UNIBEN MOBILISES ALUMNI, STAKEHOLDERS SUPPORT FOR AI CENTRE, INFRASTRUCTURE

The University of Benin (UNIBEN) has launched its Trust Development Fund (UNIBENTDF), securing strong commitments from corporate organisations, development agencies government officials, and alumni to support infrastructure development, research, academic excellence and the establishment of an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Centre.

The Chairman of the occasion and former Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN), CON, described the fund as a strategic platform for alumni, the private sector and other stakeholders to invest in the future of one of Nigeria’s foremost universities.

The initiative, unveiled at the Akin Deko Auditorium in Benin City, Edo State, is designed to mobilise sustainable funding for priority projects that will strengthen the university’s teaching, learning, innovation and global competitiveness.

According to the Board of the University of Benin Trust Development Fund, substantial donations and pledges were received during the launch, while additional commitments were made by individuals and organisations. It stated that the total amount realised would be collated and announced in due course, with the proceeds to be deployed for critical projects across the university, including infrastructure renewal, research development, academic excellence and an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Centre.

Among those who made significant donations and pledged support for the initiative were Founder, Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of THISDAY Media Group and ARISE News Channel, Prince Nduka Obaigbena, CON; former Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Limited, Mr. Osagie Okunbor; Chairman of LEE Engineering Group, Chief Dr. Lee Ikpea, CON; and Chief Executive Officer of Deck Oil, Mr. Pius Malaka.
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, was represented by his Chief of Staff, Hon. Yakubu O. Musa, while the Deputy Chief of Staff (Office of the Deputy Governor), Hon. Pius Alile, also attended the event.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Edoba B. Omoregie (SAN), received guests alongside the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Prof. Umaru Shuaibu, members of the Governing Council, management, staff and other stakeholders.

The Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, CFR, the Permanent Grand Patron of the Fund, was represented by senior chiefs of the Benin Kingdom.

The event also attracted representatives of the Federal Government, including Prof. Joe Ahaneku, who represented the Minister of Education, and the Minister of Regional Development, Engr. Abubakar Momoh, FNSE, who attended with a delegation comprising Chairman of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Chief Chiedu Ebie; Managing Director of the NDDC, Chief Samuel Ogbuku; Chairman of the North West Development Commission, Alhaji Lawal Sama’ila Abdullah; Chairman of the North Central Development Commission, Barrister Cosmas Ternenge Akighir; Executive Director of Finance, North Central Development Commission, Prof. Muhammad Bashar; Managing Director of the North East Development Commission, Alhaji Mohammed Goni Alkali; and Mr. Fred Odika, Director of Environment Management, Ministry of Regional Development.

The Chief Launcher, Mr. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, CFR, FCIB, Chairman of Access Holdings and Founder of Coronation Group, was represented by Mr. Dele Aluko, Director of Government and Federal Capital Relations, Coronation Group.

Also in attendance were eminent legal practitioners, including Chief Charles Uwensuyi Edosomwan (SAN), Chief Augustine Alegeh (SAN), CON, Prof. Yinka Omorogbe (SAN) and Mr. Chukwudi Kachikwu Enebeli (SAN), who represented Dr. Kemi Pinheiro (SAN), OFR, alongside other distinguished members of the legal profession.

The post-launch report was signed by the Chairman of the Board, Pastor Osagie A. Ize-Iyamu, Esq., and the Secretary, Prince (Dr.) Richard Oma Ahonaruogho (SAN).