As FUTA honours Ondo SSG, stakeholders shower her encomiums.
– Steve Ovirih.
Secretary to Ondo State Government, Princess Oladunni Odu is an Amazon who naturally attracts awards and laurels. She has put in a substantial chunk of her career into public engagement where she has impacted the polity positively and of course, she is still adding enviable value to the society.
Thus, it did not come as a surprise that at the 11th Registry Annual Lecture Series of The Federal University of Technology, (FUTA), Akure, what featured as a special highlight of the Lecture was the conferment of Registry Special Award of Excellence on Princess Barr. Catherine Oladunni Odu. It goes without saying that Princess Odu is a record breaker; she is the first female Secretary to the Governnment of Ondo State.
The 11th FUTA Registry Annual Lecture Series titled ‘ Information Management And Effective Governance of Tertiary Institutions’ was delivered by the erudite journalist and Founding Editor TELL, Publisher /Editor -in- Chief Gaskia, Mr. Dare Babarinsa.
In the Lecture, Babarinsa charged information managers of the ivory towers to deploy more professionalism in the discharge of their duty even as he noted that as Gate keepers of information in higher institution, effort should be taken to check all sides and balance their releases before dissemination to the general public. He noted that in the administration of universities across the world, there is a strong connection between information management and effective governance, noting that information managers have a prominent role to play in driving the agenda and policies of university administrators.
Earlier in his address, The Vice Chancellor, FUTA, Prof. Joseph Fuwape expressed his delight while welcoming guests to the 11th Registry Annual Lecture. He said the FUTA Registry Annual Lecture was the first of its kind when it was organized in 2009 under the leadership of Dr. (Mrs) Eunice Oyebade of blessed memory. ” I congratulate the Registrar and all Registry staff for sustaining the laudable development,” Prof. Fuwape said.
The Futa Vice Chancellor stressed that the lecture series have brought eminent Nigerians from all walks of life to FUTA to share their views on topical issues of national interest. “Some of the previous lecturers include Chiief (Mrs.) Moji Ladipo, y first fake Registrar of the University of Ibadan, Dr. (Mrs.) Sally Adukwu-Bolujoko, former National President and Chairman of Council , Nigerian Institute of Management; Prof. Dibu Ojerinde, former Registrar, JAMB, Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN, among others,” Prof. Fuwape added.
Secretary to the State Government, (SSG), Ondo State, and Princess of the Akindele dynasty of Idepe – Okitipupa, Barr. Oladunni Odu after the conferment of the Special Award of Excellence, thanked the authorities of the institution for counting her worthy of the honor. While saluting the management for the 11th Registry Annual Lecture Series described information management as a key element of operations in every organization.
Princess Odu said she had to attend the conferment in person , expressing her appreciation to the organizers.
Head of Service of Ondo State, Mr. Niran Adeyemo, Mni, in his reaction noted that the honor done Princess Odu was well earned. ” You earned it! It gladdens my heart to felicitate Princess (Dame) Catherine Oladunni Odu ( Yeye Ewa of Akure Kingdom), Secretary to the Ondo State Government on her conferment with the prestigious FUTA Registry Special Away of Excellence,” Head of Service, Niran Adeyemo said.
Mr. Adeyemo added that the award of excellence on Princess Odu is a reflection of the recognition of her hard work, relentless efforts, fearless spirit and the unquestionable personality she has built for herself over the years of her stay at the corridor of power both at the state and Federal levels.
Permanent Secretary Cabinet and Special Duties, Mr. Dele Adesanmi said, ” we felicitate with our quintessential Secretary to the State Government, Princess Oladunni Odu as FUTA confers on her Special Registry Award in recognition of her contributions to the development of education in Ondo State and sterling record of public service. We pray for higher heights and more attention for you ma.”
Permanent Secretary Political and Economic Affairs, Mr. Fred Oladiran while congratulating Princess Odu, he described her as a thoroughbred and professional Administrator and a compassionate politician.
Permanent Secretary , Board for Adult Technical and Vocational Education, Dr. Tosin Adekugbe in his congratulatory remark said Princess Odu’s award depicts her readiness , determination and commitment to the development of humanity and the society at large.
The Ondo State President , National Council of Women Society, Mrs. Eniola Aborode said Princess Odu is a grassroots politician and a great leader who has contributed to the development of womenfolk and humanity in general.
Chairman, Caretaker Committee , Ondo State APC, Engr. Ade Adetimehin said Princess Odu has thus far justified the confidence reposed in her by Mr. Governor , Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN, and she has convinced every observer that she posseses the mental capacity and political adroitness required to lead in whatever leadership capacity. Hear him, ” you have demonstrated uncommon foresight and leadership qualities both in private and public spheres; you have been exceptionally focused and consistent in rendering selfless service to the Sunshine State, in diverse capacities .”
Adetimehin said Princess Odu has expanded the political space , particularly , for the women to operate in the APC fold across Ondo State.
The Class of 1989, Faculty of Law, University of Lagos also congratulated Princess Odu, describing her as an accomplished Administrator, consummate Technocrat and Leader par excellence who has excelled in the various assignments endorsed in her care over the years and has no doubt made marks with her impressive track records.
Special Adviser to the Governor on Union Matters and Special Duties, Elder Dare Aragbaye in his remark said, ” this award is a testimony of Princess Odu’s selfless leadership qualities , uncommon foresight, hard work and dedication to duties. We are proud of you .”
