The Okun Development Association (ODA), which is the apex socio-cultural organisation of the Okun-Yoruba people of Kogi State, has expressed great concern about the deplorable condition of the Kabba-Aiyetoro-Egbe-Ilorin federal highway.
During its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting at the weekend in Mopa, headquarters of Mopa-Amuro Local Government Area, ODA called on the government to help expedite action in fixing the road, to boost economic activities, reduce travel-time and enhance security of lives and property on that ‘very important corridor, which presently has a cement factory located there’.
The association also thanked President Bola Tinubu for appointing Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan as the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), adding: ‘We are confident that he will do Okun proud on this important national assignment’.
It called on all eligible Okun compatriots who have not registered to take advantage of the ongoing INEC’s voter registration exercise and obtain their voter cards.
The ODA demanded for a reversal of the Obaro title, which, it said, is being wrongly adopted and used by communities and people outside the jurisdiction of Okunland. It frowned at the traditional title being used in other parts of Kogi Central senatorial district, which has no cultural link with Okunland.
The association said that ‘respect for, and preservation of the identity, cultural heritage, and traditional instructions of a people are undeniably important in fostering peaceful coexistence in inter-group relations, and to engender social harmony, particularly in our confluence state. In view of the foregoing, ODA frowns at the unpleasant action of adopting and conferring the revered Obaro title, which is solely indigenous to the Okun-Yoruba of Kogi State, on individuals outside Okun land’.
The ODA noted with concern, ‘the unabating incidences of crime and criminalities and worsening insecurity situation in Okunland, which have taken a worrisome dimension and are making our people daily live in fear’.
It, however, assured the people that the Okun Security Trust Fund, which was recently inaugurated, is working tirelessly to develop a solution framework and come up with strategic interventions to arrest the unpleasant security situation.
It commended the concerted efforts of the state government in tackling the insecurity challenges across the state and called for sustained momentum and for all hands to be on deck.
The association called on all Okun people to continue to take issue of security seriously and support the administration of Governor Ahmed Ododo to enable him deliver on his mandate.
The ODA expressed concerns about the negative environmental impact that extractive activities are currently generating in Okunland, ‘particularly with regard to the manifest environmental hazards and the potential danger that unregulated activities of the operators pose for our people in the immediate future’.
It commended President Tinubu for giving opportunities to Okun compatriots to serve the country in his administration. It expressed delight that all the Okun sons and daughters that the President has called upon to serve the country have proved to be ‘worthy ambassadors of the Okun nation and are truly deserving of the considerations’.
The ODA NEC, led by its President-General, Ambassador Akenson Rotimi, conferred the patronship of the association on His Royal Majesty, Oba Muyiwa Ibeun, when the Elelulu of Mopa received the association’s leadership.
The traditional ruler, who hosted the NEC to a warm reception in his palace, was supported by a full complement of the Elulu-in-Council, and the leadership of Mopa Development Association. He noted that the ODA has, over the years, served as the unifying vehicle and voice for the people of Okunland.
He commended the current NEC for its innovation, reform agenda, resilience, and commitment towards repositioning the association in the face of odds to move Okun nation forward.
Oba Ibeun noted with pride that the Okun nation is a first-rate ethnic nationality in Nigeria and that it stands tall everywhere we find ourselves across the world.
He pledged that, as the Patron of the association, he would maximally leverage his vast network and contacts and commence aggressive mobilisation drive to help build a strong support base for the ODA.
At the reception event, a renowned Ijumu-born philanthropist, Prince Olatunji Olusoji, who is the Asiwaju of Ayere-Ijumu, seized the opportunity of his own courtesy call on the Eluluto to engage with, and appreciate the great work by the NEC.
Olusoji harped on the need for the Okun nation to organise the people effectively to promote unity and love so as to engender sustainable development.
He also admonished ODA NEC to remain resolute in working and consistently pushing for the growth of Okunland, while providing the necessary checks and advice to those who are in positions of authority.
He gave a commitment to partner with the ODA and said he would deplore his wealth, capacity, and social capital in support of the programmes and activities of the association, and continue to contribute towards making life meaningful for our people.
