Nigerian First Lady Oluremi Tinubu commissions Dream Centre at OAU + Photos

*Nigerian First Lady (Senator) Oluremi Tinubu, CON, commissions the Senator Oluremi Tinubu Dream Centre at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile‑Ife, a development facility established to inspire youths to pursue their dreams with purpose and patience in life

Gbenga Kayode | ConsumerConnect

Nigerian First Lady (Senator) Oluremi Tinubu, CON, Thursday, January 29, 2026, commissioned the Senator Oluremi Tinubu Dream Centre at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile‑Ife.

First Lady Tinubu was joined at the event by Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, the Ooni of Ife, wives of some States Governors, Dr. Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE, Director-General, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Prof. Adebayo Simeon Bamire, Vice-Chancellor (VC) of OAU, Royal Fathers, University officials, and students to inaugurate the facility.

First Lady (Senator) Oluremi Tinubu (middle, 3rd row) in a group photograph with some dignitaries at the commissioning of the Dream Centre at OAU, Ile-Ife

ConsumerConnect reports the newly-completed and commissioned Senator Oluremi Tinubu Dream Centre at the University was established to inspire young people to pursue their dreams with purpose and patience.

NITDA disclosed the event held on the University campus Thursday, marked the formal handing over of the Centre built to motivate students through storytelling, mentorship and reflection, and support their development to the OAU authorities.

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Speaking on the occasion, Senator Tinubu expressed delight that her life story, shaped by faith, service and determination, had been preserved within a space intentionally created to strengthen the confidence of young Nigerians.

She also affirmed that the centre was established to remind students to not covet the dreams of others but to walk patiently with their own, upholding that the journey towards sustainable achievement requires discipline and consistency.

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First Lady Tinubu, warmly received by the University students, emphasised that the Dream Centre was established for both young men and women, reflecting her belief that every young person deserves equal encouragement to aspire and grow.

She explained that the newly-commissioned Centre houses inspirational books, including her four‑part work entitled: The Journey of Grace, written to show how God’s guidance shaped her path and to offer students a resource for motivation and direction.

The First Lady further recalled that she had originally proposed a modest pavilion, but later renamed and expanded the vision into the Dream Centre because she wanted something that would outlive her, and serve as a lasting legacy for students.

She further expressed delight that the Centre had finally become a reality, especially in a University fondly called “Great Ife” by the students and friends of the prestigious institution, renowned for producing influential personalities across the Nigeria and beyond.

Ooni of Ife: Dream Centre symbolises ‘perseverance, collective commitment to supporting young Nigerians’

In his remarks at the event, the Ooni of Ife recalled the history of the project.

The Royal Father explained that the idea originated in 2019, when he approached Prof. Eyitope Ogunbodede, a former Vice-Chancellor, and Dr. Akio Adijuwa, to request a space within the University campus to honour Senator Oluremi Tinubu.

According to Oba Ogunwusi, the University Senate initially, dropped the proposal due to its tradition of reserving such recognition for the institution’s founding fathers.

The monarch said that after long deliberations, the University’s authorities eventually granted approval for a three‑kilometre road to be named “Senator Oluremi Tinubu Way”, marking a significant breakthrough that set the stage for the creation of the Dream Centre.

The project, however, experienced delays during the disruptive COVID‑19 pandemic, in 2020, before being revived when Senator Tinubu became the Nigerian First Lady—a development the monarch described as divine timing.

The Ooni of Ife applauded “Mama” (First Lady Tinubu), as he fondly addresses her, describing Senator Tinubu as a woman whose endeavours flourish and whose service to the West African country continues to inspire millions.

He further said: “The Dream Centre was not built for girls alone but for all students.” Oba Ogunwusi as well reiterated the importance of equal opportunity and shared access to mentorship.

Expressing satisfaction that the project has finally come to fruition despite earlier resistance, the monarch noted that the Dream Centre symbolises “perseverance, recognition, and collective commitment to supporting young Nigerians.”

Facility signifies value of resilience, leadership and vision for Nigerian youths, says NITDA Chief

Speaking on the occasion also, Dr. Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE, Director-General of NITDA, remarked the Senator Oluremi Tinubu Dream Centre at OAU serves as a place where storytelling, learning and reflection converge to help the students to understand the value of resilience, leadership and vision.

Inuwa emphasised that the Dream Centre allows young people to engage with Senator Tinubu’s life story in a structured environment, designed to motivate them, and reinforce the belief that dreams can be achieved through a steady effort.

He equally highlighted the significance of providing young people with spaces that encourage them to visualise their goals clearly, and to grow through guidance grounded in real-life experiences.

The Director-General of the Information Technology (IT) sector regulatory agency described the Dream Centre as a “space where students can explore narratives that challenge them to develop patience, strength and confidence in their capabilities.”

VC: Dream Centre aligns OAU’s commitment to nurturing leaders, innovators and dreamers

Earlier in his welcome address to the event, Prof. Bamire, Vice-Chancellor of the University, had described the commissioning of the development facility as a milestone for the institution.

Bamire also observed that the Dream Centre stands beside a students’ hostel as a space dedicated to inspiring the young Nigerians to dream higher and achieve excellence in life.

“This Centre is part of broader interventions that support academic and community life on campus,” stated he.

According to him, the Centre will continue to serve as a source of motivation, creativity and mentorship for students, ensuring that the life and story of Senator Oluremi Tinubu remain accessible for generations.

The Vice-Chancellor said the project aligned with the University’s commitment to nurturing leaders, innovators, and dreamers whose aspirations can shape the country.

He also restated that the Dream Centre was designed to help students to embrace storytelling as a tool for inspiration, reminding them that progress often requires resilience and a willingness to learn from those who have walked the path before.

Prof. Bamire said the establishment of the Centre as well reflected the University’s dedication to providing students with resources that strengthen their academic, moral and emotional growth.

The Vice-Chancellor, therefore, described Dream Centre as a “gift for the future—a place where dreams can take shape.”

Shedding more light on the birth of the Dream Centre, NITDA disclosed the Ooni of Ife conceptualised and donated the Senator Oluremi Tinubu Dream Centre building to Obafemi Awolowo University while the regulatory agency supplied the IT‑enabled devices used in the facility, demonstrating the combined commitment that brought the Centre to life.

As the event climaxed, various stakeholders were led to tour the development facility, exploring the materials available, and reflecting on the messages shared during the commissioning, noted the agency.

Their excitement reflected the belief that the Dream Centre had arrived at a critical moment in the students’ academic journey.

Guests were left with the impression that the Senator Oluremi Tinubu Dream Centre would remain an enduring reminder, that dreams become possible when commitment meets opportunity, and when institutions invest in the minds and aspirations of young people.

The commissioning ended with the shared conviction that the Centre represents not just a structure, but a vision realised—one that will influence how students think, grow and pursue excellence for years to come.