Ogun State Deputy Governor, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, has inaugurated the Rotary Peace Institute at Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago-Iwoye, describing the facility as a major investment in peacebuilding, leadership development and conflict resolution.
The institute, established by Rotary International District 9111 under its “Service Above Self” motto, is designed to promote peace, dialogue, mediation and civic education through academic and community engagement.
Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, Salako-Oyedele said the institute would strengthen Olabisi Onabanjo University’s capacity to provide practical solutions to societal challenges beyond its conventional academic responsibilities.
According to her, the establishment of the institute is a significant contribution to Ogun State’s educational sector and would position the university as a centre for dialogue, conflict prevention, mediation and community development.
“With the Rotary Peace Institute, Olabisi Onabanjo University now has another significant facility that can support dialogue, conflict prevention, mediation, civic education and community development, thereby expanding its frontiers beyond conventional teaching to leadership development,” she said.
The deputy governor commended Rotary International District 9111 for complementing government’s efforts through projects that directly impact the lives of the people.
She noted that Rotary has consistently partnered with the Ogun State Government in key sectors, including healthcare delivery, community empowerment and peacebuilding, describing the organisation’s interventions as people-oriented and driven by genuine service.
Salako-Oyedele observed that the institute was particularly important for Ogun State, given its strategic position as Nigeria’s Gateway State, a border state and one of the country’s foremost industrial hubs.
She urged graduates of Cohorts Three and Four of the institute’s maiden training programme to put the knowledge acquired into practical use by serving as ambassadors of peace, dialogue and constructive conflict resolution within their respective communities.
The deputy governor assured Rotary of the state government’s readiness to continue supporting partnerships that promote quality education, peaceful coexistence, improved healthcare and sustainable development.
Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor of Olabisi Onabanjo University, Prof. Ayodeji Agboola, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Abosede Oderinde, expressed appreciation to Rotary District 9111 for donating the institute and committing to the payment of monthly honoraria for its tutors.
She described the intervention as a remarkable act of educational philanthropy that would help produce a new generation of professionals equipped with the skills required for conflict prevention, mediation and peacebuilding.
Oderinde assured the organisation that the university would ensure the facility is properly maintained and utilised for the purpose for which it was established.
In his remarks, the District Governor of Rotary International District 9111, Prince Henry Akinyele, said the institute was conceived by past district governors to promote peace through education and equip participants with practical skills in mediation, dialogue, community engagement and conflict prevention.
He reaffirmed Rotary’s commitment to humanitarian service, educational development and initiatives that foster peaceful coexistence within society.
The event featured the official commissioning of the Peace Institute building, presentation of certificates to participants of the institute’s first three-month peace training programme, and the conferment of an award on the Deputy Governor in recognition of her support for Rotary’s humanitarian and developmental initiatives.
