UI, source of pride, major platform for human and economic development—— Florence Ajimobi

Nigeria’s premier university the University of Ibadan has been described as a source of pride to Nigeria and a major platform for human and economic development.

Dr. (Mrs.) Florence Ajimobi made this disclosure during her closing remarks at the University of Ibadan at 75’s Short and Medium Enterprise(SME) Fair 2023 held on Thursday at the International Conference Centre(ICC).

According to her, the institution has equally been a source of inspiration for her to further put more efforts in life-impacting activities.

“Living and growing up in Oyo State, the University of Ibadan has always been a source of joy and pride to me. Every time I step into this campus, I am inspired anew to do more for people and impact the world around me for good.  It has always been my pleasure to be asked to participate in the University’s various events and activities.  For me, I see this University as one of the major platforms for the state’s economic and human development”.

Due to the role, of the Institution in the life of Nigerians, Mrs Ajimobi who is also the President of the Senator Abiola AjimobiFoundation (SAAF) urged men and women of good will to support the institution in order to enable it surmount any challenges that may arise in the course of discharging its mandate. “It is important that every hand should be on deck to help surmount every challenge and difficulty that arises from this fact”.

She described SMEs as the bedrock of the country’s economy.  “They provide support and enhance sustainable visible development in Nigeria. It has been said by the Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) that the poverty we are experiencing is due to the lack of access to incoming opportunities and the lack of capacity to take advantage of the opportunities that are readily available,  nationally and globally, for growth, expansion and prosperity.

“This is why this fair has been organised to bring the opportunities that are abound in the town and facilitate the building of the capabilities we know we have on the campus in the various  halls of  residence and all the departments”.

She there encouraged

businesses to structure and conduct their transactions in more efficient ways, “that will leave open the various doors of opportunities that are here and change the fortune of their trades favourably. This 2-Day fair has been an eye opener and we are all grateful”.

Mrs Ajimobi also expressed appreciation to the organisers,sponsors and participants for their contribution in ensuring the success of the fair.

“A big thank you goes to the University of Ibadan for 75 years of grand contributions to the nation, in encouraging collaboration, innovation and growth among the SMEs.

“Our gratitude also goes to the SME Fair Committee for putting together this productive programme, and offering this excellent platform for gown to meet the town, as we innovate to illuminate beyond borders”.