OKUN LAND AT A GLANCE
LGA | HEADQUARTERS | NUMBER OF WARDS | ZONES |
Yagba East | Isanlu | 10 | Isanlu, Ejuku, Ife-Olukotun Zones |
Kabba-Bunnu | Kabba | 15 | Bunnu, Owe Zones |
Yagba West | Odo-Ere | 14 | Town Council, Area Council |
Ijumu | Iyara | 15 | Ain, Oke, Gbedde Zone |
Mopa-Amuro | Mopa | 10 | Mopa, Amuro Zones |
Lokoja | Lokoja | 10 | Agbaja, Obajana, Shokosoko,
Feleele, Lokoja |
THE FORMATIVE ERA OF OKUN DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION
What is known today as Okun Development Association was initiated in 1977 by Oyi Local Government Council. By a circular letter dated 1st September 1977 Honorable Councilor S M Adeyanju invited the following people to a meeting with the Oyi Local Government Council at Kabba
- R A Adeleye
- Dr Adeleye Ijagbemi
- Dr A K Medugbon
- Mr J D Bejide
- Mr S Ade John
- Mr J K Saliu
- Mr E A Oshe
- Mr Harry Osha
- Mr Obatoyinbo
- Prof Omo Dare
- Dr Olufemi Kayode
- Dr Olatunbosun Rowland
- Mr M M Toluhi
- Mr S B Awoniyi
- Mr S O Alimi
- Chief M B Asaju
This was how the names were listed in the letter signed by Hon Adeyanju.
An epoch-making meeting was held on 12th September 1977 at Oyi Local Government Council Chambers, Kabba attended by the invitees and the Council Members.
The Council Members who participated at the meeting were Mr. S K Oshatimehin (Council Chairman), Messrs M O Oluyori, S A Babajide, I A Ikuponiyi, S O Braimoh, G O Ojo and S M Adeyanju
The participants at the meeting were the founding fathers of the organization they named Oyi Development Association. The meeting appointed Messrs S O braimoh and S M Adeyanju as protem Chairman and Secretary respectively.
More prominent sons and daughters of Oyi Local Government Area, including Mr E O Otitoju, were invited to subsequent meetings.
At the second meeting, a Steering Committee was set up primarily to prepare a draft constitution of the Association and organize the election of an Executive Committee to run the Association. Messrs E A Oshe and Joseph Fadile were appointed Chairman and Secretary respectively.
On June 24, 1978, Oyi Development Association (ODA) was formally inaugurated with the following aims and objectives:
- To foster and work for unity and harmony amongst the people of Bunu, Ijumu, Kabba, Yagba North East, Yagba South East and Yagba West (these are ther present Ijumu, Kabba/Bunu, Yagba West, Yagba East, and MopaMuro Local Government Councils). These grouping was later extended to include the Oworos in Lokoja Local Government Council, all in the then Kwara State
- To promote agricultural, industrial, commercial, and social development throughout these areas.
- To preserve and propagate the culture and tradition of the people
- To provide the forum whereby all the people of the area at home and abroad can participate fully in the economic, social, and cultural growth of the area.
The Constitution of the Association was promulgated by the same General Meeting of June 24, 1978 and Mr A O Laniyan became the first elected President of the Association. The Executive Committee elected that day had representatives from each of the six Districts that made up Oyi Local Government Area.
There was a lull in the activities of the Association from 1978. However in 1981, some concerned sons and daughters of the Oyi Local Government Area who were uncomfortable with the lull in the activities of the Association felt that something needed to be done in view of the rumors about creation of states and local government areas in the country. The first of a series of meetings of these concerned individuals took place at the African Hall of the University of Ilorin on March 26, 1981 mainly of Oyi Indigenes resident in Ilorin. The meeting was well attended. Participants include:
- Hon Funsho Obasaju
- R D Oloye Esq
- Bright Ade Iwamide
- Mr S O Dare
- Hon S O Oloruntoba
- Rev M E Ariye
- Mr S O Oshatoba
- E A Agbana
- Mr R D Olaitan
- Eng G O Ojo
- Mr E A Onibiyo
- Mr P A Orunnipin
- Mr J A Bolusemihi
- Mr J O Mayomi
- Mr Ben Aiyedogbon
- Mr Ben Adeyemi
- Eng J O Oyebode
- Hon (Chief) O Fayomi
- Mr E O Otitoju
- Eng M O Daniel
- Adeniyi Oshe Esq
These meetings had Adeniyi Oshe Esq as Chairman and Eng G O Ojo as Secretary
After series of meetings, a General Meeting was convened in Kabba on July 3, 1982 to take a position on the creation of states and to elect a new Executive Committee for the Association.
Adeniyi Oshe Esq was elected as the National President, Eng G O Ojo as National Secretary, Messrs. S K Olutimehin Deputy National President, Momoh Olle, Deputy National Secretary, Femi Ibitoye, Legal Adviser, Ben Ayobolu, National Treasurer, D E Oloruntobi, National Financial Secretary, A K Medaiyese, Deputy National Financial Secretary, P O Owoleke, National Publicity Secretary, E O Onibiyo, National Social Secretary, E I Agbana, Deputy National Social Secretary.
Other members were Mrs F Ola, Mrs C A Aiyepeku, Mrs Juliana Ade-Cole, Chioef M B Asaju, Dr T Atte, Dr Kayode Ige, Messrs. Emmanuel Ajayi, S K Adedoyin, G A Bakare, M O Oluyori, J O Ayoola, G O Ajongolo and E A Adeoye
The effort of the Oyi Development Association at this early stage was largely focused on the following challenges-
- Determining where our collective interests would be best served in Federal Government moves to create states and local government areas.
