Community leaders and academics have called on indigenes of Oka in Ondo State to leverage unity and collaboration to drive development in their hometown.
They spoke on Saturday at the maiden edition of Oka-Akoko Parapo Day Ibadan, held in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Basorun Seinde Arogbofa, Chairman of the occasion and pioneer Pro-Chancellor of the Federal University, Lafia, said the essence of the gathering was to mobilise resources and ideas for the progress of Okaland.
He urged the association to prioritise the establishment of an Aerospace University in Oka and the refurbishment of facilities of the National Open University centre located in the town.
“Many of the buildings of the Open University in Oka have become dilapidated because of poor construction. Those of you based in Ibadan should find ways to refurbish them,” he said.
Prof. Henri Oripeloye, Guest Lecturer at the event, also stressed that collective efforts were needed to address challenges of education, security and infrastructure in Oka.
A call for increased political participation
Delivering a lecture on Building Oka Community for a Greater Tomorrow, Oripeloye said: “We need to increase political participation and reflect on what the future will be. This can be achieved through unity and accountability.”
In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Prof. Kayode Adebowale, highlighted the benefits of staying connected to one’s root.
“It reminds us how we started and can facilitate progress and development for those who cherish their roots,” he said, while urging the association to strengthen networking for growth.
Also speaking, Pastor Ganiyu Saliu, Registrar of the University of Ibadan and host of the event, said the umbrella body would sustain contact with the hometown and foster cooperation.
“Anyone not associating with Oka people is missing out. Oka has gone far in engendering unity and progress,” Saliu said.
Earlier, Elder Sunday Erinomo, Chairman of the Planning Committee, represented by the General Secretary, Mr Rotimi Babatunde, said the initiative was for the common good of Okaland.
The event also featured presentation of awards to distinguished indigenes of Oka, with traditional rulers in attendance including Oba Pius Omiyejola Akande, the Asin of Oka-Odo, and Oba Stephen Ogunoye I, the Olusin of Owalusin, who represented Oba Yusuf Adeleye, the Olubaka of Okaland.
