Osogbo indigenes tasked on Unity, Patriotism, Goal Getting at OSAF General/Townhall meeting
The Osogbo Town Hall on Obafemi Awolowo Way, Olonkoro, Osogbo, Osun State was filled to the brim on Saturday, January 4, 2025 as members of Osogbo Affairs Forum (OSAF) converged there in their numbers for the second edition of the Forum’s General/Townhall meeting.
Themed: “Galvanizing Osogbo Indigenes Towards Unity, Patriotism, and Goal Getting,” the meeting brought together stakeholders from various strata of Osogbo society, including traditional leaders, professionals, community leaders, prominent politicians and other indigenes of the town from across the world. Attendance for the meeting was recorded both online and offline.
The Forum was moderated by President of Association of Corporate and Marketing Communication Professionals in Nigerian Banks (ACAMB), Rasheed Bolarinwa and a veteran Osogbo-based broadcaster, Alhaji Toyin Yusuf.
The representative of the Ataoja of Osogboland, who declared the meeting open, emphasized the need to critically examine the challenges facing Osogbo and thereafter proposed actionable solutions. He stressed the importance of working collaboratively with the Ataoja-in-Council to safeguard the town’s interests and ensure its sustained progress. He also highlighted territorial challenges posed by smaller neighboring towns and called for unity in addressing these concerns.
With a three-fold session, the meeting delved extensively on achieving unity, patrotism, goal getting, development of Osogbo, welfare of indigenes, amongst others.
The first session dealt extensively on ‘Galvanizing Osogbo Indigenes towards Unity, Patriotism and Goal getting’. Panelists on that session include; Dr Sikiru Adetoro, Alhaji Muniru Raji and Comrade Amitolu Shittu.
At the end of the session, it was agreed that a comprehensive database to document Osogbo indigenes in various professional and political positions be undertaken. The session concluded with the adoption of blueprint for Osogbo Industrial and Economic Base is to be developed, with a view to reviving the town’s old “business hub” status.
The second session focused on ‘Prioritizing Community Interest Over Political Alignment’. Hon. Gani Olaoluwa, Rt. Hon. Akintunde Adegboye, Prof. Ademola Adeleke and Hon. Adeoye Adelakun did justice to the topic in their roles as panelists.
They charged indigenes on the need to prioritize community interest above individual or political ambitions. The panelists also advocated for support for Osogbo politicians seeking public offices regardless of political affiliations to achieve common goals beneficial to the town. It was also resolved that a long-term plan be drawn up with a view to positioning an Osogbo indigene for the governorship of the state.
The third session examined the theme: ‘Developing Targets, Goals, and Key Focus Areas for Osogbo’
Panelists for the session are: Prof. Grace Akinola, Dr. Rasheed Adebiyi, Dr. Maruf Hassan, Dr. Busari Salawu and Mr. Obasanjo Onibonokuta
Parts of the resolutions reached in the final session are that:
1. A data bank be opened to document Osogbo indigenes in various professional fields and educational
institutions shall be created. The panelists also pushed for the academically and professionally equipped Osogbo indigenes to be identified and mobilized for strategic placements and mentorship opportunities.