- Confronting and fighting the intense discrimination against Oyi indigenes at the state level
- Promoting rapid educational advancement of the people
- Giving Oyi indigenes an identity
It is worth noting here that on the issue of creation of states, there was no unanimity among the six Districts that constituted Oyi Local Government Area. Some prefer a state comprising the divisions of the old Kabba Province while some prefer a state made up of the people of Oyi, Oworo, Ebira, and Bassa. And others prefer to remain with Kwara State. After a series of meetings, and extensive consultations, members of the Association agreed to demamd for a state consisting of the people of Oyi, Oworo, Ebira, and Bassa. The proposed state was named Osara State. Needless to add that we did not get what we asked for.
There was no controversy on the demand for the creation of additional Local
Government Areas. The people rose in unison to demand for this and it paid
off. There are now five Local Government Councils where we had only one,
and we still need more.
OUR NEW NAME
Following the splitting of Oyi Local Government Areas, which began in 1981, Oyi as a homogeneous entity no longer existed. It became necessary to change the name of the Association from Oyi Development Association. The Association set up a Committee under the Chairmanship of Dr. D E Oloruntobi to recommend a new name for the Association. Other members of the Committee were Mr A K Medaiyese, Mr Bolusemihi, Mr J I Ibitomisi, Dr Gbemi, Mr E Olubiyo, Mr E A Arungbemi, Mr Sam Osajare and Eng, T E Dada.
On February 6, 1982, at the General Meeting held at St Kizito’s College Isanlu, the Association considered the re4commendations of the Dr Oloruntobi Committee. The Committee suggested about twelve names for consideration. After an exhaustive discussions/debates the General Meeting adopted Okun Development Association as the new name. the name immediately conferred an identity on our people in any part Nigeria in particular, and in the Diaspora.
What is in a name?
A Lot.
The formative era of the Okun Development Association could be said to have ended when the Oshe/Ojo led Executive Committee was dissolved on October 26, 1985 and replaced with a newly elected National Executive led by Chief A Olorun…. as National President and J Y Momoh Olle as National Secretary.
From October 1985 to December 1999, just like i9n the first two years of its formation, there was not much from Okun Development Association. This was the period in the nation’s history when the effect of the endless transition program and the partisan nature of politics pitied brothers against brothers. This was when some new bodies tried to fill the vacuum they observed. This could not take roots.
However, on December 18, 1999, the behind the scene efforts of the following
notable individuals culminated in a meeting at Kabba to revive the Association:
- Chief J O Obajemu
- Chief Adewale Bello
- Chief T F Aiyepeku
- Chief Oshatimehin S K
- Chief M Ayinmodu
- Chief E O Otitoju
- Chief Ben Aiyedogbon
- Chief Oyinbo
- Chief M B Asaju.
At that meeting a new National Executive was elected, under the leadership of Chief E.O Otitoju as National President. Chief E.O. Otitoju handed over to Amb Babatunde Paul on the 6th of February 2010. Amb Babatunde Paul handed over to the present executives, under the leadership of Barr Femi Mokikan on Oct 20th 2017.
CONSTITUTION OF OKUN DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION
PREAMBLE
Whereas we the entire indigenes of Okunland of Nigeria imbued with a spirit of unity and co-operation consequent upon the slow pace of the development of our land and firmly convinced that this unity and co-operation form the gateway to the agricultural, industrial, socio-economic and cultural development of our land:
And whereas we are well aware of the circumstances that have made the realization of unity and co-operation among our communities in various states of Nigeria (particularly Kogi, Ondo, Ekiti, and Kwara) difficult, and building on the earlier attempts by our leaders to forge such unity and co-operation. Therefore, we the indigenes of Okunland, by our representatives here assembled in the city of Kabba this 13th day of March, 2021 do Hereby DECLARE, MAKE and GIVE to ourselves the following constitution to form a social, cultural and non- political organization as provided for in this Constitution as consistent with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as Amended).
SUPREMACY
Subject to the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, this constitution shall be supreme, and its provisions shall have binding force on all bodies, associations and persons of Okun Nationality.
CHAPTER ONE
GENERAL PROVISIONS
- NAME:
The name of the association shall be “OKUN DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION”
Hereinafter called “the Association”, with its registered office at Kabba, Kogi State, Nigeria,
The Association is registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission with
Registration Number 65642.
- STATUS:
It shall be a body corporate. The Association shall be non-political, non-religious, and shall treat all with fairness, justice and equality.
- 3. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES:
In order to ensure that Okun Nation becomes united under one authority, the aims and objectives of the Association shall be:
(i) To foster and work for unity and harmony in Okunland of the present West Senatorial District of Kogi State, Okuns in Kwara, Ondo and Ekiti as well as amongst all Okun people in other parts of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and in the diaspora.
(ii) To promote the general development of Okun Nation.
(iii) To preserve and propagate the culture and tradition of Okunland and forge closer socio-cultural integration with the rest of Yorubaland
(iv) To provide a forum through which all indigenes of Okunland at home and abroad can participate fully in the growth and development of Okunland.
(v) To provide a mechanism for resolving intra and inter communal disputes, crises or any matter that has the likelihood of negating peace, progress and advancement among the people and
(vi) To relate with the Government at all levels towards ensuring the relevance of Okun Nation in every strata of government in Nigeria.
