In a grand celebration of life, leadership, and media excellence, dignitaries from various walks of life gathered at the Excellesor Lounge, Basorun, Ibadan, on May 5 to mark a significant milestone—the 60th birthday of Ambassador Olayinka Agboola, publisher of ParrotXtra Magazine. The event also commemorated the 20th anniversary of ParrotExtra Media Network, a testament to Agboola’s enduring legacy in the media industry.
The occasion doubled as the South West Leadership Summit and Award, themed “South West: Critical Issues to Shape the Future.” Guest lecturer Dr. Seye Oyeleye, Director-General of the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission, delivered a thought-provoking lecture, highlighting the region’s challenges and opportunities.
Oyeleye emphasised the need for vision-driven action to propel the SouthWest forward, citing five critical issues—leadership, media, AI, technology, youth, and security—that will determine the region’s future. He stressed that the South West’s survival and sustainability depend on addressing these challenges, leveraging its rich cultural heritage, and harnessing its youthful population’s potential.
The DAWN DG envisioned a future where the South West becomes a consolidated bloc of Smart, Attractive, Vibrant, Optimal, and Resilient (SAVOR) locations, driven by leaders with vision, media that speaks truth to power, and youth empowered with skills.
Leadership and Unity
In his welcome address, former Nigerian Ambassador to the Philippines, Dr. Yemi Farounbi, chairman of the summit, underscored the South West’s unique cultural and historical context, emphasising the need for regional leadership to drive economic development.
“South West is the only geographical and political region that share the same soil type, same climatic conditions, almost the same vegetation, culture, language and history.
“That is why South West has to be the leader in economic development because we are homogeneous. People who share almost the same thing but looking in different directions.
“What is happening to us in terms of our development in terms of agriculture and industrialisation, we have to talk about it,” Farounbi said.
Ambassador Farounbi called for unity and collective action to address the region’s challenges and unlock its potential.
Celebrating a Legacy
The celebration also featured the launch of ParrotXtra Compendium by Sen. Monsurat Sunmonu, the first female Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly. Sunmonu praised Agboola’s contributions to media and society and described the compendium as valuable reference material for future generations.
Agboola thanked his family, staff, friends, and well-wishers for their support, attributing his success to God’s blessings. Fuji maestro Adewale Ayuba’s melodious tunes made the evening entertaining.
The event drew prominent dignitaries, including Nollywood actor Dele Odule, government officials, and community leaders, all paying tribute to Agboola’s remarkable journey and legacy. As the South West region looks to the future, the summit served as a clarion call for collective action, vision-driven leadership, and collaborative problem-solving to shape a brighter tomorrow.
