- As Olorunsuwa Steps in as National President
Commander Jerry Omodara (Rtd) yesterday joyfully bowed out as the National President of Oke-Offin Development Association, a position he occupied for 15 years during which the community has being trasformed into an enviable community. In an emotional ladden event, during the Annual General Meeting (AGM ) of the Association held in the Community Hall yesterday, 26th December, 2021, Omodara joyously stepped down as the National President.
In his valedictory speech, he thanked everyone for standing by him during his tenure. He acknowledged some notable community leaders who had led the Association before among who are: Cheif J.B. Ayinmode, who was the pioneer National President, Cheif Joe Elebiyo, Mr. Segun Onimebani and Hon Funsho Aribido ,who handed over to him in 2006.
He went further to thank a few people that have offered themselves for the survival of the Association either as national or branch officers. They include but not limited to Late Mrs Hannah Ibitoye, Late Mr. Kizito Adeyemi, Late Mr Omotoyibo Adeyemi, Pastor Ibitomi, Elder Festus Obalemo, Cheif Amos Amupitan, Pastor Samuel Omosayin among others. He thanked the Executive Committee that served with especially late Joel Ohunenide, Late Yahaya Iliasu and Cheif Paul Dada.
While rolling out some of his notable acheivements, Omodara was specifically elated that the unity of Oke-Offin has remained untouched. The community despite her different political affiliations, have remained undivided, this to him is considered about the most important achievement, as there has never been a time violence was recorded during our elections under his leadership. This contrasts sharply with what is obtained in some other communities.
He said he was elated for the concerted effort to connect the community to National grid in 2010 which to him remain one of his greatest achievement, the facilitation of portable water and the construction of a borehole as personal project in 2017. Omodara said he is happy with the increase in the enrollment of Oke-Offin youths in higher institution particularly females. He also acknowledged the Governor of Kogi State, Alh Yahaya Bello for the grading of the stool of Oluwoa in 2019 to 3rd class and the increased government presence in the community. He listed youth and women empowerment and procurement of JAMB, NECO and WAEC forms for indigens as some of his achievements .
Cultural rebirth through Akofirin Cultural Festival and the resoscitation of the moribond Oke-Offin Bunu market were listed by Omodara as parts of his cardinal achievements while he was in office as the President of Oke-Offin Development Association. He assurred the Community that efforts are in top gear for the State Government to construct Kabba-Oke Offin- Olle – Iluke Road.
The Kabiyesi, HRH Oba James Ayinmode prayed for him for success in his future endeavours and thanked him for offering himself as a unifying force.
In his acceptance speech, the new National President, Mr. Olorunsuwa Elijah Ola paid glowing tributes to the past presidents. He assured the community of continued unity and requested for the maximum cooperation of all to enable him succeed by building on the legacies of previous administration.
Specifically, he seeks to prioritize education and vocational training. He informed all that the community shall no longer allow children to be out of school as the Association shall take keen interest in the educational development of every child. According to him, “questions shall (henceforth)be asked from parents why thier children are not in school. Poverty shall not be an acceptable excuse for any parents not to train thier children or wards as the untrained kids of today will become the trouble of tommorow. In this regards, we seek the support of all and sundary to cooperate with us”.
He pledged that his leadership shall have the youths and children as it’s main focal point, as a well educated youth and children is a prosperous future for the community.
Olorunsuwa pledged to strife hard to attract positive and developmental attentions to Oke-Offin community by using all available connections and links at his disposal to ensure that Oke-Offin is put on the national and international radar. In doing this, all available means shall be explored including the Akofirin Cultural Festival.
He promised to leave behind a legacy of prosperity, love and unity among his people when it shall be time for him to bow out.
Olorunsuwa promised his people that his actions and inactions from the moment he became their Prsident shall be those that gratify the interests of the community. In his words “I shall speak your interest at all time and I shall act your interest at all time. I shall from this time belong to every family and everyone shall by my brothers and sisters”.
Dayo Omodara
National PRO,
Oke-Offin Development Association