(vii) To serve as the mouth-piece of the people of Okun Nation on matters affecting the socio-economic and cultural lives of the people, including their place and future in the Federal Republic of Nigeria
CHARPTER TWO
MEMBERSHIP
- 4. Membership of the Association shall be through one of three routes: a) By Birth (Regular Membership); b) By Conferment (Honorary Member); and c) By Affiliation (Affiliate Member)
- QUALIFICATION FOR REGULAR MEMBERSHIP:
Any indigene of Okunland who has attained the age of 18 years shall be qualified for enrolment as a member of the Association. An indigene of Okunland is any person with historical and biological origin in any town or village in Okunland irrespective of his/her place of residence. Historical or biological origin implies that both parents or either of the parents have their roots from any of the communities in Okunland. Regular Members must become financial members to be eligible for all membership privileges. A Regular Member becomes a Financial Member by simply paying his/her annual dues as and when due and any other levies that may be required from time to time to the National account in the designated bank that will be communicated to members periodically by the National Executive.
- HONORARY MEMBERSHIP:
The National Congress, on the recommendation of the National Executive Council, may confer honorary membership of the Association on any other worthy and deserving citizen of Nigeria or any other Nationality who is deemed to have contributed significantly to the development of Okunland and is considered to be of good standing in the society.
- AFFILIATE MEMBERSHIP:
(i) The National Congress, on the recommendation of the National Executive Council, may confer affiliate membership of the Association on any person or group whose aim and aspirations are identical with those of the Association.
(ii) Any person who has been domiciled in a town or village in Okunland for TEN years and is considered to be of good standing during the period of domicile shall qualify to be sponsored by a member who is in good standing for affiliate membership of the Association and may be admitted to Affiliate Membership by the National Congress upon the recommendation of the National Executive Council.
(iii) Honorary and Affiliate Members are entitled to all the privileges of Regular Members except that they cannot vote and cannot be voted for
- ENROLMENT:
(i) Every member of the Association shall pay to the Association, a one-time enrolment fees and an annual subscription as may be determined from time to time by the National Congress on the advice of the National Executive Council consequent upon which a membership identity card or number or such other identifying insignia shall be issued to such a person.
(ii) Only financial members can enjoy the privileges of membership of the Association
(iii) Anyone aspiring for any Executive, Trusteeship or Elders’ Council position within the association shall have been a financial member in each of the three years preceding the year of such an election.
- MEMBERSHIP PRIVILEGES
Privileges of financial members of the Association shall include but not limited to eligibility to vote and be voted for; eligibility to participate in the activities and affairs of the Association including attendance at Annual General Congress, and raising motions or counter motions at such Congresses, Extraordinary General Congress, or other meetings for all members; eligibility to bring any complaint to the knowledge of the National Executive Council and receive appropriate responses; eligibility to criticise the performance of the National Executive Council and receive attention.
- CESSATION OF MEMBERSHIP:
A person shall cease to be a member of the Association when:
(i) He/she resigns his membership of the Association in writing.
(ii) He/she is, without good reasons in arrears of his dues for three consecutive years –
(iii) His membership is, on the recommendation of the National Executive Council, terminated by the National Congress on grounds of gross misconduct PROVIDED that a resolution to terminate any membership shall be carried by not less than two-third majority of a duly constituted National Congress. The expression gross misconduct shall be as defined in section 31 of this Constitution
- REINSTATEMENT:
Any person whose membership has been determined under section 10, may be
reinstated:
(i) upon his application to that effect
(ii) The payment of a reinstatement fee to be determined from time to time by the National Executive Council
(iii) upon a resolution carried by not less than a simple majority of a duly constituted National Congress.
CHAPTER THREE
THE NATIONAL CONGRESS
- CALLING OF MEETINGS:
(i) There shall be held at least once a year a meeting of the National Congress, the time and venue which shall be determined by the National Executive Council.
(ii) The National President shall convoke an EXTRAORDINARY NATIONAL CONGRESS when: (a) He receives a request to that effect by one-third of the branches (b) He receives a request to that effect from one-third of the financial members of the Association.
(c) Critical issues arise requiring decisions of the Annual National Congress and which cannot wait till the next regular Annual National Congress. A critical issue shall be an issue declared to be so by a simple majority of the National Executive members
(iii) For 12 (2) (a) and (b) above, the National President shall be obliged to convoke the Congress not later than two months of the receipt of the request.
(iv) A notice of twenty-eight (28) clear days shall be given specifying the place, date and time of the Annual National Congress. The notice shall be given to the Branches by hand, by post, through electronic and mass communication channels, or by publication in a national newspaper.
- DELEGATES:
For the purpose of the Annual National Congress, delegates shall be drawn from the following sources:
a). The Community Development Associations/Unions/Societies that represent each of the major blocks/constituents of Okun Nation, recognised as Ijumu; Kabba/Bunu; Mopamuro; Oworo; Yagba East; and Yagba West.
b). Branch Members that are in branches outside Okun land but within Nigeria
c). Branch Members in branches in the Diaspora
d). Branch Members in branches that are within Okun land
(i) Delegates to the Annual National Congress shall be apportioned in a ratio to be determined from time to time by the National Executive Council taking into cognizance branch numerical and financial strength, geographical areas, representation for each district of Okunland, and automatic delegates, which shall consist of the Chairman, the Secretary and the Treasurer of each branch. Members so appointed/nominated shall be up-to-date in the payment of their dues and levies.
