The Esa-Oke Renewal Initiative, a group of locals from the Esa-Oke community in Osun State, has contributed solar streetlights valued at N15m to the Osun State College of Technology situated in the town.
Acknowledging the donation on behalf of the state government, Mr. Dipo Eluwole, the Osun State Commissioner for Education, urged communities and individuals in the state to collaborate with the government in enhancing infrastructure at publicly-owned tertiary institution campuses.
Eluwole emphasized the need for the institution’s management to leverage its strengths, particularly in agriculture, and reiterated the government’s willingness to engage with stakeholders to ensure quality education in state-owned higher institutions.
“This is the kind of support our higher institutions should receive. The presence of this institution in Esa-Oke should benefit the entire community. This initiative has brought light to the institution.
“The responsibility of funding education is too immense for the government alone. Collaboration is pivotal. Philanthropists, alumni, school management, students, parents, and communities are all crucial stakeholders in supporting education.”
When we unite our efforts, state-owned tertiary institutions will thrive,” remarked Eluwole.
In his earlier remarks, Mr. Wumi Adeniyi, the Chairman of the Esa-Oke Renewal Initiative, highlighted that the collaboration with Cedrus Group Africa aimed to enhance both the college environment and the community’s living conditions.
Adeniyi added, “This project worth N15m, sponsored through donor contributions, involved the setup of 50 LED integrated solar-powered streetlights, providing essential illumination to the campus, improving its functionality, aesthetics, and peaceful ambiance to boost academic excellence and transform the environment.
The campus is truly a sight to behold during nighttime.”
A statement from the College’s Public Relations Officer, Olufemi Ajilore, in Osogbo on Thursday, mentioned that the Asiwaju of Esa-Oke, Chief Dosu Fatokun, the polytechnic’s Governing Council chairman, Mr. Diran Odeyemi, and the institution’s Rector, Dr. Sunday Adegoke, emphasized the significance of peace for progress.