A socio-cultural group, Ogbomosoland Consultative Council (OCC), on Tuesday presented a document containing a development blueprint to the Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Afolabi Olaoye, the Orumogege III.
The group, which also named the traditional ruler its Grand Patron, said the document would help him to pilot the affairs of the town.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the group which comprises prominent Ogbomoso indigenes was formed by the immediate-past Soun of Ogbomosoland, the late Oba Jimoh Oyewumi, Ajagungbade III.
While presenting the document, the groupâs spokesperson, Ambassador Akin Oyateru said: âIt is the objective of this body to transform our historical town of valiant, widely recognised as a safe abode for those seeking refuge from the vagaries of life.
âWe seek to make it the destination for those who desire good life and prosperity in a conducive environment, leveraging our renowned hospitality and amiability, working with and for you.
âTherefore, we look forward to Ogbomoso becoming that bright and shining star in the guinea savannah that beckons alluringly to all those who seek honest gains through sweat and industry that genuinely empowers.â
He said this would help Ogbomosoland live its manifest destiny and be great again.
âIn this regard, we stand ready to embrace true partnership, to power this vision to laudable realisation.â
Oyateru went on to point out that the composition of OCC was exclusively drawn by the late Soun with inclusivity, development, unity and networking as points of focus.
âThe membership is made up of prominent sons and daughters of Ogbomosoland across all the five Local Governments Areas (LGAs) who have distinguished themselves in various fields of endeavours.
âThey are people who possess demonstrable skills and capacity to contribute to the development of Ogbomosoland, while promoting unity, harmony and social cohesion across the strata of our vast land.â
He pledged the loyalty and commitment of OCC members towards the development of Ogbomosoland under the traditional rulerâs leadership.
The group prayed to God to give the royal father divine wisdom and strength to shepherd the people and land of Ogbomoso to greatness in the midst of peace, joy and love.
Responding, Oba Olaoye commended the group for the selfless services they have rendered to Ogbomosoland since the Council was inaugurated in 2020 by his predecessor.
The royal father commended the vision of his predecessor for bringing OCC model to reality as it has helped in great measure to develop a good network.
âI plan to retain the model and even make it work better in keeping with the emerging realities.â
He added: âI also recognise the roles you individually and collectively played to keep the city stable during the several hiatus.â
âOgbomosoland is indeed blessed with highly successful and resourceful sons and daughters spread all over the country and in the diaspora. We must therefore harness this vital human resource to our advantage,â Oba Olaoye said.
Some of the OCC members at the kingâs investiture include: Dr Saka Balogun, Gen. Oladayo Popoola (rtd.), Sen Braimoh Yusuf, Engr. Dayo Lawal, and AIG Olasupo Ajani (rtd.).
The rest include: Chief Bayo Bankole, Hon. Simeon Oyeleke, Prof Alice Jekayinfa, Otunba Funso Lawal, Barr. Olusegun Adekunle, Sen. Ayoade Oluwaseun, Hon. Bimbo Oladeji, Adesola Adepoju and Alhaji Oladipupo Yusuf.
Also, representatives of the Soun-in-Council who were present at the occasion include High Chief Sobalaje Otolorin, the Aare Ago of Ogbomoso, and several others.
(NAN)
