The 70th anniversary of Layola College, Ibadan, Oyo, would be graced by distinguished Nigerians, including Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, and his counterpart from Lagos, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
Governor Sanwo-Olu will be the honorary guest at the minister’s anniversary lecture on Friday, July 19, at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, Victoria Island, Lagos. Governor Makinde will be the honorary guest at the anniversary gala dinner, which is set for August 10 in Ibadan.
In his speech, Mr. Edun will discuss “Reconstructing the Nigerian Economy for Sustainable Growth and Investment,” with the aim to offer insightful viewpoints on the initiatives by the current administration to turn around the economy for sustainable growth and investment.
In addition, a panel discussion about the lecture will be held with a number of experts, such as Dr. Doyin Salami, the former President’s Chief Economic Advisor; Mrs. Oyeyimika Adeboye, the Managing Director of Cadbury Nigeria Plc.; and Dr. Olumide Adedeji, a banker and college alumnus.
Mr. Laolu Akande, an alumni and Special Advisor to former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, will conduct the session. Amb. Joe Keshi, a former Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and college alumnus, will chair the lecture.
In addition, a new book called “Loyola Stories,” which documents the entire history of the institution from its founding and includes perspectives from several graduates across numerous settings, will be presented at the event.
In a statement made available to newsmen to announce the anniversary event, Prof. Olufemi Ogunbiyi, the National President of the Old Boys’ Association (LOCOBA) of the college, provided this explanation.
He enumerated further events to mark the milestone, such as talent hunts, career counselling, essay and sports competitions, gala nights, and so on.
He mentioned that Prof Tony Akinwale, the first Vice-Chancellor of Dominican University, will be the guest speaker at the gala dinner, which will also feature a groundbreaking for the Alumni multipurpose building project to mark the milestone.
He claimed that Governor Makinde will be the main guest of honour at the event, and the former VC will speak on the subject of “Reconstructing the Educational System in Nigeria: The Role of the Private Sector.”
Professor of Anatomical Pathology at University College Hospital (UCH) Ibadan, Ogunbiyi, declared that Loyola College is proud of the many great men it has produced, who are making significant contributions to the global economy and thriving in their various fields.
In his brief history of the Roman Catholic mission-owned college, he mentioned that 19 students were among the pioneers who enrolled in 1954, including the late Apostle Hayford Alile, the former CEO of the Nigeria Stock Exchange, and Alhaji Lam Adesina, the former governor of Oyo State.
He claimed that ever since, the college has produced graduates who go on to excel in their chosen industries and have an impact on both the human race and the economy.
He mentioned a number of them, including the late Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu, the immediate past governor of Ondo State; prominent political economist turned politician Prof. Pat Utomi; Prof. Akin Abayomi, the current commissioner for health in Lagos State; and Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, the Ooni of Ife.
He suggested that everyone who graduated from the school, together with their friends and family and other stakeholders, should plan to attend the celebration.