(ii) A list of financial members shall be submitted by each branch Financial Secretary to the National Secretary not less than 30 days before any National Congress.
(iii) At every National Congress, each branch of the Association shall be represented by not more than five (5) members, inclusive of the automatic delegates from the branch
(iv) All members of the National Executive Council, Past Presidents, Past Secretaries and Past Treasurers as well as the Chairperson, Secretary and Treasurer of each branch shall be automatic delegates to the National Congress.
- QUORUM:
No business shall be transacted at any National Congress unless a quorum of members is present. A quorum shall consist of delegates representing not less than half the number of the qualified delegates.
- VOTING
(i) Save as required by other provisions of this Constitution decisions requiring a vote shall be adopted by a simple majority.
(ii) The Chairperson shall, in case of a tie, have a casting vote. Voting shall be done by financial members who shall be represented by delegates as provided for in chapter 111 section 11 of this Constitution.
(iv) Delegates shall attend meetings and vote physically or through electronic channels and any other means provided for that purpose at the time
- OBSERVERS:
(i) Any member of the Association not being a delegate may attend the sessions of the National Congress as observers.
(ii) An observer may, with the permission of the President, contribute to debates PROVIDED that he is in good financial standing in the Association and shall not be entitled to a vote or conduct himself in any way prejudicial to the orderly progress of the Congress
- CHAIRPERSON:
The National President of the Association shall be the Chairperson at all sittings of the National Congress but if at any sitting he is not present within thirty minutes after the time appointed for holding the meeting or if he is unable to act, one of the three National Vice Presidents shall preside but in the unlikely event that all four are absent, one of the National Executive Council Members present shall nominate one amongst them to preside over the meeting.
- POWER OF THE NATIONAL CONGRESS:
The National Congress shall have powers:
(i) To elect the National Executive Council.
(ii) To make rules for the Association.
(iii) To set up standing and ad-hoc committees for purposes considered necessary.
(iv) To decide on development projects and give general directives on their Implementation.
(v) To fix membership fees; rates and annual dues and special levies for members on the recommendation of the National Executive Council.
(vi) To raise funds from any lawful source.
(vii) To give assent to budgets drawn up by the National Executive Council.
(viii) To delegate some of its powers to the National Executive Committee as might be deemed necessary.
(ix) To remove any erring officer who has been publicly indicted by a lawful authority
(x) To consider and approve annual audit reports
(xi) To approve conferment of affiliate and honorary membership, and
(xii) To review and approve the Okun agenda as may be required from time to time
CHAPTER IV
- THE NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COUNCIL
There shall be a National Executive Council which shall consist of officials elected into the offices listed in section 24 of this constitution in accordance with the provisions of section 22.
- THE PRINCIPLE OF ZONING
For the purpose of conducting election into the various National Executive Council Offices, to achieve the objectives of fairness, equity, justice, and promote inclusiveness and sense of belonging in representation amongst the various blocks/constituents of Okun Nation, the principle of zoning shall be adopted to ensure each zone has a voice in the Council. The following zones have been adopted for this purpose. Ijumu; Kabba/Bunu; Mopamuro; Oworo; Yagba East; and Yagba West. A zone’s tenure in one office shall be two terms of three-year term and a particular office holder may not necessarily serve the two terms depending on his/her performance and other considerations as provided for in section 22 of this Constitution. At the end of the two-term tenure of the zones in a particular office(s), the offices will be rotated among the zones such that over time, all the zones will have, at one time of the other, the benefit of having occupied all the offices available at the National Executive Council. The National Presidents of the Community Development Associations/Unions/Societies of each zone shall be responsible for making/sponsoring nominations to the offices zoned to them. No independent candidates shall be eligible to contest election into any National Executive office unless such a candidate presents himself/herself for sponsorship by his/her Community Development Association.
- ELECTION:
(i) There shall be a National Executive Council which shall be elected by The National Congress which shall hold at the expiration of the incumbent Council.
(ii) Election into the National Executive Council shall be organized by an Electoral Committee to be set up at each election cycle by the National Executive Council in line with the framework provided in section 20 of this Constitution
(iii) No Candidate shall be eligible to contest election into any of the National Executive offices without the payment of the amount prescribed by the Electoral Committee for election purposes for the particular election cycle. Such payment shall be made into the Association’s National Bank Account by the Community Development Association sponsoring the candidate for the election.
(ii) Except where a candidate has been returned un-opposed, election of any member of the National Executive Council shall be by simple majority and through a secret ballot by the delegates after a candidate has been duly sponsored by his constituency and nominated by two delegates present at the congress for that election.
(iii) At all material time, any person contesting for an office of the Association shall neither be aspirants to an elective political office nor be a political party office holder at either Local Government, State or National level.
(iv) If after winning election into the National Executive Council, a National Executive Council member decides to go for a political office election or appointment at any level of government, such an officer shall resign from the National Executive Office immediately and shall be replaced by his constituency within one week of such resignation
(v) Any member of the National Executive Council is free to seek re-election for a second term of three years and not more once validly nominated in line with the provisions of the Constitution
(vi) The National Executive Council shall have powers to appoint an Administrative Secretary with moderate auxiliary staff as the business of the office may dictate from time to time.
- TENURE OF OFFICE:
(i) A member of the National Executive Council shall hold office for a period of three years from the date of his election unless he is removed from office or the Council is dissolved by the National Congress; provided that no member shall hold a particular post for more than two consecutive terms.
