By John Mayaki 

It was a convergence of influence, intellect, enterprise, and tradition on Monday, when Pastor Dr. Osagie Ize-Iyamu was inaugurated as Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the University of Benin Trust Development Fund (TDF). 

From government officials and captains of industry to academia, clergy, diaspora stakeholders and Benin Kingdom chiefs, the roll call of dignitaries who honoured the occasion sent a powerful message: Ize-Iyamu has never walked alone and will also not walk alone in his new assignment. It was clear. 

Edo state governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo led the governance and policy drivers. He was represented by Dr. Emmanuel Paddy Iyamu, Commissioner for Education. On hand too was Otunba Oladele Balogun, Chairman of the Edo State Board of Internal Revenue. 

Their presence signaled institutional alignment such as those critical for a Trust Development Fund whose success depends on regulatory cooperation, fiscal transparency, and strategic government collaboration.

Of course we had former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Razaq Belo-Osagie; Hon. Dele Oloruntoba of the Nigerian Ports Authority Board, and Hon. Tony Osazuwa of the Edo State Oil and Gas Commission in attendance. These cream of dignitaries too comes as the bridge between federal networks and university development. 

That’s not all. We had the academia who attended with their intellectual endorsement of Pastor Dr. Osagie Ize-Iyamu. Perhaps this is the most significant aspect. They were led by Prof. Edoba Omoregie (SAN), Vice Chancellor of the university. We had Prof. Umaru, Chairman of the Governing Council, Prof. Faraday Orumwense, former Vice Chancellor, Prof. I.K. Omoruyi, former Deputy Vice Chancellor, Prof. Idia Ize-Iyamu, CMD of UBTH

Prof. Igbineweka, DVC UNIBEN, Prof. Joan Enabulele, Dean, Faculty of Dentistry, Prof. Elaiho, former Provost, College of Education Ekiadolor, Prof. Ovienseri Aibueku, Prof. Dabor,

Prof. Obasohan, former CMD of UBTH, among others. 

These intellectual heavyweights brought in  presence confidence in Pastor Dr. Ize-Iyamu’s capacity to align fundraising with academic excellence and to also ensure that TDF initiatives will be guided by scholarly priorities rather than political expediency.

The private sector muscle and their financial leverage was not unnoticed. It was conspicuous and glaring. These heavy business leaders and giants include Mr. Tony Uwaifo (View Point Hotel), Barr. Jude Nosagie (Precious Palm Hotel), Chief Eric Ebosele (Gladtrico Nig. Ltd.), Mr. Aigbe Omoregie (Intercontinental Paints), Mr. Augustus Eriara (Austrock Nig. Ltd.), Hon. Osaretin Edosomwan (Board member, Okomu Oil), Chairman of Muyi Line Transport among others. They all added an economic dimension to the event. 

For a Trust Development Fund, relationships with the private sector could simply be the oxygen. These individuals represent potential investment pipelines, endowment partnerships, and corporate social responsibility collaborations capable of scaling UNIBEN’s infrastructure and research funding. They stood with Pastor Ize-Iyamu and backed him up. 

We cannot lose sight of another critical segment of the society – the traditional authority and cultural legitimacy that dominated the Akin Deko hall. 

The presence of Chief Kennester Oteghekpen (Nobabor of Benin Kingdom), Chief Osula (Osula of Benin Kingdom), Prince Tony Omoaghe, Prince Greg Eweka, and the President of Benin Club reinforces cultural legitimacy.

We are well aware that in Benin socio-political structure, traditional endorsement carries symbolic capital. Pastor Ize-Iyamu has this in abundance. It affirms continuity between heritage and higher education development, which is a powerful narrative for donor confidence.

The inauguration also tapped into diaspora and ecclesiastical networks. I mean the Diaspora and Faith-Based Networks. There was Mr. Frank Okoyo (Canada), Mr. Femi Ajayi (UK), and faith leaders such as Pastor Frank Omobude, Pastor & Pastor Mrs. Amos Tugbobo (RCCG), Rev. Joshua Omoregie, and Lady Omorede Osifo in attendance.

Let’s not forget that for a development fund, diaspora remittances and faith-based philanthropy are strategic funding channels. Their presence tells us that the assignment of fundraising by Pastor Ize-Iyamu may extend beyond Edo and beyond Nigeria.

Political veterans such as Prince Tony Omoaghe, Mr. Gentleman Amegor, Hon. Dr. Samson Osagie (Member, UNIBEN Governing Council), and Ambassador Edokpolor also brought in historical institutional memory and political capital.

Meanwhile, professionals like Engr. Olotu, Barr. Bayo Omo-Ige, Pharm. Flowell Iboi, Sir Andy Ehanire, Lion Garvey Osayande, Ms. Imuetinyan Otuomagie, and others also attended the event which is a representation of technical depth across sectors.

So, in a nutshell, this gathering represents policy influence, academic legitimacy, financial capacity, cultural authority, Diaspora reach, faith-based mobilisation among others. 

And so, for Pastor Dr. Osagie Ize-Iyamu, the message was unmistakable because expectations are high, but so also is support. The convergence of such diverse and influential stakeholders suggests that the Trust Development Fund is positioned not merely as a fundraising vehicle, but as a strategic instrument for institutional renewal.

If harnessed effectively, which I have no doubt Pastor will do, this coalition could transform the University of Benin’s infrastructure, research output, global partnerships, and endowment strength.

In many ways, the inauguration was not just about assuming office. It was about unveiling a network that is carefully woven as a web of influence capable of driving performance, accountability, and sustainable growth.

For UNIBEN, under the leadership of Prof. Edoba Omoregie, it may well mark the beginning of a new chapter. Congratulations Pastor.