Dr Usman Bugaje, a one- time Political Adviser to a former Vice President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar, will deliver the 2021 Annual National Reunion Lecture of the Obafemi Awolowo University Muslim Graduates’ Association (UNIFEMGA) on Saturday, August 21, at Ile-Ife, Osun state.
In a statement by the Chairman, Planning Committee of the Reunion, Mohammed Buari and Samsudeen Adenopo, Public Relations Officer, it is stated that the 3-day programme would hold at Oduduwa Hall from Friday August 20 to 22 by 10a.m.
The statement added that Bugaje, a former member of the House of Representatives, would speak on the theme of the Reunion: “Nigeria at a Crossroads: The Myths, The Facts, The Realities’”.
Bugaje, who doubles as the Founding Chairman of Network for Justice – an advocacy group concerned with promoting civil education, consumer and human rights; Acting Convener of the Arewa Research and Development Project (ARDP)- a public policy group that is promoting policies to restore stable governance and stimulate economic renewal in the northern states of Nigeria, will use the opportunity to speak on other national issues such as restructuring.
The statement added that His Imperial Majesty, Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, would be the royal father of the day.
Similarly, Mr Thabit Adewale Sonaike, Deputy Managing Director, Business Development, International Business of Courteville Business Solutions Plc would chair the occasion on Saturday, with Prof. Eyitope Ogunbodede as the Host Vice Chancellor.
The association stated that there would be a networking dinner on Friday, August 20 to be anchored by Assistant Vice-Chancellor Professor Lukumon Oyedele of the University of West England, Bristol, who would be speaking on the topic : “Town & Gown – Helping one another up the Ladder’’ as part of the quest to further the contribution of the academia to the enterpreneurs.
The statement added that the dinner would be chaired by Professor Saburi Adesanya (former Vice Chancellor OOU), while Alhaji Rafiu Ebiti, Chairman Board of Trustees, UNIFEMGA, will be the Chief Host at OAU Central Mosque Hall, Osun State from 8pm.
As part of the lined up programmes, there would be a special Jum’ah Service at OAU Central Mosque, a courtesy call on the Vice Chancellor and a welcome reception for all delegates.
UNIFEMGA noted that there would also be scholarship grant and an empowerment programme for students on campus to be facilitated by renowned resource persons as well as keep fit exercise for all delegates.
Other highlights of the 3-day national reunion conference include a novelty match among the branches and a Press Conference on Sunday.
Speaking on the uniqueness of the reunion, Alhaji Abdulfatah Olanlege, UNIFEMGA National President said the 2021 reunion coinciding with the diamond jubilee celebration of the University “offers us the unique opportunity to take stock of how well we have contributed back to the University and society at Large”.
Over 200 delegates from all the branches including those in the diaspora have already registered to participate in the 2021 National reunion Conference which would be broadcast live for members across the globe unable to physically be at Ile-Ife.
