AKINWALE ABOLUWADE
A delegation from the University of Ibadan, led by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Kayode Adebowale, has appealed to the family of the late Otunba Subomi Balogun, a foremost banker and philanthropist, to initiate an endowment in the name of the Balogun family.
Adebowale made the call during a recent visit by the delegation on behalf of the university’s Council, Senate, Congregation, staff and students to the family estate of the deceased in Ijebu- Ode, Ogun State.
He invited the family to be part of the university’s 75th anniversary in November, recalling that Otunba Subomi Balogun touched many lives in the institution.
“This explains why his name has been immortalised on the university campus and why he was given the Honorary degree of LL.D in 1989,” the VC said.
He expressed the hope that the University of Ibadan and the Balogun family would continue the relationship even after the death of their patriarch.
Jide, a son to the deceased, said on behalf of the family that his father’s relationship with the institution dated back to as long as he could remember.
According to him, the immediate family is privileged to have had a father like the late Otunba Subomi Balogun who was very generous. He disclosed that many people had come to eulogize the deceased for his generosity after his demise.
The younger Balogun assured the delegation that the family would meet with the university to look at the common areas to grow their patriarch’s philanthropy.
The Provost of the College of Medicine, Prof. Olayinka Omigbodun, prayed for the repose of the soul of the deceased and the fortitude for the family to bear the loss.
Omigbodun also prayed for the success of the burial of the deceased.
The delegation was received by the widow of the deceased, Olori Abimbola Balogun; and three of the sons, namely Jide, Ladi and Gboyega.
On the delegation were the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Admin.) Prof. E.O Ayoola; Registrar, Ganiyu Oke Saliu; Bursar, Adewuyi Popoola, represented by S. O. Olojede; Provost, College of Medicine, Prof. Olayinka Omigbodun; Deputy Provost, College of Medicine, Prof. Fatai Adeniyi; Deputy Registrar, Office of the VC, Morenike Afolabi; Deputy Registrar, Council Secretariat, Francisca Ayodele; Deputy Registrar/Secretary to the College of Medicine, E. O. Odedele; and Principal Assistant Registrar, Directorate of Public Communication, Mrs. Adejoke Akinpelu.
Among others, the late Otunba Subomi Balogun donated N80million ‘Friends of Subomi Balogun Fund,’ raised on his 80th birthday to the university and; supported the physically challenged residents of the Queen Elizabeth II Hall, UI with a new 18-seater-bus.
He also donated the Otunba Tunwase National Paedriatric Hospital to the University of Ibadan.
