The power of perseverance, purpose and patient dreaming took physical form on Thursday at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, as the Wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, formally commissioned the Senator Oluremi Tinubu Dream Centre, an initiative designed to inspire students through storytelling, mentorship and reflection.
The commissioning ceremony drew an array of 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; the Vice Chancellor of the university, Professor Adebayo Simeon Bamire; royal fathers, university officials and students.
The event marked the formal handover of the facility, conceived as a space to motivate young people to pursue their aspirations with discipline, patience and clarity of purpose. Beyond its physical presence, the centre captures why it was built, who it was built for, and how it is expected to shape students’ personal and intellectual development.
Expressing delight at the unveiling, Senator Tinubu said she was deeply honoured 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 explained that the centre was established to remind students not to covet the dreams of others, but to walk patiently with their own, stressing that achievement is rooted in consistency and discipline.
Warmly received by the students, the First Lady emphasised that the Dream Centre was created for both boys and girls, reflecting her belief that every young person deserves equal encouragement to aspire and grow.
She further explained that the centre houses inspirational books, including her four-part work, The Journey of Grace, written to illustrate how God’s guidance shaped her path and to offer students a resource for motivation and direction.
Recalling the evolution of the project, Senator Tinubu noted that she initially proposed a modest pavilion, but later expanded the vision and renamed it the Dream Centre because she wanted something that would outlive her and serve as a lasting legacy for students.
She expressed joy that the centre had finally become a reality, particularly in a university renowned for producing influential figures across the nation.
In his remarks, the Ooni of Ife traced the history of the project to 2019, when he approached the then Vice Chancellor, Professor Ogumbore, and Dr. Akio Adijuwa, seeking a space within the university to honour Senator Tinubu.
He explained that the university senate initially resisted the idea, citing its tradition of reserving such recognition for founding fathers.
According to the monarch, approval was eventually granted for a three-kilometre road to be named Senator Oluremi Tinubu Way, a breakthrough he said paved the way for the Dream Centre.
He noted that the project suffered delays during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, before being revived when Senator Tinubu became First Lady—a development he described as divine timing.
He praised “Mama,” as he fondly called her, describing her as a woman whose endeavours flourish and whose service to the nation continues to inspire. Reiterating inclusiveness, he said, “The Dream Centre was not built for girls alone but for all students.”
While expressing satisfaction that the project had finally come to fruition despite early resistance, the monarch described the centre as a symbol of “perseverance, recognition and collective commitment to supporting young Nigerians.”
Also speaking, NITDA Director General, Kashifu Inuwa, said the Dream Centre provides a structured environment where storytelling, learning and reflection converge to help students understand the value of resilience, leadership and vision.
He noted that the facility allows young people to engage meaningfully with Senator Tinubu’s life story, reinforcing the belief that dreams are achievable through steady effort.
Highlighting the importance of such spaces, Inuwa described the centre as “a space where students can explore narratives that challenge them to develop patience, strength and confidence in their capabilities.”
In his welcome address, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Bamire, described the commissioning as a milestone for the institution, noting that the Dream Centre stands alongside student hostels as a dedicated space for inspiration and excellence.
“This centre is part of broader interventions that support academic and community life on campus,” he said.
According to him, the facility will serve as a lasting source of motivation, creativity and mentorship, ensuring that the life and story of Senator Oluremi Tinubu remain accessible to future generations.
He added that the project aligns with the university’s commitment to nurturing leaders, innovators and dreamers capable of shaping the nation.
He further described the centre as a “gift for the future—a place where dreams can take shape,” noting that its establishment reflects the university’s dedication to strengthening students’ academic, moral and emotional growth.
The Oluremi Tinubu Dream Centre was conceptualised and donated to the university by the Ooni of Ife, while NITDA supplied the IT-enabled devices installed in the facility, demonstrating the collaborative effort behind its realisation.
As the ceremony climaxed, guests toured the facility, exploring its resources and reflecting on the messages shared during the commissioning. Their excitement underscored a shared belief that the Dream Centre had arrived at a defining moment in the academic journey of many students.
The event concluded with a collective conviction that the Senator Oluremi Tinubu Dream Centre represents more than a structure, it embodies a vision realised, one poised to influence how students think, grow and pursue excellence for years to come.
