In a rare display of philanthropy, an erudite scholar and Professor of Journalism, Olatunji Dare, has proved his unwavering support and profound commitment to education and community development by donating his five-bedroom duplex to the Kogi State University (KOSU), Kabba.

The donation, which is tied to marking his 81st birthday celebration, has been lauded as an uncommon gesture symbolising his conviction that education remains the cornerstone of societal progress.

The five-bedroom duplex, situated along the late Pa Peter Seleke Road, Oluwatobi Quarters Kabba, Kogi State, has two spacious sitting rooms, two kitchens, a dining, stores, all rooms en-suite, store, laundry, functional borehole, brand new generator (sound-proof Mikano generating set), modern gate house and boys’ quarter.

The house is also beautifully landscaped with flower gardens, interlocking tiles, solar lights and fitted with two gates.

At the hand-over ceremony held recently, eminent personalities were welcomed by the university community, led by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Kehinde Eniola, and Governing Council Chairman, Prof. Sulaiman Sadiku. Other dignitaries included the Chairman of Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH) and a friend of the donor, Emeritus Prof. Olu Obafemi; the Obaro of Kabba and Chairman of Okun Traditional Council, His Royal Majesty Oba Dele Owoniyi, and senior officials of KOSU.

While handing over the keys and documents of the building to the university, Col. Samuel Abayomi Dare (retd), who represented the donor, noted that the house was built to serve as the retirement home of the donor.

In an exclusive interview with The Guardian, the donor said that donating the building was his best decision to put it into better use rather than saving it for himself.

Reminiscing over how the land was bought, he said that his mother, Charity Ajoke Dare (nee Lewu), acquired the site in 1974 with the hope of completing a building on it within a year or two but the expectation was never fulfilled until her demise.

He, however, noted that construction on the site began 40 years later, and 17 years after her death.

He commended those who played one role or the other in the acquisition of the land and construction of the edifice and requested that a minute’s silence be observed in honour of those that have passed on, including his mother.

In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor of KOSU, Prof. Eniola, expressed deep appreciation to the donor, describing it as a massive encouragement for the university to receive visitors without any strain.

“Beside the gift, the expression of the love and confidence and acceptance that this gift represents is more important, which shows that the community is buying into the vision of the university,” he said.

An elated Chairman of the Governing Council, Prof. Sadiku, announced that the university has resolved to declare every August 21 as Professor Olatunji Dare Day. He assured that the university would put the building to good use and to the benefit of mankind.

The Obaro of Kabba, Oba Owoniyi, prayed for God to bless and reward Prof. Dare for the donation, urging others to emulate his kind gesture.

The monarch said: “This should be an example to others to emulate. It is our prayer that you don’t even have to come from Kabba before you help the university.

“This university is not meant for Kabba alone; it is meant for the whole of the state. So, an Igala man can come here to help us. Any public-spirited individual can come around to help us. So, we are appealing to people of good will to come to our aid. This is our wish since we came on board. It is our wish that good things should happen to Kabba.”