(ii) The tenure of a member of the National Executive Council shall come to an end;
- by resignation which shall be conveyed to the National President in writing or
- by removal from office for any case of misconduct confirmed by the National Congress; or
- at the end of his tenure if the person is not re-elected.
- For reasons of insanity or any other form of permanent total incapacity
- if the Community Development Association that sponsored the member writes to withdraw such member’s continued participation
- TEMPORARY APPOINTMENT:
Where a vacancy occurs in the National Executive Council before election at a meeting of the National Congress, the National Executive Council may fill such vacancy by approaching the zone from where the vacancy occurred to provide a replacement in an acting capacity until election is conducted to fill the position.
- COMPOSITION:
The National Executive Council shall consist of:
(a) National President ODA whose title shall be the President General
(b) National Vice President (Home, North, South)
(c) National Secretary
(d) National Assistant Secretary
(e) National Treasurer
(f) National Auditor
(g) National Legal Adviser
(h) National Financial Secretary
(i) National Assistant Financial Secretary
(j) National Publicity Secretary
(k) National Social Secretary
(l) National Assistant Social Secretary
(m) Liaison Officer (Abuja)
(n) Liaison Officer (Lokoja)
(o) Liaison Officer (Diaspora)
(p) All Past Presidents, Past Secretaries, and Past Treasurers shall be ex-official members.
- POWERS
(i) The National Executive Council in consultation with the National Legal Adviser shall have power to interpret the constitution and the rules made by National Council and to determine any question whereon the constitution and the rules are silent.
(ii) The National Executive Council shall have power to engage such staff as might in its opinion be desirable.
(iii) It shall be the duty of the National Executive council to execute the resolutions and decisions of the National Congress.
(iv) it shall be the duty of the National Executive Council to acquire and manage the Association`s properties.
(v) The National Executive Council shall have power to co-opt any person to attend its meetings and give advice to it on any matter.
(vi) It shall have powers to establish standing and/or ad hoc committees as may be necessary some of which shall be the Branch Development and Mobilization Committee; Security Committee; Technical Advisory Committee; Finance and Funding Committee; Communication and Media Committee; Committee on Peace and Unity.
(vii) Membership of these Committees shall be drawn from both the National Executive and Non National Executive Members of the Association
(viii) The National Executive Council shall draw up Term of Reference for these Committees and review them for relevance and appropriateness from time to time
(ix)It shall prepare the annual budget for the approval of the National Congress
(x) Recognize branches and inaugurate them
- MEETINGS:
(i) There shall be held at least four times in a year, meetings of the National Executive Council, the time, method and venue of which shall be appointed by the National President through the National Secretary.
(ii) The quorum necessary for the transaction of business at a meeting of the National Executive Council shall be at least half of the total existing members of the Council.
(iii) The National President or in his absence one of the National Vice Presidents shall preside over a National Executive Council meeting.
CHAPTER FIVE
- DUTIES OF OFFICERS OF THE ASSOCIATION
The duties of Officers of the Association shall be as follows:
- THE NATIONAL PRESIDENT:
(i) The National President shall have powers to represent ODA at any forum and have powers to take decisions on behalf of the Association.
(ii) The National President shall preside over any National Congress and the meetings of the National Executive Council.
(iii) He shall submit to the Annual Congress a report of the activities of the Association in the preceding year and plans for the following year.
(iv) He shall be responsible for the general administration of the Association
(v) He shall have powers to act on emergency matters and call meetings of the National Executive Council not later than seven days after the occurrence of the emergency.
(vi) The President shall be the Principal Signatory to the Association’s Account
B THE NATIONAL VICE PRESIDENT Home, North, & South
(i) Any of the National Vice Presidents shall in the absence of the
National President perform the duties of the National President.
(ii) He shall also perform any other duty assigned to him by the National President.
- THE NATIONAL SECRETARY:
(i) The National Secretary shall on the instruction of the National President, convene National Congress and meetings of the National Executive Council.
(ii) He shall convey the decisions of the Congress and the Executive Council to the Branches or any appropriate body.
(iii) He shall also take necessary steps to implement the decisions of the Congress and the Executive Council.
(iv) The National Secretary shall be the head of the National Secretariat of the Association.
(v) The National Secretary shall take and present minutes of all meetings.
(vi) The National Secretary shall maintain a list of all members, branches, affiliates, and honorary members
(vii) The National Secretary shall be an alternate signatory to the Association’s Account
- DEPUTY NATIONAL SECRETARY:
(I) The Deputy National Secretary shall give such assistance to the National Secretary as the latter shall from time to time require.
(ii) He shall deputize for the National Secretary when the latter is for any reason unable to perform his duties.
- NATIONAL TREASURER:
(i) The National Treasurer shall receive and be responsible for the safekeeping of all association’s funds.
(ii) He/she shall cause all monies received to be deposited in the bank account of the Association provided that he/she may operate an imprest account the maximum amount of which shall be prescribed by the National Congress from time to time. No money shall be expended by the National Treasurer without the written approval of the National President.
(iii) The National Treasurer shall work closely with the Financial Secretary and supply on request any information required by the National Auditor.
(iv) The National Treasurer shall be an alternate signatory to the Association’s Account
- NATIONAL AUDITOR:
(i) The National Auditor shall be responsible for auditing the accounts of the Association as often as he might deem necessary but not less than once a year.
(ii) The audited accounts of the Association shall be sent to the next National Congress for consideration and approval.
- NATIONAL LEGAL ADVISER:
(i) The National Legal Adviser shall advise the Association on all legal matter affecting the Association.
