By Leonard Divine
On the 16th of February, 2024, the Viva Laundromat building in Obafemi Awolowo hall was officially commissioned.
The launching kick-started with a welcome speech recognizing the presence of various principal officers in the University of Ibadan such as The Vice Chancellor, Dr Kayode Adebowale; the Deputy Vice Chancellor ( academics) – Professor Aderonke Mojisola Baiyeroju; the Dean of Students, Professor I.A Abiona; the Deputy dean of students, Dr. Demola Lewis; the Hall Warden, Dr. Adewumi Afolasade; and the Assistant hall warden, Mrs. Osagie. The Obafemi Awolowo Hall supervisors and hall porters were also present at the commission
The Student Union Executives in the person of Host, SU President, Nafisat Ogunsesan, SU Vi President, and Obafemi Awolowo Hall Executives were also present. Among the people present was a representative from Aspira Nig. Ltd.
The first item on the program’s agenda was an opening address rendered by the Hall Warden. Standing on existing protocols, she gave cognizance to the principal officers present and went on to give a brief insight to how the idea was birthed and commended Viva for launching this project. In her address, she noted that, ‘the value of soap to the society cannot be over emphasized in achieving a clean environment and aiding our enjoyment of the right to health and ultimately the right to life. Aspira has physically shown here that they are committed to beautifying the society. You can see that a Laundromat had indeed added beauty to this aspect of the hall.’
The Vice Chancellor’s speech came next; similarly, he recognized the presence of the principal officers and commended Viva for a job well done; further commenting that Viva detergent is among the top 5 laundry products in Nigeria. In addition, he charged the Hall to take adequate care in managing the equipment, stressing the need for proper maintenance. He stated that there must be conscious efforts towards maintenance.
He further advised that the ‘executives and the hall warden as well that the hall needs to make conscious efforts and set up a committee that will be charged with the responsibility, because if you don’t give people responsibility everybody will do whatsoever they like resulting in disorder. So let those who have the capacity be made responsible in maintaining it.’
At the point of commissioning the Laundromat, the principal officers led the way before other members of the public joined in and after a brief speech, the vice chancellor was called upon to officially opened and commission Viva Laundromat. The ribbon was cut and the Vice Chancellor and other principal officers took a tour of the inner building of the Laundromat.
Subsequently, the representative from Aspira Nig. Ltd, Mr Kazeem intimated the principal officers about the workings of Viva and the Laundromat.
The program was eventually brought to a close thereafter and students were allowed to intimate themselves with the newly commissioned building. In addition, the hall president announced that there was going to be free laundry services for the first eleven (11) awoites to get their laundry to the venue.
The Viva Laundromat has nine functioning machines, 6 washing machines, and 3 dryers. On the price for using the services the Laundromat renders, Awo Hall executives stated it would be communicated when the Laundromat becomes fully operational.
OBAFEMI AWOLOWO HALL PRESS 