Alumni honours Fanimokun
with Lifetime Platinum Award at 55th anniversary celebration
The University of Lagos, UNILAG , has conferred a Lifetime Platinum Award on Chief Tunde Fanimokun, the Life Director, Folawiyo Group at the university’s Alumni Association 55th Anniversary Awards and Recognition Dinner.
Chief Fanimokun was honoured alongside other prominent Nigerians and former students of the school such as Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, The Olor’ogun Dr Sunny Folorunso Kuku, , Chief Wole Olanipekun, Dr. John Momoh, Chief Kessington Adebutu and Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, among others.
While giving reasons for conferring the award on Chief Fanimozkun, the President Worldwide, Unilag Alumni Association, Ifeoluwa Oyedele commended Fanimokun for his philanthropic gesture towards the university. He noted that Chief Fanimokun has donated projects worth over N25billion to the university despite the fact that he did not attend the university.
He commended Fanimokun for his commitment to education in Nigeria through financial donations and projects to several universities across the country.
Reacting to the award, Chief Fanimokun said the award was in recognition of what he has been doing for the university over the years, adding that the award will motivate him to do more.
“The award is an appreciation of what I have been doing for the university . University of Lagos is an outstanding university. I didn’t attend there but I have been doing a lot to support the alumni association. The university has produced lots of great Nigerians,” Fanimokun said
He added: “ I appreciate education, it’s the passport to the future. Any country that wants to survive must give education priority. If you can not do free education, make sure 25% of the budget is on education but because of many commitments in Nigeria, no government has been able to do that. So individuals should rally around the government by supporting them .
Chief Fanimokun noted that5 the world has advanced in technology compared to when he attended university and urged the government to leverage on the use of technology to lift the standard of education in Nigeria.
He also called on other wealthy Nigerians to support the education sector by giving back to the society.
“What happened during my time in the area of education is no longer relevant . We are now in a digital age so every government should keep pace with development. As for other philanthropists , it depends on individual orientation. Philanthropy is based on extra wealth and you must give for what you believe in. Extra money earned is like manure, if you put it on the same spot, it will smell, but if you spread it, it will fertilize so many things.”
Chairman of the occasion, Dr. Sunny Kuku said the awardees were carefully selected for their contributions to the society.
“The alumni association of UNILAG is the most sought after alumni. The association has been growing from strength to strength. All our alumni are distinguished but every year, we pick out individuals to honour.”
The President Worldwide of the association, Ifeoluwa Oyedele said the awardees have excelled in their career and impacted the world and their selection went through rigorous process
