A former Permanent Secretary in Lagos State, Tunde Fanimokun, has donated 150 hectares of land to Yaba College of Technology to establish a Green Campus at no cost.
According to a statement made available to According Online on Thursday, the land, situated at the Apapa/Badagry axes, is a contribution towards promoting entrepreneurship and education in Nigeria.
The donation was also in commemoration of Fanimokun’s 80th birthday, his entry into Chief Folawiyo Conglomerate, and his daughter’s birthday.
“The great Mega Smart City; Snake Island Project (SIP), Badagry is one of his latest dream projects, simultaneously with British International School (BIS) model at Badagry and a 400 Mega Watts Power Generation Plant, (PREPOL), Prestige Power Limited,” the statement said.
The Green Campus, a first-of-its-kind initiative in the country, will offer 22 courses and over 40 certification programs in sustainable development and other developmental areas, operating entirely on green principles.
In addition to the land donation, Fanimokun has pledged to build a ₦3.5 billion entrepreneurship centre dubbed the Folawiyo Entrepreneurship Centre in honour of his mentor, Alhaji Wahab Iyanda Folawiyo, the founding father of Yinka Folawiyo Conglomerate.
The statement added, “In the same vein, he is to build a N3.5 billion entrepreneurship centre for the college in honour of his mentor, Folawiyo. The Green Campus is expected to run about 22 courses and over 40 other programmes on certification on sustainable development and other areas of developmental needs.”
Expressing his gratitude, YABATECH’s Rector, Dr. Ibraheem Abdul, said, “Today, we witness history again. We celebrate the groundbreaking of a new facility, generously endowed by a true visionary Chief Tunde Fanimokun. His philosophy of philanthropy, entrepreneurship, and good governance (PEG) serves as an inspiration to all.”
Abdul emphasised that the Folawiyo Entrepreneurship Centre will be a vibrant hub, symbolising YABATECH’s commitment to excellence, progress, and nurturing future generations of successful entrepreneurs who will contribute to the nation’s development.
“Our administration has been dedicated to consolidating the past and shaping the future. This event exemplifies our unwavering commitment to providing the best resources, environment, and support for our students and staff.
“The success of these projects would not be possible without the tireless efforts and contributions of many, our esteemed partners, supporters, and the entire YABATECH community. To each one of you, I extend my deepest gratitude for your unwavering support.
“I express my sincere appreciation to everyone who made this momentous occasion possible, especially Chief Tunde Fanimokun, founder and chairman of the DSE Foundation.
“Let us join in anticipation of the impact and legacy this new development will create, and let us move forward with excitement and determination as we embark on this transformative journey together,” Abdul added.