(ii) The National legal adviser shall be in the custody of the legal seal of the Association.
(iii) He/she shall take up any legal action on behalf of the Association as directed by the National Executive Council or instituted against the Association.
(iv) He shall recommend outside counsel for the approval of the
Executive Council whenever there is a need for representation by an External Solicitor.
- THE NATIONAL FINANCIAL SECRETARY:
(i) The National Financial Secretary shall keep necessary books and records of the Association’s funds.
(ii) He/she shall remit all Association’s funds to the Treasurer promptly.
(iii) He/she shall maintain a record of all financial members of the Association and shall present a record of all members financially cleared to run for any of the Association’s executive offices to the National Congress
(iv) He shall be responsible for the maintenance of Accounts of the Association, including withdrawals of funds, signatories, etc.
- THE DEPUTY NATIONAL FINANCIAL SECRETARY:
The National Deputy Financial Secretary shall give such assistance to the National Financial Secretary where the latter is for any reason unable to perform his duties.
- THE NATIONAL PUBLICITY SECRETARY PRO 1:
The National Publicity Secretary shall be responsible for publicizing the activities of the Association.
- THE DEPUTY NATIONAL PUBLICITY SECRETARY PRO 2
The PRO 2 shall provide assistance to PRO 1 as may be required
- NATIONAL SOCIAL SECRETARY:
The National Social Secretary shall be responsible for organizing all social, welfare and cultural activities of the Association.
- DEPUTY NATIONAL SOCIAL SECRETARY:
(i) National Deputy Social Secretary shall give such assistance to the National Social Secretary as the latter shall from time to time require.
(ii) He shall deputize for the Social Secretary when the latter is for any reason unable to perform his duties.
- LIAISON OFFICER (ABUJA)
Articulate and promote the interests of the Association to assure a strong and robust presence of the Association in the areas under the jurisdiction of Abuja.
(o) LIAISON OFFICER (LOKOJA)
Articulate and promote the interests of the Association to assure a strong and robust presence of the Association in the areas under the jurisdiction of Lokoja.
(P) LIAISON OFFICER (DIASPORA)
(i)Articulate and promote the interests of the Association to assure a strong and robust presence of the Association in different parts of the world.
(ii) Keeping and maintaining up to date records of Diaspora Membership.
(iii) Keeping Diaspora Members of the Association abreast of happenings that affect the interests of the Association
(iv) Providing timely information and recommendations on a regular basis to the parent (home) Association on matters that affect any branch(es) in the Diaspora
(v) Performance any and all other functions that may be necessary to maintain a strong and robust presence in different parts of the world
CHAPTER SIX
- BRANCHES
- FORMATION:
(i) There shall be established in every District of Okunland a branch of the Association made up of registered members in that district.
(ii) A new branch of the Association can be formed by any TEN qualified members resident in any community outside Okunland.
(iii) Any newly formed branch shall inform the National Executive Council of its existence.
(v) Each branch shall be deemed inaugurated upon approval of the Executive Council. Such approval shall be communicated to a representative of the branch by the National President or General Secretary.
- BRANCH EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE:
- There shall be a Branch Executive Committee which shall be elected at a general meeting specially called for that purpose.
- COMPOSITIONS:
The Branch Executive Committee shall comprise:
(i) The Chairperson
(ii) Vice Chairperson
(iii) Secretary.
(iv) Financial Secretary.
(v) Treasurer.
(vi) Public Relation Officer.
(vii) Branch Auditor
- DUTIES
(i) CHAIRPERSON
(i) He shall, in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution of the Association, oversee all the operation of the Association in the branch
(ii) He shall be responsible to the National Executive Council.
(iii) He shall be a signatory to the Branch’s bank account
(ii) VICE CHAIRPERSON
(i) He shall be the assistant to the chairperson and perform such other duties as may be delegated by the chairperson from time to time.
(iii) SECRETARY
(i) He shall execute administrative and secretariat functions of the branch.
(ii) He shall keep proper records of all correspondence and carry out other duties as may be assigned to him by the chairperson.
(iv) FINANCIAL SECRETARY
(i) He shall be responsible for all monetary records of the branch.
(ii) He shall perform such other duties as may be assigned to him by the chairperson.
(v) TREASURER
(i) He shall be responsible for keeping the money of the branch in a bank.
(ii) He shall be one of signatories to the branch’s bank account.
(iii) He shall make all approved payments.
(vi) PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER
He shall be responsible for the publicity of all the activities of the branch.
(vii) BRANCH AUDITOR
He shall be responsible for examining the finances of the branch and ensure compliance with standard financial practices
- FUNCTIONS:
The functions of a branch shall include:
(a) Working towards the realization of the objectives of the association, including membership drive and mobilization.
(b) Collection of enrolment fees, dues and levies and remitting to the Association’s bank account and making evidence of such remittance available to the Financial Secretary all or part of monies as might be prescribed by the National Congress, and
(c) Selection of delegates of the National Congress.
(d) Decisions of the branches shall be subject to the approval of the National Executive Council except on local or administrative matters
- RULES:
Every Branch shall operate by the rules and regulations of the Constitution. Because of differences amongst branches, each branch shall be encouraged to develop its own additional rules for the effective running of the branch. Where there is a conflict between such branch rules and the provisions of the constitution, the provisions of the constitution shall prevail
- BRANCH MANUAL
The Branch Manual, which is a different document, prepared by the current Executive shall form an integral part of this constitution and marked as Annexure one. Every Branch must obtain a copy of the Manual and be familiar with the provisions
- SUPREMACY OF THECONSTITUTION:
All Branch shall be bound by the provisions of the constitution of the Association in the organization, structure, operations and general administration of the Branch.
