It was amidst pomp and admiration that Itaogbolu in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State, Nigeria, received guests from all walks of life, who had come to appreciate God with Prof. Olugbenga Ige, a native of the town, who has just been appointed the 6th substantive Vice Chancellor of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko.
The Special Thanksgiving Service which was held at the Saint James’ Anglican Church in Itaogbolu on Sunday, July 25, 2021, was attended by bigwigs, friends and families, colleagues, traditional rulers, clerics, well-wishers, staff and students of AAUA, among others.
In his homily, the Archdeacon of Itaogbolu Anglican Communion, Ven. S. A. Sanni, opined that expressing gratitude ‘is the only food humans can give the Almighty’. Quoting from 1Kings 3:6-7, the cleric said those who make gratitude and appreciation their watchwords always get more blessings from God.
Ven. Sanni requested for concerted prayers for the Professor Ige-led Management for successful and remarkable tenure.
In his remark, Prof. Ige said his decision to hold the Special Thanksgiving Service was borne out of his heartfelt appreciation to the Almighty God for his elevation to the position of Chief Executive Officer of one of the foremost higher institutions of learning in the country.
Prof. Ige, who also said that the Thanksgiving Service was to pray for the required wherewithal to successfully pilot the affairs of the University, specially thanked the Ondo State Governor and Visitor to AAUA, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, for appointing him to serve as the 6th substantive Vice Chancellor of the University.
While appreciating all attendees for thanking God with him, he urged members of the University Community to continue to be steadfast and dutiful in carrying out their schedule, promising that he would continue to prioritise their welfare.
Also speaking at the event, the Ogbolu of Ita-Ogbolu, Oba Idowu Faborode, thanked the Governor Rotimi Akeredolu-led government for finding one of his subjects worthy of the exalted position. He added that the town would do its utmost to ensure that Prof. Ige has a successful tenure.