The Osun Development Association (ODA) has inaugurated its pioneer council of elders while honouring its six founding members that have contributed to the growth of the state through the creation of O.D.A.
The association, at the grand reception and induction ceremony held in Lagos at the weekend also inducted 18 new members, which now brings its total membership comprising of non-partisan Osun State indigenes to 136.
Hounoured at the event for their contributions to the growth and impact of the association in the state and also named as members of the elders’ council are: Prof. Olu Aina OFR, Chief Inaolaji Aboaba, Prince Tunde Ponnle OFR, Lt. Gen. Alani Akinrinade GCON and Engr. Mrs Joanna Maduka MFR. Also named as honourees at the event were, Late Chief Benjamin Adigun MFR; Late Prince Duro Oyinlola and Late Prof. Duro Oyinlola.
In his welcome speech, the Association’s Chairman and Chief Host, Dr. Segun Aina, said that the founding members who conceived the idea to create the association deserved to be greatly celebrated for their pivotal role which was part of what birthed Osun as a state in 1991.
He noted that the association, founded in 1995, is a non-partisan group committed to the development of the state through various initiatives that have continued to improve the standard of living of the people of Osun State.
He said that the inauguration of the 18 new members comprising 10 males and 8 females, include technocrats and professionals across different fields of human endeavours.
Aina highlighted the series of achievements the association has recorded since the creation of the state which include: infrastructural development, instrumental to the creation of Ladoke Akintola University (LAUTECH), advocacy for development in the state among others.
He said, “ODA is a network of accomplished and eminent indigenes of Osun State bound together with the spirit and urge to support growth and development of the state, selflessly without asking anything from the state. They are from all walks of life.”
In his keynote address, Director General, Development Agenda For Western Nigeria (DAWN Commission), Seye Oyeleye, urged the association to invest in nurturing the new generation of Osun indigenes who will replicate or surpass the the achievements of the founders.
Speaking on the theme of the event entitled ‘Beyond Rhetorics: Harnessing The Potentials and Opportunities for Development and Growth for Osun State’, Oyeleye said Osun is faced with how to harness her rich resources for use to chart a path to prosperity for the state and its people.
He urged ODA to collaborate with the State Government to help develop capabilities on how to best use the resources.
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, represented by the Group Director, Oodua Investment Company Limited, Lai Oriowo, lauded the giant stride recorded by the organisation, adding that their prominent roles have impacted positively in helping the state address the complex challenges.
He said that despite inheriting more than 80 per cent infrastructural deficit from the immediate past administration of the state, his administration has ended half salary payment to workers.
“Within one and half years in office, we have achieved what the previous administration could not attain in four years,” he stressed.
In his remarks as the Chairman of the occasion, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, promised full support to the association, while calling for more groundbreaking development to help the indigenes of the state.