The usually quiet sports arena of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, came alive on Thursday as engines roared softly and rows of brand-new vehicles gleamed under the afternoon sun. At the centre of the gathering was Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, who officially unveiled 50 compressed natural gas (CNG) buses and 30 tricycles donated to the university to ease transportation difficulties faced daily by students and staff.
With the formal inauguration of the vehicles, the First Lady declared them ready for immediate use, describing mobility as a critical part of a conducive learning environment. The event drew a rich blend of royalty, political leaders and dignitaries from across the South-West and beyond. Leading the traditional presence was the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, whose arrival underscored the cultural significance of the occasion.
Also present were the Osun State First Lady, Titilayo Adeleke; Kafayat Oyetola, wife of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy; and several wives of state governors, who joined in celebrating the initiative. Traditional rulers, including the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Olaoye, and the Ajero of Ijero-Ekiti, Oba Joseph Adewole, added royal colour to the ceremony, while Osun APC governorship candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, was also among the guests.
The donation is expected to significantly reduce transportation stress within the sprawling university community, while also promoting cleaner energy through the use of CNG-powered buses. As the vehicles rolled out for display, applause followed — not just for new means of transport, but for a gesture many students hope will translate into safer, cheaper and more reliable movement across campus.
