ADDRESS BY HIS EXCELLENCY, SENATOR ADEMOLA JACKSON NURUDEEN ADELEKE, EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR OF OSUN STATE AT THE PRESENTATION AND INAUGURATION OF THE N150 MILLION MICCOM MEMORIAL ENDOWMENT FOR ENGINEERING DEV. BY THE PONNLE FAMILY IN HONOUR OF LATE ENGR. MICHEAL AYANTUNDE PONNLE AND ENGR. (MRS) COMFORT OLUFUNKE PONNLE HELD AT THE ODUDUWA HALL, OBAFEMI AWOLOWO UNIVERSITY, ILE-IFE, OSUN STATE ON THURSDAY 2ND APRIL, 2026

PROTOCOLS

It is with a deep sense of honour that I stand before you today at this remarkable gathering. We are remembering two exceptional lives. At the same time, we are celebrating a legacy that continues to shape the future.

We are here for the presentation and inauguration of the MicCom Memorial Endowment for Engineering Development, in honour of Late Engr. Michael Ayantunde Ponnle, FNSE, OFR, and Late Engr. (Mrs) Comfort Olufunke Ponnle, FNSE. Today, we are reminded that some lives are so impactful that even in their passing, they continue to build, to teach, and to inspire.

The story of Engr. Michael Ayantunde Ponnle and his dear wife, Engr. (Mrs) Comfort Olufunke Ponnle is one of vision, courage, and partnership. They were not merely accomplished professionals but pioneers who dared to believe in the capacity of Nigeria to build, to innovate, and to lead.

At a time when indigenous manufacturing was still in its infancy, they took bold steps into new territory. They  did not accept dependence as destiny. Instead, they chose to create possibilities. Through the MicCom Cables and Wires enterprise, they demonstrated that Nigerian engineers could design, produce and compete at the highest levels.

Their journey also teaches us something deeper. It shows us that progress is rarely the work of individuals alone. It is often the result of shared vision and complementary strength. While Engr. Ponnle provided leadership in enterprise development and external engagement, Engr. (Mrs) Ponnle brought technical discipline, operational excellence and an unwavering commitment to quality.

Together, they embodied what it means to build not just a family but a purposeful partnership. In them, we saw a marriage that transcended companionship and became a platform for national impact.

Beyond industry, their contribution to human capital development remains profound. They trained, mentored and inspired generations of engineers and technicians. Many who passed through their influence went on to contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s industrial and technological ecosystem. Their lives remind us that true success is not measured only by what we build but by who we raise.

It is therefore fitting that their memory is being immortalised through this N150 Million Endowment at Obafemi Awolowo University. This endowment is not merely symbolic but strategic as it speaks to four critical imperatives for our national development.

First, it promotes academic excellence by supporting bright and deserving engineering students. Second, it strengthens research and innovation, recognising that no nation can develop beyond the depth of its knowledge systems. Third, it bridges the gap between theory and practice, encouraging a stronger alignment between academia and industry. And fourth, it instills leadership and ethical responsibility, ensuring that our engineers are not only skilled but also guided by integrity and a sense of national duty.

I wish to particularly commend the Ponle Family for this thoughtful and visionary initiative. This endowment reflects not only love and remembrance but also responsibility and foresight. By choosing to invest in education and future generations, you have ensured that the legacy of your parents will not be confined to history but will remain a living force.

To the students and future beneficiaries of this endowment, you are not just receiving support but inheriting a legacy of discipline, innovation and service. You must therefore carry it with a sense of purpose and responsibility.

I would like to assure this gathering that our administration remains committed to policies and partnerships that strengthen education, support innovation and encourage private sector participation for positive developments in Osun State. Initiatives such as this reinforce the importance of collaboration between families, institutions and government in building a stronger society.

In conclusion, the lives of Engr. Michael Ayantunde Ponnle and Engr. (Mrs.) Comfort Olufunke Ponnle remind us that greatness is not accidental. It is built through vision, discipline and impact. Though they are no longer with us, their work continues, their values endure and their legacy lives on, not only in structures and systems but in people, in ideas, and now, in this endowment.

May their souls continue to rest in perfect peace.
May this noble initiative continue to inspire generations to come.

Thank you and God bless you all.