Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Wednesday inaugurated a state-of-the-art multi-purpose auditorium at the Epe campus of Lagos State University (LASU), donated by former Secretary to the State Government (SSG) and Executive Vice Chairman of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), Mr. Olatunji Bello.
The facility, christened Olatunji Bello Auditorium, is a 500-seater hall located within the Faculty of Environmental Sciences. More than just a gift, the structure represents a personal vision born of sacrifice and commitment to education.
Bello disclosed that the idea was conceived in 2021 as part of his 60th birthday. Rather than hosting a lavish celebration, he rallied friends, family, and well-wishers to contribute to what he described as “a seed in the vineyard of knowledge.”
“I asked those who were planning to buy me gifts to monetise them for this project,” he revealed. “At a point, a friend wanted to surprise me with a brand-new SUV, but I requested that the funds be redirected to the auditorium.”
Bello recounted how the prolonged construction was threatened by inflation and the depreciation of the naira, but he pressed on — even selling his property in Magodo in late 2023 to ensure the project was not abandoned.
“When God gives a vision, He provides the means — sometimes through ideas and sacrifices,” he said, drawing loud applause from the audience
In his remarks, Governor Sanwo-Olu hailed the gesture as a model of visionary philanthropy and a reinforcement of Lagos’ culture of giving back.
“This iconic edifice, generously donated by one of our illustrious sons, stands as a testament to vision, commitment, and the enduring value of selfless service,” the governor declared.
Sanwo-Olu noted that the donation aligns with his administration’s THEMES+ Agenda, particularly its commitment to education, which he described as “the backbone of development and global competitiveness.”
“Our goal is to ensure LASU remains a centre of excellence producing graduates who can compete anywhere in the world,” he said.
LASU Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello — who is also the donor’s wife — expressed gratitude, emphasising the importance of the hall to the fast-growing Epe campus.
“This facility will ease infrastructural pressure while supporting academic, administrative, and social functions,” she noted.
Bello reminded the audience that his passion for education was not new. In 2011, during his 50th birthday, he established a scholarship scheme across five disciplines — Law, Mass Communication, Social Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine — targeted at brilliant but indigent students of Lagos origin.
He also drew inspiration from his late father, Alhaji Azeez Olatunji Bello, whom he described as “a man who always gave back,” as well as mentors like the late Bashorun MKO Abiola and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, both of whom made landmark contributions to LASU.
To ensure longevity, Bello announced that the auditorium would enjoy one year of private facility management before LASU assumes full responsibility. He also introduced free Wi-Fi, courtesy of VDT Communications, as part of the package.
Calling on more Nigerians to invest in the nation’s tertiary institutions, Bello stressed:
“Government alone cannot fund education. This is my humble way of bridging the gap.”r,,
He concluded with a famous Benjamin Franklin quote: “An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.”
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