…We’II give you all the needed support to succeed – Timi of Ede assures new rector
The new substantive rector of the Federal Polytechnic Ede, Osun State, Dr. Sanni ManYahaya has been on Tuesday unveiled to the polytechnic community.
This followed the announcement of approval of his appointment as the 6th sustantive rector of the polytechnic by President Muhammadu Buhari in December.
At the unveiling on the campus of the institution were the chairman, governing council of the polytechnic, Air Cmdr. (rtd) Emmanuel Jekada, other members of council, the former acting rector, Dr. Joseph Olawole Petinrin.
Others were members of management committee and members of staff of the institution, a powerful delegation of the Etsu of Nupe from Niger State, the wife, children and associates of the new rector among others.
In his speech, Dr. ManYahaya who described the Federal Polytechnic, Ede as a reputable institution sought the support of members of staff to jointly move it to higher pedestal.
He assured the polytechnic community of good performance from his leadership just as he promised to work with and for members of staff and not against them if given the chance.
The unveiling was climaxed at the palace of Timi of Ede, Oba Munirudeen Adesola Lawal where the chairman of council handed the new rector over to the traditional ruler to seek royal blessing, support and advice.
Speaking at the palace, Air Cmdr. Jekada expressed conviction that the monarch would extend the support and cooperation that council have been enjoying to the new rector.
He said “I have told him (Dr. ManYahaya) that without you he cannot succeed. We’re lucky that you know much about polytechnic administration and you have helped us tremendously, it is through your support and prayers that we have been where we are today. I hope the support you have been given to me as the chairman of council will be extended to him.
“Whenever we need the words of wisdom, we shall come to you. I believe the rector will bring success, progress and take the polytechnic to higher height.”
Jekada assured the monarch that Dr. ManYahaya would strengthen the relationship between the polytechnic and Ede community and allow it to reap dividends of hosting the institution.
Also speaking, Dr. ManYahaya who delivered the greetings and message of the Etsu Nupe to Timi of Ede said his appointment would strengthen the relationship between the two kingdoms.
“This is a marriage between two royal empires. A relationship between Ede kingdom and Bida emirate. Before my appointment, I have been relating with Ede community in Bida as a patron. I never knew I would be appointed to serve here.
“There is an adage in our language that ‘developments are brought into empires through outsiders’ I have come to do just that,” he declared.
Responding, Oba Lawal who described the Federal Polytechnic Ede as a baby of the community, gave the assurance that it would always enjoy full support to thrive.
While thanking the immediate past acting rector, Dr. Petinrin for his contributions to the growth of the polytechnic, the monarch charged him to use his influence as rallying point for other members of staff to accept the new rector.
“He is a new man finding himself in a new ocean, every community has its own culture which may differ because of people in that culture. Let’s give him full support so that the polytechnic can grow.
“The entourage that followed you (ManYahaya) is intimidating, that’s an indication that he’s a good, honest and a man we can vouch for that we are going to benefit from his experience. There will be challenges but with God they will be overcome”, the monarch said.
