Identify With Your Indigenes, Senator Adeola Urges Ogun People In Abuja

Distinguished Senator Solomon Adeola, the Chairman of Senate Committee on Finance, has called on elected government officials and Federal Civil Servants of Ogun State origin resident in Abuja and environs to always identify with their roots in Ogun State by joining and supporting Ogun State Indigenes Forum, Abuja (OSIFA) as it is the only platform for the unity and promotion of the welfare and interest of indigenes of the state in “Abuja Diaspora” 

Speaking as the Chairman of the 10th Anniversary of OSIFA and the 2021 Ogun Day Celebration in Abuja, where he was given an award for “Outstanding Support” towards the growth and development of OSIFA over the weekend, Senator Adeola stated that it is not just enough to fill in Ogun State as “State of Origin” or purport to represent the people but refuse to identify and support an organization geared towards promotion of the interest of the people of Ogun State and its unique heritage. 

 “It was then a thing of surprise to some of us that arrived Abuja about 10 years ago as elected representatives to find out that no structure was on ground for mutual interaction among Ogun sons and daughters. This was even more surprising considering that a famous son of Ogun State, in the person of our Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, was President of Nigeria at the seat of power here for 8 years. So, 10 years ago, I joined in the efforts to close this unacceptable gap of an absence of a platform for Ogun State sons and daughters to sit down, promote the excellence Ogun State is noted for and interact for self- help and promotion of our cultural heritage.” 

The Senator, who was represented by Chief Kayode Odunaro, his Chief of Staff/Media Adviser, called on all sons and daughters of Ogun State resident in Abuja and its environs to redouble their effort in promoting the cultural and other heritages associated with Ogun State while assisting each other in efforts to succeed in all productive and legitimate endeavors through regular interactions and leveraging on contacts. 

Speaking earlier in a welcome address, Barrister Tola Olorunfunmi said the OSIFA in the last 10 years had made remarkable progress in the acquisition of land for an estate as well as empowerment of some of its member adding that the effort of the Senator and others in the growth and development of the association cannot be overemphasized. 

Among dignitaries that graced the occasion were Princess Iyabo Odulate, the Federal Commissioner in the Federal Civil Service Commission representing Ogun and Lagos State, Mr. Yomi Bajela, retired Permanent Secretary and former Ogun State Liaison Officer in Abuja who originated OSIFA as well as traditional rulers and other top civil servants’ resident in Abuja.