The Olupo of Oluponna, Oba Abdul-Rafiu Oyekanmi Mosobalaje Bamigboye II, Ilufemiloye-Ariwajoye I, Prof Kayode Alao, Prof Lai Olurode and Prof Dele Adigun, have called on indigenes of Oluponna land to join hands with their leaders to develop their community.
They stressed the need for communities to identify and harness their potentials to enhance economic growth at the grassroots.
They spoke at an interactive lecture tagged, “Apero” with the theme: “Oluponna Industrial Business and Economic Development Plan in the Next 20 years: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow,” as part of activities marking the first coronation anniversary of the Olupo of Oluponna land.
They noted that the responsibility for Oluponna’s growth and prosperity lies in the hands of its residents.
They explained the role of effective leadership and urged the community to rally together for its development. They called upon politicians to contribute to Oluponna’s progress and emphasised the importance of fostering love, respect, and unity, especially among the youths.
The speakers envisioned a future for Oluponna with federal presence within the next five years, along with the establishment of an agro-business processing industry.
They maintained that true prosperity was attainable in Nigeria, dispelling the notion of seeking it abroad. Their suggestions included investing in the education of Oluponna’s youths, introducing a public library, and opening the community to development and progress.
The consensus among the speakers was that the future holds great promise if Oluponna residents and indigenes work together with a clear vision. They proposed the creation of a committee to monitor the town’s progress and encouraged Olupo indigenes to invest in their hometown.
They also stressed the importance of a grassroots approach to development, aligning the community’s mindset with the government’s objectives to address currency depreciation by promoting domestic consumption.
Prof. Dele Adigun emphasised the prestige of Oluponna and its rich history, adding that the actions of today would shape the community’s tomorrow.
