The Osun Development Association (ODA) has inducted 18 members, which now brings its total membership, comprising non-partisan Osun indigenes, to 136. The association, at the grand reception and induction ceremony held in Lagos, yesterday, also inaugurated pioneer council of elders while honouring its six founding members that have contributed to the growth of the state through the creation of ODA.
They are Prof. Olu Aina, Chief Inaolaji Aboaba, Tunde Ponnle, Late Chief Benjamin Adigun, Late Duro Oyinlola, Late Prof. Tunde Odetola, Lt.-Gen. Alani Akinrinade (rtd) and Mrs. Joanna Maduka.
The association’s Chairman and Chief Host, 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.
Aina said that the inauguration of the new members, comprising 10 males and eight females, include technocrats and professionals across different fields of human endeavours.
He highlighted the series of achievements the association has recorded since the creation of the state to include infrastructural development, instrumental to the creation of Ladoke Akintola University (LAUTECH), advocacy for development in the state, among others.
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 achievements of the founders.He urged ODA to collaborate with the state government to help develop capabilities on how to best use the resources.
Meanwhile, Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, who was represented by the Group Director, Odu’a 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 had ended half salary payment to workers.
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.
