Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Prof. Kayode Adebowale, has underscored the benefits of staying connected with one’s roots.
Adebowale spoke in Ibadan at yesterday’s maiden ceremony of Oka-Akoko Parapo Day.
He noted that contrary to what some people think, staying connected with one’s roots has tremendous advantages.
“It reminds us how we started and can facilitate progress and development for those who cherish their roots. It also brings opportunity for networking and collaboration that foster development,” Adebowale said.
The VC, who was the event’s special guest, therefore, urged the Oka-Akoko Parapo Association to foster unity and make harmonious living enduring.
Basorun Seinde Arogbofa, the event’s chairman and pioneer Pro-Chancellor, Federal University, Lafia, Nasarawa State, appreciated all the indigenes of Okaland living in Ibadan for coming together.
Arogbofa charged the association to ensure the establishment of the Aerospace University in Oka and to refurbish the infrastructure of the National Open University (NOUN) in Oka.
“It is not everywhere that the National Open University is situated. Many of the buildings are damaged because those who constructed them then didn’t do a good job. Those of you in Ibadan should find ways to refurbish the buildings,” Arogbofa said.
Prof. Henri Oripeloye, the guest lecturer and a professor of Literature-in-English, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, called for a multifaceted developmental approach.
Oripeloye, who spoke on “Building Oka Community for a Greater Tomorrow”, emphasised leveraging the great personalities of Oka to bring notable development to the town.
According to him, a collective approach would ensure that the various needs in education, security and infrastructural deficit in Oka are met.
“We need to increase political participation and reflect on what the future will be, and this can be achieved through unity and accountability,” Oripeloye said.
Earlier, the host of the event and Registrar, University of Ibadan, Pastor Ganiyu Saliu, said the event aimed to bring all Oka groups under one umbrella.
According to him, this will provide steady and continuous contact with the hometown and development.
“Anyone not associating with Oka people is missing out. Oka has gone far in engendering unity and progress,” Saliu said.
The chairman, Planning Committee, Elder Sunday Erinomo, whose speech was delivered by the committee’s General Secretary, Mr Rotimi Babatunde, reiterated that the gathering was for the good of Okaland.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that distinguished indigenes of Okaland were presented with awards.
The event was graced with the presence of Oba Pius Omiyejola Akande, the Asin of Oka-Odo; Oba Stephen Ogunoye 1, the Olusin of Owalusin, and Oba Yusuf Adeleye, the Olubaka of Okaland. Oba Adeleye was represented by Chief Bere. (NAN)
