By Mustafa Abubakar
The GLOCALISE Gown, Town and Crown (GTC) Initiative of the University of Ilorin, under the auspices of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), has paid a working visit to the leadership of Omo Ibile Igbomina to explore areas of renewed collaboration and partnership.
The delegation, led by Prof. Nafisat A. Adedokun-Shittu of the Department of Educational Technology, University of Ilorin, explained that the visit was to congratulate the newly inaugurated President of Omo Ibile Igbomina, Sir Bisi Fakayode, and his executive team, as well as to formally solicit the organisation’s continued support for the second phase of the UNESCO–GLOCALISE GTC project.
Prof. Adedokun-Shittu recalled the productive collaboration recorded during the first phase of the project, noting that the leadership of Omo Ibile Igbomina played a crucial role in mobilising both human and material resources for the project, which significantly contributed to its success.
She added that the impressive outcome of the initial phase had facilitated the speedy approval and take-off of the next phase, hence the need to strengthen and renew the existing partnership.
In his response, Sir Fakayode, who welcomed the delegation, described the visit as timely and symbolic, being one of the first official engagements since the inauguration of his administration.
He expressed appreciation for the confidence reposed in Omo Ibile Igbomina and reaffirmed the organisation’s readiness to sustain and deepen collaboration with the University of Ilorin GLOCALISE Gown, Town and Crown initiative for the socio-cultural and developmental advancement of Igbomina land and its people.
He assured the team of the unreserved support of Omo Ibile Igbomina in all programmes and activities that align with community development, cultural preservation, and sustainable partnerships between the University, host communities, and traditional institutions.
Present during the visit were members of the UNESCO–GLOCALISE GTC delegation: Mr Taiye Odedeji, UNESCO Desk Officer; Pastor Kayode Alabi, Mrs Bukola M. Akinola, Mrs Aminat I. Babatunde, and Mr Taiye Afolayan, as well as the Assistant Secretary of Omo Ibile Igbomina, Mr Joel O. Afolayan.
