First Lady Commissions Oluremi Tinubu Dream Centre at OAU
The Wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on Thursday commissioned the Senator Oluremi Tinubu Dream Centre at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State, describing the facility as a platform designed to inspire young Nigerians to pursue their dreams with purpose, patience and discipline.
The commissioning ceremony, held on the university campus, attracted dignitaries including the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi; wives of some state governors; the Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa, CCIE; the Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Adebayo Simeon Bamire; royal fathers, university officials and students.
The event marked the formal handover of the centre, which was created to motivate students through storytelling, mentorship and reflection, with a focus on nurturing confidence, resilience and vision among young people.
Speaking at the ceremony, Senator Tinubu expressed delight that her life story—shaped by faith, service and determination—had been preserved in a space intentionally created to strengthen the confidence of young Nigerians. She noted that the Dream Centre was established to remind students to walk patiently with their own dreams rather than covet those of others, stressing that achievement requires consistency, discipline and perseverance.
Warmly received by students, the First Lady emphasised that the centre was built for both boys and girls, reflecting her belief in equal encouragement and opportunity for all young people. She explained that the facility houses inspirational books, including her four-part work, The Journey of Grace, which documents how divine guidance shaped her life and serves as a resource for students seeking motivation and direction.
Senator Tinubu recalled that the project began as a proposal for a modest pavilion but later evolved into the Dream Centre after she decided to create something that would outlive her and serve as a lasting legacy for students. She expressed joy that the vision had become a reality, particularly in a university renowned for producing influential personalities across the country.
In his remarks, the Ooni of Ife traced the history of the project to 2019, when he approached the then Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ogumbore, and Dr. Akio Adijuwa to request a space within the university to honour Senator Tinubu. He explained that the university senate initially resisted the idea due to its tradition of reserving such recognition for founding fathers, but approval was later granted for a three-kilometre road to be named Senator Oluremi Tinubu Way.
According to the monarch, the project suffered delays during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 but was revived when Senator Tinubu became First Lady, a development he described as divine timing. He praised the First Lady—whom he fondly called “Mama”—as a woman whose service and achievements continue to inspire the nation, noting that the Dream Centre symbolises perseverance, recognition and collective commitment to supporting young Nigerians.
Also speaking, NITDA Director-General Kashifu Inuwa said the Dream Centre provides a space where storytelling, learning and reflection converge to help students appreciate the values of resilience, leadership and vision. He noted that the centre allows students to engage with the First Lady’s life story in a structured environment that reinforces the belief that dreams can be achieved through steady effort, patience and confidence.
In his welcome address, Vice Chancellor Prof. Bamire described the commissioning as a milestone for the institution, noting that the centre complements existing facilities by offering a dedicated space for inspiration, creativity and mentorship. He said the project aligns with the university’s commitment to nurturing leaders and innovators whose aspirations can shape the nation.
The vice chancellor added that the Dream Centre reflects the university’s dedication to strengthening students’ academic, moral and emotional growth, describing it as a gift for the future and a place where dreams can take shape.
The Oluremi Tinubu Dream Centre was conceptualised and donated to the university by the Ooni of Ife, while NITDA provided the IT-enabled devices installed in the facility, underscoring the collaborative effort behind the project.
The ceremony ended with a guided tour of the centre by stakeholders and guests, many of whom expressed optimism that the facility would play a critical role in inspiring students. The consensus was that the Dream Centre represents not just a building, but a realised vision that will influence how students think, grow and pursue excellence for generations to come.
