Osun Development Association Inaugurates Council of Elders and Celebrates Founders in Grand Reception
The Osun Development Association , ODA. inaugurated a council of elders and honoured its six founding members at a grand reception held at the Radisson Blu Hotel on Sunday, June 2, 2024. The event, which also saw the induction of 18 new members, celebrated the contributions of prominent individuals to the association’s growth and the development of Osun State.
The ceremony, presided over by the Association’s Chair and Chief Host, Dr. Segun Aina, welcomed the 18 new members, expanding ODA's membership to 136. Dr. Aina emphasized the non-partisan nature of the association, highlighting its commitment to the development of Osun State through initiatives aimed at improving the standard of living.
Honoured for their pivotal roles in the association’s growth and their induction into the elders’ council were Prof. Olu Aina, Chief Inaolaji Aboaba, Prince Tunde Ponnle, Lt. Gen. Alani Akinrinade, and Mrs. Joanna Maduka. Posthumous honours were given to the late Chief Benjamin Adigun, the late Prince Duro Oyinlola, and the late Prof. Duro Oyinlola.
In his address, Dr. Aina paid tribute to the founding members, acknowledging their efforts in the establishment of Osun State in 1991 and the creation of the ODA in 1995. He lauded the association’s achievements, including infrastructural development and the facilitation of Ladoke Akintola University LAUTECH, attributing these successes to the dedication of its members.
“ODA is a network of accomplished and eminent indigenes of Osun State, bound together by the spirit and the urge to support growth and development of the state selflessly without asking for anything from the state. They are from all walks of life,” Dr. Aina stated.
The Director General of the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria DAWN Commission, Seye Oyeleye, delivered the keynote address on the theme ‘Beyond Rhetorics: Harnessing Potentials and Opportunities for Development and Growth for Osun State’. He urged ODA to nurture a new generation of indigenes to replicate or surpass the founders' achievements. Oyeleye highlighted the need for strategic collaboration with the government to harness the state's resources effectively.
Governor Ademola Adeleke, represented by Group Director of Oodua Investment Company Limited, Lai Oriowo, praised ODA’s impactful role in addressing the state’s challenges. He highlighted his administration’s achievements in improving infrastructural deficits and ending half salary payments to workers, emphasizing that these milestones were achieved within a year and a half, surpassing the accomplishments of the previous administration.
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, who chaired the occasion, pledged his full support to the association and called for continued efforts towards groundbreaking developments to benefit the indigenes of Osun State.
The grand reception underscored the dedication of ODA members and their unwavering commitment to the advancement of Osun State, setting a precedent for future generations to follow.
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