The Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi has implored Elites in Kwara South Senatorial district to establish companies in their domain to fast track grassroots development.
Ooni Ogunwusi made this call on Thursday during the maiden edition of the Kwara South Unity Summit held at the Offa Descendants Union (ODU) Hall, Offa.
The Monarch noted that establishing companies in rural communities will boost local economy, create job and enhance security.
He called on the descendants of the district to unite and work collaboratively to build a better future for the next generation.
Ooni emphasized the importance of unity and peace for the growth, saying ‘this program is very timely at a time the nation needs to be united’.
He commended the organizers-Kwara South Development Forum and encouraged them to extend their efforts to all corners of the region as well as the diaspora.
Former Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Samuel Afolayan (Rtd) stated that a nation’s progress depends on its ability to prioritize politics, economy, and security. He highlighted that unity can be achieved through cooperative efforts and stressed the importance of supporting business owners.
Earlier, the chairman of the Kwara South Development Forum, Dr. Chief James Ayeni said the theme “Unity and Prosperity of Kwara South” was chosen because the region has often been criticized for lacking common goals, unity, and cohesiveness, which have hindered its progress.
Ayeni stressed the need to tap into the human and natural resources available in the district for its socio-economic development.
The summit featured several lectures, Kwara South: A Disconnect Between Yesterday and Today” by Prof. Jonathan Oluyori Aleru, University of Ibadan & Visiting Prof. to KWASU.
Equity, Fairness, and Justice in Kwara State: Kwara South in Perspective” by Justice Banji Orilonise.
“The Imperative of Economic Unity for Overall Development” by Prof. Jonathan Aremu, Consultant to ECOWAS, AU, and the Presidency.
“Community Development Associations in Kwara South: An Instrument of Retrogression or Progress” by Prof. James Omotosho.
The event also featured the presentation of awards to Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq as well as prominent sons and daughters of Kwara South who have excelled in their chosen fields.
Some were honored posthumously, including late Chief J.S. Olawoyin for politics, late Chief Emmanuel Adesoye for commerce, and Chief Samuel Adedoyin, Alhaji Kamorudeen Yusuf (Kamwire), and Chief D.A. Adeseko for their contributions to commerce and community service.
Dignitaries at the event include Chairman of the Federal Character Commission Hajia Muheebah Dankaka, former MILAD of Bauchi and Osun states, Colonel Theophilus Bamigboye, Alhaji Jani Ibrahim, Alhaji Kunle Sulaiman, Hon Bashir Omolaja Bolarinwa, Senator Ahmed Muhammed, Professor AbdulLateef Oladimeji, Alhaji Hassan Oyeleke, Barrister Tunde Bakare, Alhaja Sikirat Anaaco, Akogun Iyiola Oyedepo, and Chief Bisi Oloruntoba.