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… Aluko Expresses Gratitude to Royal Fathers and Community
BY ABU-SATAR HAMED
ILARO-YEWA, OGUN STATE, NIGERIA – In a well-attended and emotional event, the Committee of Friends of the Federal Polytechnic Ilaro came together on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, to honour Architect Olusegun Olanrewaju Aluko, PhD – the immediate past Rector of the institution’s retirement from active service and his 65th birthday.
Highlights of the event which took place at the Multipurpose Hall of the Polytechnic – now upgraded to the Federal University of Technology, Ilaro (FUTI) – included heartfelt goodwill messages from notable alumni and key academic stakeholders.
The event which was held in an atmosphere filled with warmth, appreciation, and joyous celebration also featured the presentation of commemorative gift items by friends and members of the planning committee, adding a memorable touch to the celebration.
In his remarks, the current Rector of FUTI, Alhaji (Dr.) Mikhal Akinde, described Architect Aluko as more than just a predecessor – calling him a mentor, a boss, a brother, and a kind-hearted educationist whose legacy continues to shape the institution.
He acknowledged that the transition of the Polytechnic to a full-fledged university was initiated by Architect Aluko in collaboration with the late Dr. Rahim Oloyo.
Their tireless efforts laid the foundation for the successful conversion and advancement of the institution.
Dr. Akinde praised his predecessor for laying the groundwork for numerous milestones the institution now boasts of – including the establishment of the School of Agriculture, a campus television station, and increased electricity generation capacity.
He expressed his personal gratitude for Architect Aluko’s continued support since assuming office and offered heartfelt prayers for God’s guidance and blessings on him and his family.
In her remarks, the Deputy Rector of the Polytechnic, Dr. (Mrs.) Iro Idoro, hailed Architect Aluko as “a visionary leader, a silent achiever, and a mentor to many.”
She reflected on his transformative tenure, which brought significant infrastructural development, academic progress, and policy reforms that redefined the Polytechnic’s standing nationally.
She commended the Committee of Friends for organizing the celebration in honor of a leader she described as reliable and results-driven, and she prayed for a peaceful and fulfilling retirement for him.
Also speaking at the event, former Deputy Rector of the Polytechnic, Engr. (Mrs) I.K. Ogunfayo, recalled her long-standing relationship with Architect Aluko – describing him as a kind-hearted neighbour and a man who showed deep love for children even before his appointment as Rector.
She lauded his outstanding performance during his time in office and congratulated him on a successful retirement.
Her tribute was accompanied by a prayer for God’s mercy to continue with him and his family.
In her own remarks, former Registrar now Director, Town and Gown, of the institution, Dr. (Mrs) F. Osore, offered gratitude to God for the life and accomplishments of Architect Aluko.
She described him as a deeply committed boss who had the interest of both staff and students at heart. “Architect Aluko always prioritized the welfare of the Polytechnic family”, she said.
“He was always ready to listen, to help, and to provide lasting solutions.” She concluded her message by reading a touching quote she had earlier shared on social media in honor of his 65th birthday and retirement.
Representing the Ilaro-Yewa community alongside Elder Niyi Ojo at the event, the Otun Baaroyin of Ilaro-Yewa, Elhadj (Otunba) Abu-Satar Idowu Hamed, described Architect Aluko as a humble gentleman, a seasoned academic, and a social figure who maintained a strong, respectful relationship with the host community.
The veteran journalist and former Chairman, Federated Chapel of the Ogun State NUJ Council, noted the significant developments and peaceful “Town and Gown” relations witnessed during Aluko’s tenure.
He used the occasion to recite a special ode he had composed to celebrate Architect Aluko, to the admiration and applause of the audience.
In a symbolic moment, the Deputy Rector, TPL Lasisi, anchored the ceremonial cutting of the birthday cake, drawing loud applause from the elegantly dressed guests who filled the hall.
Other speakers at the event also shared glowing tributes, recounting the numerous achievements recorded under Architect Aluko’s leadership. They commended his successor, Dr. Mikhal Akinde, for his steady and strategic continuation of the institution’s upward trajectory.
In his response, Architect Aluko expressed profound gratitude to God, his family, the institution, and most importantly, His Royal Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Kehinde Gbadewole Olugbenle, MFR, Asade Aguloye IV, the Olu of Ilaro, Paramount Ruler of Yewaland and Chairman of the Ogun State Council of Obas.
He also appreciated the entire people of Ilaro-Yewa and Ogun West as a whole for their unwavering support throughout his successful tenure as Rector of the institution.
Architect Aluko also extended his heartfelt thanks to the Committee of Friends for organizing a special and beautiful party in his honour, celebrating both his retirement and 65th birthday anniversary.
He used the opportunity to urged staff and students to remain committed to excellence and uphold the values that had guided his tenure, saying they should continued giving same support to his successor – Alhaji (Dr.) Mikhal Akinde.
“This day is not just about me,” he said, “but about the legacy of teamwork, integrity, and the power of community. I leave with a heart full of gratitude and hope for even greater achievements for the Polytechnic.”
In a moving and unifying gesture to end his speech, Architect Olusegun Aluko invited both serving and retired staff of the Polytechnic to join him on the dance floor. Holding hands in a large circle, they swayed and danced joyfully to the classic tune “One Love Keeps Us Together”, bringing the memorable occasion to a symbolic and emotional close.
Chairman of the planning committee, Mr. Majeobaje Ismail Olalekan, aka Yellowman, extended appreciation to all who contributed in cash or kind to the success of the event. He offered prayers for Architect Aluko’s good health, long life, and peaceful retirement.
The event was graced by members of the management of the institution, led by its Rector, Alhaji (Dr.) Mikail Akinde, along with other dignitaries from within and outside the campus.
They include the celebrant Architect Olusegun Aluko, PhD and his wife; Mr. Bode Ajibode, former Bursar, now Director Endowment; Mr. & Mrs. Durowaye; Dr. Wasiu Akinleke, Dean, School of Management; Elder Oyeniyi Ojo, a member of the Recreation Club, Ilaro-Yewa and Elhadj (Otunba) Abu-Satar Idowu Hamed, the Otun Baaroyin of Ilaro-Yewa and Publisher/EiC, StarTrend Int’l magazine and online platform among a host of others.
The occasion also featured the presentation of N2.5million to the celebrant and many other commemorative gift items by friends and members of the planning committee, adding a memorable touch to the celebration.
Members of the planning committee of the event were Mr. Majeobaje Ismail Olalekan, ACA, ACTI – Chairman; Dr. Tajudeen Jimoh – member; Mrs. Egbeyemi Mariam – member; Ajibola Kehinde – member; Dr. Olapeju Sunkanmi – member; Jimoh Ibrahim – member; Mrs. Afuye Oluseke – member; Mrs. Sade Oniffade – member; Niyi Afuwape – member and Mrs. Adeoye Adedoyin – Secretary.
The Master of the Ceremony, Mr. Orji, a lecturer of the Department of Office Technology Management (OTM), displayed remarkable expertise in conducting an event of such class and elegance. His professionalism was met with resounding applause from the guests in attendance.
As the celebration drew to a close, guests were treated to a reception that mirrored the festive and respectful tone of the occasion – a fitting tribute to a man whose life and work have left an indelible mark on the academic landscape.
