The Wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has commissioned the Senator Oluremi Tinubu Dream Centre at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, unveiling a purpose-built facility aimed at motivating young Nigerians to pursue their ambitions with patience, discipline and clarity of purpose.
The commissioning ceremony, held on the university campus, attracted a distinguished gathering that included 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, CCIE; the Vice Chancellor of OAU, Prof. Adebayo Simeon Bamire; royal fathers, university officials and students.
Designed as a space for storytelling, mentorship and reflection, the Dream Centre was formally handed over to the university as a hub where students can draw inspiration from real-life experiences and values that encourage resilience and long-term personal growth.
Speaking at the event, Senator Tinubu said the centre was created to help young people believe in their own journeys rather than compare themselves with others. She noted that success is often the result of consistency, discipline and faith, stressing that the Dream Centre was established to reinforce these values among students.
She explained that the facility is open to both male and female students, reflecting her conviction that every young person deserves equal encouragement to aspire and grow. The centre houses inspirational resources, including her four-part book series, The Journey of Grace, which documents how faith and service shaped her life and is intended to guide and motivate students.
The First Lady revealed that the project began as a modest idea but evolved into a more ambitious vision after she decided to create a legacy that would endure beyond her lifetime. She expressed joy that the centre had become a reality in an institution known for producing influential leaders across Nigeria.
In his remarks, the Ooni of Ife traced the origins of the Dream Centre to 2019, recalling how the idea initially faced resistance within the university due to longstanding traditions. He noted that approval for a road named Senator Oluremi Tinubu Waymarked a turning point, eventually paving the way for the centre. Delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic were later overcome, a development the monarch described as timely and symbolic.
He praised Senator Tinubu’s service and perseverance, describing the Dream Centre as a symbol of resilience and collective commitment to nurturing young Nigerians. He emphasised that the facility was created for all students, reinforcing the message of inclusivity and shared opportunity.
NITDA Director General Kashifu Inuwa described the centre as a space where learning and reflection intersect, enabling students to engage with narratives that promote leadership, vision and perseverance. He said the Dream Centre encourages young people to clearly visualise their goals and build confidence through exposure to real-life stories of achievement.
Vice Chancellor Prof. Bamire described the commissioning as a major milestone for OAU, noting that the centre complements existing campus facilities by providing a dedicated environment for inspiration and mentorship. According to him, the initiative aligns with the university’s mission to nurture leaders and innovators capable of shaping the nation’s future.
The Dream Centre was conceptualised and donated by the Ooni of Ife, while NITDA provided the IT-enabled infrastructure within the facility, highlighting a collaborative effort behind the project.
Guests were later taken on a tour of the centre, exploring its resources and reflecting on its message. Many left with the impression that the Senator Oluremi Tinubu Dream Centre represents more than a building, it is a lasting vision designed to shape minds, inspire confidence and encourage students to pursue excellence with purpose.