Minister Momoh Receives UNIBEN Trust Development Fund Delegation, Reaffirms Support for Institutional Growth
The Honourable Minister of Regional Development, Engr. Abubakar Momoh, has reaffirmed his commitment to initiatives that promote educational advancement, institutional sustainability, and long-term national development, as he received a delegation from the University of Benin Trust Development Fund (UNIBEN-TDF) in Abuja.
The delegation was led by the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the University of Benin Trust Development Fund, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, and included the Vice Chancellor of the University of Benin, Prof. Edoba Bright Omoregie, SAN, the President of the University of Benin Alumni Association Worldwide, Emmanuel Olakunle Oriazuwa, Esq, and Dr. Loretta Oduware Ogboro-Okor, Director-General of the Edo State Diaspora Agency.
During the meeting, the delegation briefed the Minister on the level of progress recorded so far in the ongoing mobilisation drive for the Trust Development Fund, an initiative designed to provide a sustainable, long-term financial platform for the growth and global competitiveness of the University of Benin.
They disclosed that their engagement efforts began in Lagos, where they met with notable alumni and supporters, including former Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola, Mr. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, Chief Luke Hakem Bello-Osagie, and Senator Daisy Danjuma, among others.
The team noted that their visit to the Minister marked their first point of call in Abuja, given his strong relationship with the University of Benin as a distinguished alumnus and his strategic role in public service.
The delegation also expressed appreciation to the Minister for facilitating the installation of solar-powered street lights across the University of Benin campus, an intervention they said has significantly improved the outlook, safety, and nighttime visibility of the institution, making the campus a sight to behold after dark.
In their remarks, the delegation solicited the Minister’s continued support for the Trust Development Fund through institutional collaboration, stakeholder engagement, and the strength of his personal network, as the university seeks to expand its support base beyond conventional funding channels.
Responding, Engr. Abubakar Momoh commended the vision behind the Trust Development Fund and described the initiative as a strategic and forward-looking platform for strengthening the university’s future. He reaffirmed his support for efforts aimed at deepening partnerships, mobilising alumni, and advancing the long-term development goals of the institution.
The delegation further informed the Minister that the official launch of the University of Benin Trust Development Fund is slated for June, a milestone expected to further galvanise support from alumni, corporate organisations, and friends of the institution in Nigeria and beyond.
The meeting underscored the importance of strategic collaboration between alumni, institutional leadership, and national stakeholders in building a stronger, more resilient, and globally competitive University of Benin.
