Pro-Chancellor Commends PR Directorate, Media at a Special Appreciation Dinner for Elevating FUNAAB’s Image

By Joy Adeyiga, Femi Dansu, Aduragbemi Oke & Bolanle Olawepo

The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman, Governing Council of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), His Royal Majesty, Oba Rasheed Ayotunde Olabomi, Odundun IV, Asoludero, the Aragbiji of Iragbiji Land, has applauded the members of staff of the Directorate of Public Relations (DPR) and media professionalsnin Ogun State for their resilience, creativity, and unwavering commitment to promoting the University’s image as a beacon of agricultural innovation and academic excellence.

Speaking at a special dinner organised in honour of the DPR staff and the media friends, Oba Olabomi described the Directorate as the “voice and face of the University,” noting that their consistent and strategic communication has greatly enhanced FUNAAB’s visibility and public trust.

The Pro-Chancellor recalled that following the inauguration of the 8th Governing Council by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, on July 5, 2024, he had charged the University’s Management to prioritise communication and strengthen its public relations machinery. He expressed delight that the DPR had lived up to the expectation, showcasing FUNAAB’s numerous achievements to both national and international audiences.

According to him, “FUNAAB has been ranked as the Best University of Agriculture in Africa and Seventh in the World. Yet, such remarkable achievements mean little if not effectively communicated to the public. I am proud to see that, under the present leadership, the story of FUNAAB is being told more clearly, creatively, and confidently.”

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Oba Olabomi lauded the Acting Head of the Directorate of Public Relations, Mr. Olasunkanmi Olajide, the FUNAAB Radio Team, and members of the local and national media for their professionalism and passion in projecting the University’s image. He also appreciated the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, and the entire Management Team for fostering an environment where the Directorate can thrive.

He noted that the University’s growing reputation was a product of teamwork, institutional stability, and a shared culture of diligence, integrity, and innovation. “This gathering,” he added, “is not just to celebrate excellence but to encourage even greater commitment to the service of our great University.”

In his remarks, Prof. Kehinde, described the Pro-Chancellor’s gesture as inspiring and visionary, adding that it reflected a leadership style that values and motivates excellence. He reaffirmed the Management’s continued support for the Directorate, noting that “the DPR is the bridge between the University and the public, and its dedication has been instrumental in shaping FUNAAB’s narrative of progress.”

Also speaking at the event, the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Abeokuta (FUMMSA), Prof. Fatiu Arogundade, commended FUNAAB’s Governing Council for extending mentorship and partnership to younger universities. He noted that FUMMSA’s early achievements were made possible through the guidance and support of FUNAAB under the leadership of Oba Olabomi and he encouraged other universities to emulate such collaborative models.

Earlier, Mr Olajide expressed his deep gratitude to the Pro-Chancellor for the thoughtful gesture and to the Vice-Chancellor for his visionary leadership and consistent encouragement of the Directorate’s staff. He highlighted several capacity-building programmes approved by the Vice-Chancellor for DPR staff, saying that they have greatly enhanced the staff’s professional competence.

He, however, charged his colleagues as crisis and reputation managers, as well as solution providers, to never be the ones who create or escalate crises, but rather those who proactively seek and propose solutions to de-escalate them.

In his goodwill message, Chairman, Ogun State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Mr. Wale Olanrewaju, described the event as a laudable recognition of the vital role of the media in institutional growth. Similarly, the Chairman, Ogun State Correspondents’ Chapel, Prince Razaq Ayinla, called for deeper collaboration between FUNAAB and media organisations to sustain the University’s positive public engagement.

Delivering the vote of thanks, Dr. Adewale Kupoluyi, Coordinator, FUNAAB Radio, appreciated the Vice-Chancellor and Management for their consistent support and commended the DPR team for their dedication and teamwork. He urged journalists to continue upholding ethical standards and to keep projecting FUNAAB’s achievements in ways that inspire confidence and pride.

The colourful event was attended by members of the Governing Council, Principal Officers of FUMMSA, media representatives, and the entire staff of the Directorate of Public Relations, who were celebrated for their exceptional service and steadfast commitment to sustaining FUNAAB’s growing visibility and reputation.