From Bamigbola Gbolagunte, Akure
The Osemawe of Ondo Kingdom, Oba Victor Kiladejo, has called on well-meaning indigenes of the kingdom to support the University of Medical Sciences (UNIMED) domiciled in his domain.
He said the government alone cannot develop the university, hence the need for prominent individuals to support the citadel of learning to ensure its development.
The monarch spoke at the official unveiling of a guest house donated to the university by philanthropist and business tycoon, Chief Olabintan Famutimi.
Oba Kiladejo, who called for the support of all indigenes of the town to ensure the growth of the institution, encouraged indigenes of the town at home and in the diaspora to see the university as their personal project and work for its development.
Explaining the reason behind his action, Famutimi said: “To leave a legacy that endures, you must be a part of initiatives that will outlive you. For a university that is only 10 years old to have achieved so much, the right thing to do is to contribute to its continued growth and be a part of a sustainable legacy.”
“My father had 23 children and none of us stays in his house. My grandfather had 63 children. Today, his house is occupied by total strangers. My own children are not in the country, and even when they come around, they scarcely stay in my house! So, why hold on to what may be a waste when you are no more, when it can be beneficial to society?” he stated.
He said his recent battle with an illness and subsequent survival had changed his perspective about life, saying: “Whatever you own is what you owe humanity.”
The Vice-Chancellor, while speaking at the event, appreciated the uncommon gesture and encouraged many more well-to-do individuals in Ondo Kingdom and beyond to emulate Chief Famutimi.
“This is indeed a rare philanthropic gesture that should be emulated by everyone, particularly by prominent sons and daughters of Ondo Kingdom. We believe Chief Famutimi has thrown a challenge to others. We, as a university, appreciate this gesture and we want to assure Chief Famutimi that we will maintain the building and use it in a way that everyone will be proud of.”