ODA honours founders, inducts new members

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.