Campus News

Unilorin Drivers’ Welfare Association honours retirees

The University of Ilorin Drivers’ Welfare Association has organised a send-off ceremony in honour of its retired members for their years of dedicated service to the University.

The event took place penultimate Saturday (January 11, 2025) at the Pensioners Office, Unilorin Mini Campus.

The retired staff included the immediate past Chairman of the Association, Mr Fatai Salawu, Mr Joseph Sasere; Mr Oyeyemi Tunji, Mr Ndazungi Ibrahim, Mr Afolabi Sunday, Mr Olatunji Yisa, Mr Tunde Bakare, Mr Arewa Augustine, Mr Tunde Yusuf, Mr Murtala Bakare, Mr Tunde AbdulRahman, Mr Ganiyu Ayinla, Mr Isiaka Ishola, and Mr Adebisi Bello.

In his remarks, the Director of Works, Mr Rahman Amao, congratulated the retirees and expressed gratitude for their contributions to the University.

Mr Amao, who was represented by Engr Zulu Bolajoko from the Civil Engineering Department, assured the retirees that they were “retired, not tired.”

He commended the drivers for their professionalism, likening them to “professors in their field,” and urged them to uphold good character and integrity wherever they go.

 The Director further encouraged continuous self-improvement, emphasising the need for education and skill upgrades to adapt to the changing world.

Also speaking at the event, the Director of Unilorin Health Services, Dr Rasheed Odunola, provided valuable health advice to the retirees.

He stressed the importance of regular exercise, balanced diets, and sufficient sleep to maintain good health.

Dr Odunola also advised against habits such as alcohol consumption, smoking, and drug use, noting their detrimental effects on the lungs and brain.

He encouraged the retirees to foster social connections to avoid loneliness, which he described as a silent killer.

In his welcome address, the Chairman of the Drivers’ Welfare Association, Mr Afolabi Samuel, congratulated the retirees on their selfless service to the University and appealed to the Management to recruit more drivers to meet the growing demands of the institution.

He appreciated the University Management for their unwavering supports to the drivers.

On his part, a former Director of Works, Mr A. M. Abisoye, while addressing the gathering, urged the retirees to remain active and grateful.

 He advised them to embrace new opportunities and avoid the pitfalls of withdrawal syndrome often associated with retirement.

Sharing his experience, a former Senior Driver, Mr Ebenezer Solanke, who retired in 2005, encouraged the drivers to approach retirement with courage and optimism.

 He urged his colleagues to remain patient and resilient.