By Friday Idachaba Lokoja.
THE family of late Engr Joseph Oyeyani Makoju has completed and donated an architectural masterpiece, a 250-seat capacity Lecture Theatre to the Federal University Lokoja (FUL) as part of contributions to humanity and educational development.
Head of Engr Joseph Oyeyani Makoju Foundation and Matriarch of the family, Dr Mrs Gladys Makoju, performed the handing over and dedication of the gigantic Lecture theatre at the Permanent Site of the institution in Felele on Sunday.
Dr Mrs Makoju said that the donation of the lecture theatre was part of the family’s contributions to humanity and educational development.
She added that the choice of date for the event was deliberate as it was meant to mark the birthday of their late son, Enesi, an investment banker and housing finance specialist who died in February.
The Matriarch used the opportunity to announce the institution of awards and grants for annual Best Female Performing Student in Science and Technology, especially in Artificial intelligence (AI).
According to her, there is a rolling grant for sponsorship of one Ph.D student every year, Best Performing Girl in Engineering (AI), another for a boy and a separate award for girls specifically in STEM fields adding that sufficient funds had been set aside for the purpose.
Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Olayemi Akinwumi, while unveiling the 250-seater ultra-modern lecture theatre, expressed gratitude to the Foundation and affirmed that the edifice would go a long way in providing the needed quality education in the university.
“We, members of the University Community, remain eternally grateful to Makoju’s family for initiating the project in April, 2024 and ensuring its completion with the inauguration and dedication of the lecture building today.
“We will ensure judicious use of the lecture building for the purpose intended in our academic journey. We are sincerely happy that the vision of the project has come to reality”
In his goodwill message, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi maintained that Late Engr Joseph Makoju during his lifetime did well in touching the lives of the people positively.
The Governor who was represented by the State Security Adviser, Jerry Omodara, described the Lecture Theatre as a lasting legacy gesture from the family of late Engr Joseph Makoju and prayed God to continue to grant them their heart desires.
The Governor extended his condolences to the family for the loss of their father and son as he called on meaningful citizens to emulate the philanthropic gesture of Makoju’s Family.
It would be recalled that the late Enesi who died on the 25th of February 2025 at the age of 50 actually performed the ground-breaking ceremony of the Lecture theatre alongside his mother on Saturday July 14, 2024.
Enesi, while performing the Ground Breaking ceremony had said the ceremony was deliberately planned to coincide with his father, the late icon’s post-humous 76th birthday. (Ends)