CHAPTER SEVEN
DISPUTE RESOLUTION MECHANISM:
INTERNAL SETTLEMENT FRAMEWORK
Every attempt shall be made to settle any dispute amongst members internally. Only when that fails shall external intervention be encouraged.
In the event of a dispute between one member of the National Executive Council and another, or among members of the National Executive Council, any of the parties to the dispute shall immediately bring such a dispute to the knowledge of the whole house for immediate settlement at the next National Executive meeting after it is brought to the knowledge of the whole house. If none of the parties to the dispute is willing to bring such a dispute to the knowledge of the whole house, and if it comes to the knowledge of any other member who is not a party to the dispute, such a member shall be free to bring such information to the knowledge of the whole house. The whole house will use its best endeavours to settle the dispute and reconcile the parties in a win-win manner.
EXTERNAL INTERVENTION
Where the whole house is unable to settle the dispute for whatever reasons, such a dispute shall be referred to the Elders’ Council for resolution.
In the unlikely event that the Elders’ Council is unable to resolve the dispute, the Elders’ Council shall be at liberty to advise/direct the National Executive Council on what they consider the best step to take in such a circumstance. Such advise/directive when implemented shall terminate the dispute without fail.
CHAPTER EIGHT
SOCIAL MEDIA
Information management shall be considered as a very critical key success factor by the National Executive. For this reason, the Association shall deploy the social media for its maximum benefit. Apart from maintaining a WhatsApp Platform for the generality of Okun Sons and Daughters under the Okun Development Association Platform, there shall be maintained a WhatsApp Platform under the ODA Executive Forum exclusively for the use of members of the National Executive Council only. Unless approved by the whole house, nothing discussed at the National Executive Platform shall be released to the general public. In addition, members shall be encouraged to be active on any other Okun-linked WhatsApp Platforms and ensure that their contributions promote and advance the cause of the Association
In addition to the WhatsApp, the Association shall explore other social media as appropriate to promote the accomplishment of its mission.
To facilitate seamless interaction and communication, the Association hereby creates and maintains a website – https/okundev.org – which is expected to be robust and active and regularly updated. Email addresses, linked to the Association, are equally set up for each National Executive Member, separate and distinct from the Association’s general email address which is info@okundev.org which one can log in to via http/webmail.okundev.org/Mondo/lang/sys/login.aspx
The Association shall encourage responsible use of the Social Media to promote the objectives of unity, peace, mutual respect and development of Okunland.
CHAPTER NINE
- GENERAL PROVISIONS
- TRUSTEES:
The Board of Trustees shall consist of men and women of proven integrity one from each of the local Government Areas of Okunland and the National President
The duty of the Board of Trustees shall be advisory.
And it is to hold assets in trust for the association
They shall serve for one term of seven years
They shall be nominated by their respective branch/Local Government/Community Association as the case may be.
They shall cease to be in office under similar circumstances and similar manner to an executive member
- COUNCIL OF ELDERS:
(i) The Association shall appoint a Council of Elders who shall be Advisors to the Association providing guidance and resolving issues and mediating in conflicts.
(ii) The Council of Elders shall be composed of three (2) notable and prominent Elders of the people from each of the Local Government/District that constitute Okunland and shall serve for one term of seven years.
(iii) Only persons who are versed and experienced, who have passed through the mill of the civil and public services, Judiciary, Academia, the armed and uniformed services as well as chieftains of commerce and industry, and professionals who must have attained the age of sixty-five years shall be eligible for appointment to the Council of Elders.
(iv) The Council shall meet as and when necessary.
(v) They shall be nominated by their respective branches and be removed under the same circumstances and in similar manner to an Executive member
- PATRONS:
The National Congress shall have the power to appoint any two fit and
Proper person, a male and a female, as Patrons of the Association.
- SOURCE OF INCOME:
(i) Registration Fees
(ii) Annual subscription
(iii) Money realized from fund raising and launchings by the Association
(iv) Special Levies
(v) Donations or grants
- INTERPRETATION:
(i) The interpretation of “an indigene of Okunland” mentioned in this Constitution shall be in accordance with the provisions of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
(ii) Dispute. This refers to any disagreement between two or more Executive Council members or within local branches with potential to negatively impact the function/activities of the Association
(iii) All references to persons in the masculine gender shall include the feminine gender.
(iv) “Gross misconduct” A conduct shall be construed to be gross misconduct if such is unpopular and disgraceful and if it is likely to bring Okunland into disrepute. It may be liable to lead to a conviction in some cases. OR any acts of commission or omission that can be reasonably regarded as disgraceful and dishonourable by any member of the Association.
(v) “Privileges” under this shall mean rights which can be withdrawn
(vi) “Good Standing” shall mean financially up to date
- AMENDMENT:
(i) No amendment to this Constitution shall be made unless upon a resolution passed by at least two-third majority of a duly constituted National Congress.
(ii) Notice of a resolution seeking to amend the Constitution shall be forwarded to the National Secretary who shall transmit such notice to reach each branch at least two clear weeks before the commencement of any National Congress.
