Royal Fathers, Past Govs Thump Up As Osun State Clocks 30

By Ayodele Oni

Speakers at a colloquium to mark the 30th anniversary of the creation of Osun state, have expressed satisfaction over its development strides.

The speakers, which include traditional rulers, former Governors of the state, academics and stakeholders also noted that the state has been blessed with committed leaders.

Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminent Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, described the achievements of Osun State within its three decades of existence as one that humbles older states.

Abubakar pointed out that it was no surprise that in Osun’s 30 years of statehood, it had produced a galaxy of stars in all the sectors and areas of human endeavour, adding that the State is blessed in both human and natural resources.

The Sultan, who was chairman of the occassion, commended the state government for electing to celebrate its landmark anniversary with a colloquium, which he described as a significant strategy for linking the past with the present and the future to build a sustainable enterprise.

The Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, in his remarks noted that Osun is now better than how it was at creation.

“Osun is better today than it was when it was created. What we are having here today attests to this fact.

“The journey of 30 years began with some people’s efforts and we appreciate the founding fathers, past administrators and incumbent governor, for their contributions to the growth and development of Osun.

“Osun is greater than every single individual, and it has become necessary to stress this fact for our people to be careful not to allow politics and other interests to disintegrate us.”

Former governor of the State, Chief Bisi Akande, ex administrators, Gen Leo Ajiborisha, Capt Anthony Udofia (rtd) and Theophilus Bamigboye, lauded the founding fathers and past leaders of the State for laying a foundation for the prosperous future of the State.

They urged all to continue to sacrifice for its growth and development.

In his remarks, Governor Adegboyega Oyetola, described the State as a full-grown entity that had surmounted its challenges with stoic resilience over the years of its existence.

“This Colloquium has been designed as the intellectual arm of the 30th Anniversary of our State to interrogate the performances of the State so far, examine possible gaps and project for a sustainable future that we all crave for as a people and desire to bequeathe to our posterity.

“As an Administration, we have instituted this Colloquium to celebrate our shared values and our collective resolve that have delivered the Osun that we desire and to give vent to our dream to prosecute our Development Agenda.

“We are confident that just as the foundation laid by our forefathers 30 years ago has earned us a viable place in the national and international space, our decision to lay bricks of contemporary governance structures will build a prosperous and sustainable future.

“This 30th Anniversary is the end of a phase and the beginning of another: the beginning of sustainable governance and development, the beginning of a new era for a generation of Osun citizens that will ride on the wings of knowledge, technology and entrepreneurship to realise their potential, shut the door against unemployment, create wealth and radically transform the economy of the State.”