- Okun Security Trust Fund is working tirelessly to develop strategic interventions to arrest the unpleasant security situation.
Okun Development Association (ODA), he apex socio-cultural organisation of the Yoruba people of Kogi state, has frowned at the unpleasant action of adopting and conferring the revered Obaro title, which is solely indigenous to the Okun-Yoruba of Kogi State, on individuals outside Okun land
ODA rejected what it called a “deliberate vexatious act of making a mockery of our cherished traditional title as it was recently done in the Central Senatorial District, which has no cultural link with Okunland”.
The Association called for a reversal of the Obaro title, which it said was being wrongly adopted and used by communities and people outside the jurisdiction of Okunland.
This was part of the resolutions reached at the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of Okun Development Association in Mopa over the weekend.
The NEC of ODA, led by the President-General, Ambassador Akenson Rotimi, bemoaned the unabating incidences of crime and criminalities and worsening insecurity situation in Okunland, which have taken a worrisome dimension and are making their people daily live in fear.
ODA assured the people that the Okun Security Trust Fund, which was recently inaugurated, is working tirelessly to develop a solution framework and come up with strategic interventions to arrest the unpleasant security situation.
They commended the concerted efforts of the Kogi state government in tackling the insecurity challenges across the state and called for sustained momentum and for all hands to be on deck.
ODA expresses concerns about the negative environmental impact that extractive activities are currently generating in Okunland, particularly with regard to the manifest environmental hazards and the potential danger that unregulated activities of the operators pose for our people in the immediate future.
The Association called on all Okun people to continue to take issue of security seriously as everyone’s responsibility and support the administration of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo to enable him to deliver on his mandate.
In a statement signed by the National Secretary, Barrister Femi Oloruntoba, ODA expressed great concern about the highly deplorable condition of the Kabba-Aiyetoro-Egbe-Ilorin federal highway, and called on the government to help expedite action in fixing the road, to boost economic activities, reduce travel-time and enhance security of lives and property on that very important corridor, which presently has a cement factory located there.
The Association Also enjoined all eligible Okun compatriots who have not registered to take opportunity of the ongoing INEC’s voter registration exercise to register and obtain their voter cards.
Meanwhile, the NEC of ODA conferred the patronship of the association on His Royal Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Muyiwa Ibeun, when the Elelulu of Mopa received the NEC in Council on Friday.
Oba Ibeun, who hosted the NEC to a warm reception in his palatial royal court, which was supported by a full complement of the Elulu-in-Council, and the leadership of Mopa Development Association, noted that the ODA has, over the years, served as the unifying vehicle and voice for the people of Okunland.
He commended the current NEC for its innovation, reform agenda, resilience, and commitment towards repositioning the association in the face of odds to move Okun nation forward.
Oba Ibeun noted with pride that the Okun nation is a first-rate ethnic nationality in Nigeria and that we stand tall everywhere we find ourselves across the world.
He made a pledge that as the Patron of the association, he would maximally leverage his vast network and contacts and commence aggressive mobilisation drive to help build a strong support base for the ODA, and that he would not spare anything at his disposal to enhance the capacity of the association to deliver on its mandate as the face of the Okun nation and the apex socio-political organisation that speaks for the people of Okunland.
At the reception event, the renowned Ijumu-born philanthropist, Prince Olatunji Olusoji (Asiwaju of Ayere-Ijumu), who came on a courtesy call on the Elulu, which coincided with the ODA-NEC, seized the opportunity to engage with, and to appreciate the great work being done by the NEC.
Asiwaju Olatunji Olusoji harped on the need for the Okun nation to organise the people effectively to promote unity and love so as to engender sustainable development. He also admonished ODA NEC to remain resolute in working and consistently pushing for the growth of Okunland while providing the necessary checks and advice to those who are in positions of authority. He gave a commitment to partner with the ODA and that he will deplore his wealth, capacity, and social capital in support of the programs and activities of the association , and continue to contribute towards making life meaningful for our people.
ODA commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for giving opportunities to Okun compatriots to serve the country in his administration.
The Association called on all political appointees, both at the state and national levels, to continue to make Okun nation proud through impeccable service as is characteristic of the Okun nation.
