By Segun Olatunji
Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro (FPI), now Federal University of Technology (FUTI), Dr. M.A. Akinde says embracing education up to the highest level is a major way through which youths in Yewaland can demonstrate support for the development efforts of the Senator representing Ogun West Senatorial District, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola.
According to him, the only way the development efforts of the lawmaker popularly called Senator Yayi will be properly appreciated is when the youths in Yewaland develop great interest in education, and take their studies seriously.
The Ilaro Poly Rector stated this while fielding questions from the members of the League of Yewa-Awori Media Practitioners (LOYAMP), on Saturday, November 15, 2025, during the Grand Finale of 2025 Oronna Ilaro Festival.
Dr Akinde, who cited two recently completed projects by Senator Adeola Yayi in Ilaro as examples, expressed optimism that the only way the projects could stand the test of time is when the youths effectively embrace education and shun ignorance.
The projects, according to him include upgrading Federal Polytechnic Ilaro to Federal University of Technology, Ilaro, by the efforts of Senator Adeola Yayi, who also gave a popular club in Ilaro – Recreation Club, Ilaro, an ultra-modern clubhouse with state-of-the-art facilities, which was inaugurated by the Deputy Senate President, Senator Jibrin Barau, during the Grand Finale.
He said, “Education nowadays needs more dedication and the youths must embrace it.
“If the youths neglect being educated, people from other places would flood the newly upgraded university.
“So, the youths must be part of the progressive development in order to let the University stand very well.”
According to Dr. Akinde, he became what he is today because of education, adding, “I did my secondary schooling here in Ilaro, not knowing I would eventually become the Rector of Ilaro Polytechnic.
“This is possible because I took education very seriously. I have seen the gains of education, so I advise our youths to do likewise.”
Speaking on Oronna Ilaro Festival, Dr Akinde said the event had become yearly historical celebrations for the people of Ilaro in Yewa South Local Government Area of Ogun State, describing it as joyful for everybody and which brings people from near and far together on the day of festivities.
He called on sons and daughters of Ilaro to always look forward to the festival, cooperate, support and make meaningful contributions towards the festival.
Dr Akinde added that the yearly festival is to showcase the cultural heritage of Ilaro community, adding that government can make use of it in their tourism programme of activities and also to jack up their revenue generation.
“Oronna Ilaro Festival celebration has been in global world comes every November of the year”, Dr Akinde said.
The FPI Rector commended Senator Olamilekan Adeola (Yayi) for giving the Recreation Club, Ilaro, a beautiful facelift, with modern facilities, the gesture that has given thousands of cheers to Senator Adeola Yayi for making history that can never be forgotten in the life span of the organisation.
