Senator Oluremi Tinubu, officially commissioned the “Senator Oluremi Tinubu Dream Centre” at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) on Thursday.
The facility, a collaborative gift donated by the Ooni of Ife with technological support from NITDA, is designed as a hub for mentorship, storytelling, and student reflection.
Joined by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi and various state dignitaries, Tinubu stated that the centre’s purpose is to instill “purpose and patience” in the youth.
She emphasized that the space—which houses her four-part work, The Journey of Grace—is inclusive of all genders and aims to foster self-confidence rather than competition.
The Ooni of Ife revealed that the project, originally conceived in 2019, overcame years of institutional resistance and pandemic delays.
He described its completion as “divine timing.”
Vice-Chancellor Prof. Adebayo Simeon Bamire echoed this sentiment, noting that the centre aligns with OAU’s mission to nurture the next generation of Nigerian leaders.
According to Tinubu, the Dream Centre would house a storytelling room where her life experiences and lessons would be shared to inspire future generations.
“This centre is not for girls alone; it is also for boys. It is a place of dreams, learning and inspiration for everyone,” Tinubu added.
In his remarks, the Director-General of NITDA, Kashifu Abdullahi, described the centre as a unique blend of technology and history, aimed at preserving knowledge for future generations.
“This centre converts the power of digital technology and storytelling to preserve our history, so that our younger ones will have access to the tools they need to navigate their lives,” he said.
Speaking at the event, the Ooni described the inauguration of the Senator Oluremi Tinubu Dream Centre as a historic investment in the future of Nigerian youths and a powerful symbol of purposeful leadership.
He said the centre was conceived as a legacy project that would outlive the present generation and continuously inspire young Nigerians to embrace knowledge, innovation and integrity.
According to him, the Dream Centre represents more than a physical structure, as it embodies values of discipline, resilience, vision and service to humanity, which he said the First Lady has consistently demonstrated in public life.
“In the last two years, you have been in this campus three times. That shows your genuine commitment to education and the development of our youths. You have been a pillar of support to this institution and to the Nigerian educational system as a whole,” the Ooni said.
He noted that the Dream Centre would serve as a hub for digital creativity, leadership training and storytelling, where young people would not only acquire technological skills but also learn the importance of character, history and national values.
The Ooni added that through the centre, students would be exposed to global opportunities in information technology, artificial intelligence and innovation, while remaining deeply rooted in African identity and culture.
“If I have my way, I will celebrate you every day, because what you are doing today will speak for generations yet unborn. Your legacy will continue to be alive, not just in my lifetime, but far beyond,” the Ooni stated.
He also commended Senator Tinubu for her passion for youth empowerment and nation-building, describing her as a mother figure whose contributions to education, women development and social welfare would remain indelible in the history of the country.
The Ooni further urged students of OAU to take full advantage of the facility and the transportation support, stressing that such opportunities come with responsibility.
On the donation of 50 buses and 30 tricycles, the Vice-Chancellor of OAU, Prof. Simeon Bamire, described the gesture as unprecedented and a major intervention in the institution’s transportation system.
“We thank the First Lady for her generosity. This donation will significantly ease the movement of students, staff and members of the university community,” he said.
The President of the OAU Students’ Union, Oluwatodimu David, also expressed appreciation, saying the vehicles would help resolve long-standing transportation challenges on campus.
“We see the First Lady as not just the mother of the nation, but also a mother to the OAU community,” he stated.
