COMMUNIQUE OF THE TWO-DAY OKUN NATION’S SUMMIT ORGANISED BY OKUN DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE (ODI) WITH THE THEME OKUN UNITY: THE POWER OF ONE VOICE, THE STRENGTH OF MANY HANDS HELD BETWEEN FRIDAY 30TH AND SATURDAY 31ST MAY, 2025 AT OLONIJOLA EVENT CENTRE, KABBA, KOGI STATE
PREAMBLE
The Okun Development Initiative (ODI) held its second summit in a two-day gathering at the Olonijola event center, Kabba, from Friday, 30th to Saturday, 31st, May 2025. While welcoming all the guests, the National Coordinator of Okun Development Initiative (ODI), Dcn Olusuyi Otitoju, called for a better and brighter Okun nation, unity and oneness, aggressive development, and genuine reconciliation. There was a cultural display by the Olaga cultural group.
Consequent upon a series of presentations by our royal fathers led by the Obaro of Kabba, HRM Oba (Dr) Solomon Dele Owoniyi, who doubles as the Chairman Okun Traditional Council, various scholars, including Prof. Mike Ikupolati, Prof. Olayemi Durotimi Akinwumi, Commander Duro Jerry Omodara, Otunba Olayinka Braimoh, Amb. Enikanolayie Sola, Hon. Mukkadam Asiwaju Asiru Idris, (Hon. Commissioner of Finance, Budget, and Economic Development), Hon. Wemi Jones (Commissioner for Education) Barrister Babatunde Irukera, Prince Dayo Akomode, Hon. Dele Nihi, and other personalities at the summit. The following strategic options were proposed by the various speakers for consideration and adoption:
Strategic Options
The President of Okun Development Association, His Excellency Amb Akenson Rotimi, who doubled as the father of the day, opined on the uniqueness of the Okun race in hard work, scholarly erudition, reputable public and political leadership, and farming as a way of life. He equally emphasized the need for synergic between the Okun Development Association (ODA) and all other socio-cultural groups in Okunland. In her contributions as the mother of the day, Aarebirin Folashade Joseph also emphasized the need for unity and meaningful follow-up after the summit. She equally eulogized Mr. Ola Oyelola for exemplary leadership in education delivery by building a prototype school that is an architectural master that offers scholarships at all levels up to the secondary level. The school is situated at Aiyetoro-Gbede.
In his fatherly and royal message, the Obaro of Kabba, HRM Oba (Dr) Solomon Dele Owoniyi and Chairman Okun Traditional Council, expressed his joy on the tenacious efforts of the Okun Development Initiative (ODI) on its determination and pursuit of unity of purpose among the okun people both at home and in the diaspora. He consequently appealed that we continue to uphold and pursue child and girl education.
Similarly, while giving his vote of thanks on behalf of the Okun Traditional Council, the Elulu of Mopa, HRM, Oba Muyiwa Ibeun emphasized the richness of resources in Okunland and the need to come together as a people to own and participate in the exploration and exploitation in other to secure our environment as the panacea to security.
The Chairman of the day, his Excellency Amb. Sola Enikanolaye advised that the Okun Development Initiative in conjunction with the Okun Development Association put in place a pre-requisite development agenda as an outcome of this summit.
The paper presenters were united in the need to make the educational potentials of the Okun people transform into meaningful growth and economic development in all ramifications.
While speaking on the role of leadership and community development, the various scholars agreed that Community Participation, Ownership and Involvement, Networking, and Advocacy are crucial indices for sustainable development.
They equally agreed on the current need in Okunland to have a new generation of leaders who will take good community governance as a priority tool for managing our myriad economic and social challenges.
Frontline security is a crucial foundation for impactful socio-political and economic development.
There is no gain in saying the fact that the 2025 second Okun Development Initiative (ODI) organized summit was significantly successful.
