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Chief Fanimokun and Dr. Abdul
The engine room of Chief Lateef Kayode Jakande’s administration as the first executive governor of Lagos State, Chief Tunde Fanimokun, has given 150 hectares of land to Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) for the commencement of the proposed Green Campus at Apapa/Badagry axes at no cost.
In his earnest desire to promote entrepreneurship and education in Nigeria the retired permanent secretary in Lagos State donated the 150 hectares of land free to the college.
The donation of the land is to commemorate his 80th birthday and the day he joined Chief Wahab Folawiyo conglomerate and the birthday of his daughter.
The Green Campus is expected to run about 22 courses and over 40 other programmes on certification on sustainable development and other areas of developmental needs.
The college revealed that the campus would run on Green in all its operations and activities, a new invention and innovation system in the country.
The donor said that he would assist the college in getting financiers amongst his partners abroad to execute the approved plans and proposals for the new campus on 250 acres of lands situated at Snake Island and uniquely bordered by seas.
He has earlier donated a Centre named Folawiyo Entrepreneurship Centre (FEC), in honour of Alhaji Chief (Dr.) Wahab Iyanda Folawiyo, the founder of Yinka Folawiyo Conglomerate.
Fanimokun disclosed that he joined the business empire of Dr. Folawiyo on April 9, 1985 as executive director (projects) and was initiated into the twin subjects of entrepreneurship and philanthropy by his employer.
Since he joined the business conglomerate of Dr. Folawiyo he has become a staunch advocate of entrepreneurship as most vital pillar for sustainable development and everlasting prosperity in Nigeria.
Chief Fanimokun became interested in entrepreneurship after his transition from the Lagos State Government public service at the age of 40 in 1985, since then he has become a strong advocate for the propagation and promotion of entrepreneurship at all levels most especially the younger generations.
The octogenarian learnt only formally about entrepreneurship under the first executive Governor of Lagos State, Alhaji Lateef Jakande, his boss and role model, but after his voluntarily retirement from Lagos State Government at 40 years, he took the subject matter to another level.
The donor disclosed that the notable areas of former Governor Jakande administrative accomplishments include innovation, transformative agenda, iron determination for audacious projects include Lagos Metroline, Lagos as an oil producing state and in pursuit of the greatest good for the greatest number. that was his model of visionary leadership.
The college observed that the subsequent transition of Chief Fanimokun to the private sector turned out to be an eye opener for a greater understanding, which propelled him into intellectual enquiry about entrepreneurship.
According to the college, Fanimokun first dividend was the publication titled “ Yinka Folawiyo: Excellence in Entrepreneurship 1998” and was privileged to get engaged on the platter of gold in the Folawiyo conglomerate immediately after voluntarily retirement from the public service, and today he remains a student of entrepreneurship.
The former permanent secretary postulated that diversification is the turning point for the Nigerian economy instead of the excessive dependence of revenue from oil and gas as a mono-cultural economy,
He averred that entrepreneurship is the key to prosperity, with entrepreneurship training, skill acquisition and promotion of Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs), the sky is the limit for the future of the young ones in our great nation.
In his speech, the Rector of YABATECH, Dr. Ibraheem Abdul said the ceremony marks a grounding breaking moment in the college history, the beginning of a new and exciting chapter.
Abdul stressed that he was humbled by the vision, dedication and hard work that have brought this college thus far and that the project represents another bold step forward that will transform YABATECH.
The rector observed that endowments, permanent funds that provide ongoing financial support are a powerful tool for institutions, and they ensure a dependable source of funding for generations of students, departments, research and programs.
The Green Campus at Snake Island, he said, represents another investment in the future of education, environmental sustainability and development of Nigeria’s blue economy.
Dr. Abdul hinted that with great confidence, he believed that the new project would not only enhance the quality of education, research, and innovation at YABATECH, but also serve as a beacon of progress for the broader community.
