No fewer than 55 students sponsored by Rotary International District 9111 have just graduated from Peace Building, Conflict Prevention and Security Studies in Olabisi Onabanjo University in Ago-Iwoye, Ogun state.
History was made on Friday, May 23, 2025, as the program which is an initiative of pioneer DG Oluwole Kukoyi is the first of its kind in the district.
The graduating students include cohort 1 and cohort 2. Cohort 1 with 19 graduates commenced lectures immediately after the opening ceremony on the December 13, 2024, rounded up on March 1, 2025, while Cohort 2 with 36 graduates rounded up on April 2, 2025.
The District Governor, Rotary International District 9111, Dr Oluwole Kukoyi in his address revealed that peace program is one of the prestigious programs of Rotary International aimed at fostering peace globally.
Speaking further, he stated that “security studies cannot be overemphasized” owing to the fact that Nigeria is a country where we are burdened with a lot of security issues both at the community level and national level.
The DG specially appreciated Rtn Chief (Dr) Olusegun Osunkeye, CON, for sponsoring all Cohort 1 graduates; Past District Governor Omotunde Lawson (FCAI) for sponsoring part of the Cohort 2 graduates and the management of his hospital, Ace Medicare for their support.
As his parting words, he encouraged the graduates to continue to foster peace and understanding in their various communities while appreciating the university authority for their role in shaping the students and essentially the Vice Chancellor, Prof Ayodeji Agboola for believing in the capacity of Rotary to organize the program.
The VC on his part, congratulated the graduates while disclosing that they have been trained in such a way that they can successfully settle disputes without necessarily involving the police.
The District Governor Elect, (Prince) Henry Akinyele who had earlier indicated his desire in building a Rotary Peace Centre within the school premises during his year as District Governor also appealed to the graduates to take the knowledge they have gained to their communities.
He thanked the school management for making the dream of the district a reality and commended the pioneer DG for laying a good foundation and assured him that the legacy he has laid will be continued.
Two of the graduates received Awards of Honour. While Dr (Mrs) Kudirat Adeyemi received Outstanding Endurance Skill Outstanding Leadership Skill Awards, Mr Omojevwe Ogheneruemuse received Outstanding Leadership Skills Award.
The District Governor was accompanied by his spouse, Rev Mrs Olusola Kukoyi and members of the District Governor’s core team.
Also present were Past District Governor Remi Bello, FCA, other members of the Peace Building and Conflict Resolution Committee led by the Chairman, Rtn (Dr) Sewanu Bankole. as well as Irresistible Presidents of Rotary Club of Maryland and Rotary Club of Ijoko.
The Rotarians had earlier paid a courtesy visit to the VC before the commencement of the graduation ceremony.
Professor Bamidele Ilo, the Director of OOU Business School and other management staff of the university were also present.
