By – Ismail Hussein
As part of his birthday fête, a renowned business man and philanthropist, Chief Tunde Fanimokun, has donated 3.5 billion Naira to Yaba College of Technology for the establishment of an ultra modern entrepreneurship centre in honour of Chief Wahab Iyanda Folawuyo.
The ground breaking ceremony of the landmark project took place on Tuesday, 9th of April,2024 in the Premier Polytechnic. The date is significant to the donor because it marks the celebration of his 80th birthday, his daughter’s birthday and the date he was appointed an Executive Director,Projects in the Folawuyo conglomerate.
The edifice to be named “Folawuyo Entrepreneurship Centre” will be a four storey building boasting of four lecture theatres with sitting capacity of 320 each,another 500 capacity lecture theatre,nineteen classrooms, offices for staff,numerous outlets for vocational activities and car parks.
During the event the octogenarian, Chief Fanimokun stated ” Exactly 40 years ago in 1985,he initiated me formally into the twin subjects of entrepreneurship and philanthropy. I joined his business empire on a platter of hold exactly on April 9,1985 as an Executive Director (Projects). Ever since I have become a staunch advocate of entrepreneurship as most vital pillar for sustainable development and everlasting prosperity in Nigeria. I became greatly interested in this most vital subject- matter after my transition without any plan from the Lagos state Government Public Service at age 40 in 1985 and since then I became a strong advocate for the propagation and promotion of entrepreneurship at all levels most especially the young generations. Before then I have learnt only informally about the subject matter under the first Executive Governor of Lagos state,Alhaji Lateef Kayode Jakande”
He further opined that the excessive reliance on oil and gas while neglecting other sectors of the economy is the bane of the country. He called for diversification as the only panacea for economic progress,peace,security and prosperity.
In his remarks,the Rector of YABATECH,Engnr. Ibrahim Abdul said he was overwhelmed with joy and pride over the landmark project. He expressed his optimism on the educational and technological advancement of the nation. He saw the foundation laying ceremony as historic in the annals of the institution. He assured that when the Folawuyo center is completed that it will not only be an academic building but a nursery for training future generation of entrepreneur who will impact positively on the economic growth and development of the country.
Barrister Tunde Folawuyo who is a scion of the late entrepreneur and philanthropist expressed his profound gratitude to Chief Tunde Fanimokun for immortalising his dad’s name by naming the center after him. He applauded his invaluable contributions towards the growth and success of the Folawuyo business empire.
