The Authorities of Covenant University, Ọta, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta and Trinity University are among 20 tertiary institutions who hlave acknowledged and extolled the inspiring qualities of a book, Echoes of Mercy, writing by a United Kingdom based scholar, Associate Prof. Kayode Ogunjobi.
The Autobiography, Echoes of Mercy, published last year was earlier purchased in large numbers by a notable oil and gas professional, Mr James Makinde who donated copies of the book to the Library of the 20 tertiary institutions in Ogun State.
The book donation is Mr Makinde’s contribution to scholarship and an encouragement of reading culture amongst the youths, underscoring the power of storytelling.
In response to the donation, some tertiary institutions across Ogun State have already acknowledged the thoughtful gesture with commendation.
Covenant University, Ota, in a letter written by it’s Registrar, Mr. Emmanuel K. Igban, expressed the appreciation of the Institution’s Management to the book donor, applauding the book’s spiritual and literary depth.
The Covenant University Registrar said: “We are delighted to receive copies of Echoes of Mercy for our Library. It is an inspiring work that aligns with the vision of Covenant University to raise a new generation of leaders. Our students will benefit greatly from its spiritual depth, moral clarity, and real-life lessons. We commend Mr. James Makinde for this laudable initiative.”
For its part, the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), appreciated the book and said students of the Institution would value the book as a filip to promote reading culture while also furthering the frontiers of knowledge generation.
FUNAAB Librarian, Prof. Owolabi K. Abayomi wrote: “The book will be of great benefit to our various users. This laudable and thoughtful gesture of yours will thus help to advance the frontier’s of knowledge and promote reading culture among our students.”
The Registrar, Trinity University, Mr. David O. Oyejide, also wrote on behalf of the University to acknowledge the significance of Echoes of Mercy.
Mr Oyejide said: “On behalf of the University Management, Staff and Students, I write to appreciate your generous donation of two (2) copies of the autobiography ‘Echoes of Mercy’ authored by your friend and colleague, Associate Professor Kayode Ogunjobi FFAN, to our University Library. The University is thankful for your kindness and commitment to supporting education, scholarship, and human capacity development.”
The Trinity University Registrar further remarked: “I believe the donation of the books ‘Echoes of Mercy’ will undoubtedly enrich our library collection and benefit our staff and students as a source of inspiration and hope for living. Please, be assured that the donated books will be properly catalogued and made available for use of the University Community. Please, accept the best regards of our Vice-Chancellor, Prof. C. O. O. Kolawole, PhD, MNAE, FIE, FCLMI”.
The author of the book, Associate Professor Kayode Ogunjobi, has meanwhile expressed profound appreciation to Mr. James Makinde for the donation of the books, emphasizing that the gesture represents far more than a gift:
“What you have done goes far beyond the act of giving books. I consider it as a deliberate investment in knowledge, values, and the future of young minds. Through this gesture, you have metamorphosed from being a respected colleague and cherished friend into a vision enabler and capacity builder of exceptional repute”, he added.
Describing the impact of Makinde’s initiative, Ogunjobi stated.
He added: “It is deeply humbling to know that the content of the book resonated with you in such a way that you not only encouraged me as the author but also chose to champion its message by placing it within the reach of countless students and educators. This singular act of thoughtfulness and foresight has undoubtedly expanded the reach and impact of the vision behind the book.”
Ogunjobi, a Fellow of the Forestry Association of Nigeria(FFAN), further encouraged others to document their personal stories and extended an invitation for future collaborations.
