Head of Department (HOD), Mass Communication, Mr. Mike Osuji; Head of Department (HOD), General Studies, Mrs. Popoola Maureen.
Others are Director of Special Programmes, NIJ, Dr. Jide Johnson; Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the institution, Mr. Tolulope Ojemuyiwa; Lecturers – Mr Femi Osuntoki, Mrs Odum Oruoma, students and a host of other staff (academic and non-academic) to mention a few.
