By Bukola Hameed
It was a gathering of gatekeepers in the ancient city of Oyo on Thursday when the Oyo Global Forum held her second Olu Afolabi Roundtable at Tees Event Center, Oyo.
The roundtable, second of its kind, had the theme “Growth Indicators and Performance Index: Are We Having a Fair Deal?” and was a double-header: a combination of roundtable and distinguished personalities award.
The top-class gathering was anchored by Mr. Tunde Olawuwo, the General Manager of Splash/Lagelu FM and Barrister Muideen Olagunju, Member, 8th Oyo State House of Assembly.
Mr Rahaman Olorunpoto, the OGF Chairman whose opening remarks were expository of the person of the OGF and its objectives established that the main reason for the programme was to come together to channel a way to support the growth of Oyo town.
According to him, “Olu Afolabi Roundtable is to create an environment for all Oyo sons and daughters to interact and brainstorm on the forward process for Oyo. Also, the Distinguished Personalities Award is another glamour which gives special recognition to people like Alhaji Daud Igi-Ogun whom we know have used their personal assets and influence to move Oyo to an enviable position in the commity of cities in Nigeria.
Imaam Daud Igi-Ogun receiving the award for Peace and Development of Oyo
The Zonal Commandant, Amotekun Corps, Mr Debowale Charles Fakayode and Akintayo Alayande were among the awardees honoured for returning peace to the town and achieving an unprecedented feat in academics, respectively while Imam Daud Igiogun was also honoured.
In separate interviews, Imaam Daud Igi-Ogun expressed his heartfelt joy at the award, noting that signalling him out was then a challenge for him to do more for Oyo community and entire humanity, while the Oyo zonal Commandant of Amotekun Corps, Mr Debowale Charles Fakayode reiterated the corps resolve to ensure permanent peace is maintained.
Senator Monsurat Sunmonu in her goodwill message stated that, the era of “contest” was over for her. Rather, she’s mostly concerned about the progress of Oyo state in general, and Oyo town in particular.
“When it comes to the growth and development of Oyo, we should discard the political parties people belong to. Our major concern should be on what we can do for our home. If anything or anybody tries to obstruct my resolve to work for the growth of Oyoland, I will resist such”, she added.
She then called on every indigene to begin to fight for a common interest insisting that the Completion of abandoned projects by past administrations like Silos, would birth employment for Oyo peopwhich is her prime target which she would not allow politics to sweep her away from while charging other stakeholders to do same.
The Chairman of the event, Dr Kunle Ogunmola, gave the keynote address while Bishop Ayo Ladigbolu delivered the goodwill message and unveiled the Oyo Anthem.
Oyo Anthem
The panelists were: Dr Sulleiman Adediran-Former Chairman, Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board, Hon. Bimbo Kolade-Member RMAFC & Former Commissioner for Works, Oyo State, Dr. Lola Olayinka Dosunmu-Rector, Federal School of Surveying, Oyo and, Alhaji Rahaman Onike -Chartered Public Manager/Principal Assistant Registrar/ Congregation Representative on the Governing Council, Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology, Igboora, Chairman, Board of Trustees, CALDA Africa.
After the panelists’ sessions, awards were presented to the three deserving Oyo patriots for their immense contributions to the Development of the ancient town.