The University of Medical Sciences (UNIMED), Ondo was gifted an ultra-modern guest house by Chief Olabintan Famutimi on Friday, 6th December, 2024 at Sabo Area, Ondo.
Olabintan Famutimi, an Ondo Chief, business mogul, former national President of the Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce and chairman of Tricontinental Group, in a rare display of philanthropy only exhibited by the likes Rockefeller and Bloomberg of the United States of America, donated his ultramodern building at Sabo Area, Ondo to UNIMED as his contribution to the University which keeps growing in leaps and bounds.
Explaining the reason behind his action, he said “To leave a legacy that endures you must be a part of initiatives that will outlive you. For a university that is only 10 years old to have achieved so much, the right thing to do is to contribute to its continued growth and be a part of a sustainable legacy”.
He went further to say “My father had 23 children and none of us stays in his house. My grandfather had 63 children. Today his house is occupied by total strangers. My own children are not in the country, and even they come around, they scarcely stay in my house! So, why hold on to what may be a waste when you are no more when it can be beneficial to the society?”
He said his recent battle with an illness and subsequent survival has changed his perspective about life. He said he has come to realise that “whatever you own is what you owe humanity”.
The Vice-Chancellor, while speaking at the event, appreciated the uncommon gesture and encouraged many more well-to-do individuals in Ondo Kingdom and beyond to emulate Chief Famutimi.
In his words, “This is indeed a rare philanthropic gesture that should be emulated by everyone, particularly by prominent sons and daughters of Ondo Kingdom.
“We believe Chief Famutimi has thrown a challenge to others. We as a university appreciate this gesture and we want to assure Chief that we will maintain the building and use it in a way that everyone will be proud of”.
The Vice –Chancellor concluded on a philosophical note that “When you speak, you can be eloquent; but a life of example is much more eloquent”. According to him, the action of Chief Famutimi is not only eloquent, but one that will remain indelible in the annals of UNIMED.
The Osemawe, His Imperial Majesty and Paramount Ruler of the Ondo Kingdom, Oba (Dr) Victor Adesimbo Kiladejo, CFR, Jilo III, cut the tape and gave his royal blessings.
He also called on indigenes of Ondo Kingdom and citizens of the state in general to rally round the University through their support for it to continue to remain “the pride of the state and the envy of all”.
In attendance at the formal hand-over of the guest house were the crème-de—la-crème of the society such as former commissioner of finance, Chief Adeduro, High Chiefs of Ondo Kingdom, members of Ondo Club 75, and principal officers of the University.
E-signed
Isaac Oluyi
PRO,UNIMED
7th December, 2024
