The Chairman of the steering committee of the 2026 ULEFUNTA Festival , celebrated annually by the Akure people of Ondo State , Kabiyesi Olu Adekunle on Tuesday June 16,2026 led the Lecture Sub-Committee on a courtesy visit to the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), Professor Adenike Oladiji. Speaking during the visit, Kabiyesi Olu Adekunle, disclosed that the ULEFUNTA Festival 2026 is scheduled to hold from September 22 to 27, 2026. He noted that a major highlight of the programme will be a colloquium focused on exploring practical solutions to food security challenges and strategies for improving livelihoods within communities. He said the colloquium is scheduled to take place at the Obafemi Awolowo Auditorium , FUTA.
According to him, the colloquium will provide a platform for meaningful discussions on strengthening intervention efforts by government agencies and development partners through effective engagement with community leaders in the area of agriculture and related areas. He explained that the initiative is designed to bridge the gap between community leaders and the grassroots, while creating pathways for citizens /governments better engagement. Kabiyesi Adekunle further revealed that several eminent Nigerians have been invited to serve as lead speakers and discussants during the various sessions of the lecture series.
In her response, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Adenike Oladiji, expressed appreciation for the unwavering support the Akure community has continued to extend to FUTA, particularly in the actualization of the University’s Teaching Hospital project. She commended distinguished leaders of Akure , especially the Deji of Akure Kingdom, for their remarkable commitment to the growth and development of the institution. “The Deji has been a remarkable pillar of support for FUTA. Such a level of commitment from a host community is not always common, and we remain grateful for his invaluable contributions,” she stated.
Professor Oladiji also acknowledged the significant roles being played by FUTA staff of Akure extraction in strengthening the relationship between the University and its host community. Describing the ULEFUNTA Lecture as a laudable initiative, the Vice-Chancellor noted that the programme aligns closely with the University’s core mandates of teaching, learning, research, and community engagement. She added that the lecture series serves as an important platform for fostering collaboration between the University and the wider community, thereby promoting stronger town-and-gown relations for sustainable development.
Professor Oladiji assured the committee of the University’s continued support towards the successful hosting of the 2026 edition of the ULEFUNTA Lecture.
The Chairman was accompanied on the visit by:
– Professor Helen Ogunsuyi – Chairman, Lecture Sub-Committee
– Mr. Adegbenro Adebanjo – Member, Lecture Sub-Committee
– Professor Vincent Ajayi – Member, Lecture Sub-Committee
– Mr. Samuel Olanitori – Member, Lecture Sub-Committee
– Mr. Ilesanmi Stephens – Vice Chairman, Sports Committee
– Mr. David Olusola – Secretary
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