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Oluremi Tinubu Commissions Dream Centre at Obafemi Awolowo University
The Wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on Thursday commissioned the Senator Oluremi Tinubu Dream Centre at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, in a ceremony attended by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi; wives of several state governors; the Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi; the Vice-Chancellor of OAU, Prof. Adebayo Simeon Bamire; royal fathers, university officials, and students.
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The commissioning formally handed over a purpose-built facility designed to inspire students through storytelling, mentorship, reflection, and access to motivational resources, reinforcing the values of patience, discipline, and purposeful living.
A Space Designed to Inspire Purpose and Patience
Speaking at the event, Senator Tinubu expressed delight that her personal journey—shaped by faith, service, and perseverance—had been preserved within a space dedicated to strengthening the confidence of young Nigerians.
She explained that the Dream Centre was established to remind students not to compare themselves with others, but to pursue their own dreams patiently and consistently, noting that true achievement requires discipline and long-term commitment.
The First Lady emphasized that the centre was created for both male and female students, reflecting her belief in equal opportunity and encouragement for all young people to aspire and grow.
Preserving a Life Story to Motivate Future Generations
Senator Tinubu noted that the centre houses inspirational books, including her four-part publication, The Journey of Grace, which chronicles how divine guidance shaped her life and leadership path. According to her, the work is intended to serve as a source of motivation and direction for students navigating their own journeys.
She recalled that the project initially began as a proposal for a modest pavilion but later evolved into a fully developed Dream Centre, driven by her desire to leave behind a legacy that would outlive her and continue to serve generations of students.
Ooni of Ife Highlights the Journey and Significance of the Project
In his remarks, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, traced the origins of the project to 2019, when he first approached the then Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Eyitope Ogumbore, and Dr. Akio Adijuwa to request a space within the university to honour Senator Tinubu.
He explained that the proposal initially faced resistance due to the university’s tradition of reserving such recognition for founding figures. However, approval was later granted for a three-kilometre road within the university to be named Senator Oluremi Tinubu Way, a development he described as a breakthrough that paved the way for the Dream Centre.
According to the monarch, the project suffered delays during the COVID-19 pandemic before being revived following Senator Tinubu’s emergence as First Lady—an outcome he described as “divine timing.”
A Symbol of Perseverance and Equal Opportunity
Describing Senator Tinubu fondly as “Mama,” the Ooni praised her service and enduring impact, stressing that the Dream Centre was built not for girls alone, but for all students.
He noted that the facility symbolises perseverance, recognition, and collective commitment to nurturing the aspirations of young Nigerians, adding that its completion reflects the power of patience and shared vision.
NITDA: Storytelling and Reflection Key to Youth Development
The Director-General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, described the Dream Centre as a space where storytelling, learning, and reflection converge to help students internalise values of resilience, leadership, and vision.
He explained that the centre enables students to engage with real-life experiences in a structured environment that encourages clarity of purpose and belief in the possibility of achieving their dreams through steady effort.
According to him, providing such spaces is essential to helping young people visualise their goals and grow through mentorship rooted in lived experiences.
OAU Vice-Chancellor Hails Centre as Institutional Milestone
In his welcome address, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Adebayo Bamire, described the commissioning as a major milestone for the university, noting that the Dream Centre complements existing student-support facilities as a hub for inspiration and excellence.
He said the centre aligns with OAU’s broader commitment to nurturing leaders, innovators, and dreamers capable of shaping Nigeria’s future, adding that it would remain a source of motivation, creativity, and mentorship for generations.
Collaboration That Brought the Dream Centre to Life
The Oluremi Tinubu Dream Centre was conceptualised and donated to OAU by the Ooni of Ife, while NITDA provided the IT-enabled devices installed in the facility—demonstrating a collaborative effort to invest in youth development and education.
A Vision Realised for Nigeria’s Youth
The commissioning concluded with a guided tour of the facility, as stakeholders and students explored its resources and reflected on the messages shared during the event.
Many attendees expressed the belief that the Dream Centre had arrived at a critical moment in students’ academic journeys, reinforcing the conviction that dreams become achievable when opportunity meets commitment.
