Trust Development Fund, pushes strong support from alumni and stakeholders

The University of Benin (UNIBEN) has officially launched its Trust Development Fund (UNIBENTDF), attracting widespread support from government officials,  alumni, traditional leaders, corporate executives and other stakeholders committed to advancing the institution’s development.

The event, held recently  at the Akin Deko Auditorium, University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State brought together prominent personalities from across the country to raise funds for critical infrastructure, academic excellence, research and student development.

The Chairman of the occasion and former Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN), CON, described the initiative as a strategic platform for alumni, corporate organisations and other stakeholders to invest in the future of one of Nigeria’s leading universities.

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, was represented by his Chief of Staff, Hon. Yakubu O. Musa, while the Deputy Chief of Staff (Office of the Deputy Governor), Hon. Pius Alile, also attended the event.

The Vice-Chancellor of UNIBEN, Prof. Edoba B. Omoregie (SAN), welcomed guests alongside the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Prof. Umaru Shuaibu, members of the Governing Council, management and staff of the university.

The Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, CFR, who serves as the Permanent Grand Patron of the Trust Development Fund, was represented by senior chiefs of the Benin Kingdom.

Also present were representatives of the Federal Government, including Prof. Joe Ahaneku, representing the Minister of Education, and the Minister of Regional Development, Engr. Abubakar Momoh, who attended with a delegation of leaders from regional development commissions.

The event also attracted prominent legal practitioners, business leaders and distinguished alumni, including Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, Chairman of Access Holdings, represented by Dele Aluko, as well as several Senior Advocates of Nigeria and notable professionals from across the country.

According to the organisers, the Trust Development Fund is expected to serve as a sustainable vehicle for attracting private sector and alumni support towards funding priority projects, improving learning facilities, strengthening research capacity and enhancing the university’s global competitiveness.

The Board expressed optimism that the initiative would deepen stakeholder participation in the institution’s growth and help position the University of Benin to meet emerging educational and developmental challenges.Also in attendance were eminent legal practitioners, including Chief Charles Uwensuyi Edosomwan (SAN), Chief Augustine Alegeh (SAN), CON, Prof. Yinka Omorogbe (SAN) and Mr. Chukwudi Kachikwu Enebeli (SAN), who represented Dr. Kemi Pinheiro (SAN), OFR, alongside other distinguished members of the legal profession.

The post-launch report was signed by the Chairman of the Board, Pastor Osagie A. Ize-Iyamu, Esq., and the Secretary, Prince (Dr.) Richard Oma Ahonaruogho (SAN).

Among the notable personalities that graced the event were Chairman, Board of Trustees of the University of Benin Trust Development Fund,  Pastor (Dr.) Osagie A. Ize-Iyamu, Esq , with, Kingsley I.  Jesuorobo, Esq. Trustee;  Prince (Dr.) Richard Oma Ahonaruogho, SAN, Secretary & Trustee; Professor Edoba B.  Omoregie, SAN, Vice-Chancellor, Convener & Trustee; Dr. Mrs.  Loretta Oduware Ogboro-Okor,  Trustee; Mr. Alexander Imuetinyan Eronmwon, Trustee and Emmanuel Olakunle Oriazuwa, Esq., Trustee at the N100 Billion Grand Launch of the University of Benin Trust Development Fund recently.

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