Read, adopted and Ratified at the Annual National Congress of the Association on Saturday, 13th March, 2021
OKUN AGENDA
PREAMBLE
This Agenda is a plan of action for Okun people. It seeks to strengthen universal peace, economic, and political freedom in Okunland. We recognize that eradicating poverty in all its forms and dimensions, is the greatest challenge facing our people which is an indispensable requirement for our sustainable development. All Okun Citizens as stakeholders, acting in collaborative partnership, will implement this plan. We are resolve to free our ethnic nationality from the tyranny of poverty and want to heal and secure our Land. We are determined to take the bold and transformative steps which are urgently needed to shift Okun land onto a sustainable and resilient path. As we embark on this collective journey, we pledge that no one will be left behind.
The Okun Agenda which we are announcing now demonstrates the scale and ambition of our new direction. It seeks to realize the human rights of all and to achieve gender equality and the empowerment of all our people. Our Goals and targets will stimulate our actions over the next Twenty years in areas of critical importance for humanity.
OUR VISION
Our vision is an Okun Nation that ensures the total integration of all her people, leave a sustainable economy for our future generations, develop a culture where every citizen of Okun Land has equal opportunity to achieve Economic, Political and Socia-cultural developments and have a sense of pride being an Okun anywhere in the world.
OUR MISSION
Our mission is to provide every Okun citizen the opportunity to access and enjoy a high quality of life, eliminate poverty and achieve balanced lifestyle through the development of our people especially Women and Youth in our communities, so as to possess the power to harness available opportunity for themselves and others as obtainable in other developed part of Nigeria.
GOALS
Our goals are to:
Be one of the most improved, respected and recognized people in Nigeria in terms of political, economic and socio-cultural development; become the country’s preferred investors’ destination; create a private sector-driven, market-based economy capable of competing effectively within Nigeria and globally; effectively deploy information and Communications Technology to lead other tribes in the country in the creation of a knowledge-based economy; be an economic, Industrial and tourism hub of Nigeria by 2030 by taking advantage of our location, other natural resources, and the enormous industrial and tourism potentials available in Okun Land; be a powerful political force that can ensure equity, fairness and justice in the governance of Kogi State; and Creat a safe and secure environment to drive the growth and development of Okun Land.
OUR AGENDA
The entire people of Okun Nation with common history and language (Okun Language) hereby state as follows, that:
Whereas, we as a people have resolved to pursue an Okun First policy in all our dealings;
Whereas, we as a people have resolved to demonstrate a strong commitment to fight for our rights and achieve sufficient equality with other ethnic nationalities in all aspect of life wherever we may find ourselves as a constituent part of Nigeria;
Whereas, we as a people have resolved to demonstrate a strong commitment to poverty elimination and the attainment of self-sustaining economy by mainstreaming employment generation and people empowerment into various policies and programmes of both the Nigeria private and public sectors;
Whereas, we as a people have resolved to demonstrate a strong commitments to fairness, unity and peaceful coexistence of the various communities, religious groups and politicalparties, in the furtherance of our socio-cultural and econo-political endeavors in Okun land;
Whereas, we as a people have resolved to mobilize our citizens through public enlightment and advocacy campaigns on critical government policies and decisions, and the institution of adequate feed-back mechanism for maximum government impacts in our communities;
Whereas, we as a people have resolved that at the level of our individual families we shall encourage parents to preserve and promote our critical cultural renaissance by performing their cultural roles, cherish and maintain Okun cultural values so that our children will grow under a balanced culture of both local and global standards of civilization;
Whereas, we as a people have resolved to encourage our youths to engage in self-sustaining and life improving activities especially the development of our agriculture endowments so as to ensuring food security, employment generation and rural development in all our communities across Okun Land;
Whereas, we as a people are determined to ensure that every Okun Citizen can enjoy prosperous and fulfilling lives and that economic, social and technological progress occurs in harmony throughout Okun land
Whereas, we as a people are determined to foster peaceful, just and inclusive communities which are free from fear and violence, since there can be no sustainable development without peace and no peace without sustainable development.
Whereas, we as a people have resolved to turn Okun land into economic and industrial zones through the massive investment by Okun Indigenes.
Whereas, we as a people have resolved to take the security of lives and properties of our people as a collective responsibility of all us and to be our brothers’ keepers.
Whereas, we as a people have resolved to while not celebrating crimes, always empathize with every Okun persons in difficult situations.
Whereas, we as a people are determined to mobilize the means required to implement this Agenda through revitalized Community Partnership for Sustainable Development, based on a spirit of strengthened solidarity, focusing in particular on the needs of the poorest and most vulnerable in our communities and with the participation of all communities, stakeholders and all Okun people.
We therefore hereby set for ourselves the above Agenda as a People so that we can attain an economic, political and socio-cultural emancipation in our quest to build egalitarian Okun communities in any State we may find ourselves within the territorial integrity of Nigeria.
A WELCOME ADDRESS BY AMBASSADOR BABATUNDE PAUL FADUMIYO, AT THE NATIONAL CONGRESS OF OKUN DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION (ODA), AT THE SCHOOL OF AGRICULTURE, KABBA FRIDAY 20TH OF OCTOBER 2017.
INTRODUCTION.
1. Okunland, including Oworoland, with an estimated population of 1,000,000 Yoruba speaking people in the West Senatorial District of Kogi State, Nigeria, has a land mass of about 6,000 Square Kilometers of fertile agricultural farmlands and very rich untapped mineral resources.
2. Politically it is presently structured into six (6) Local Government Areas of Kogi State, Nigeria, namely:
I. IJUMU;
II. KABBA/BUNU;
III. MOPA – AMURO;
IV. YAGBA EAST;
V. YAGBA WEST; and,
VI. OWOROLAND (LOKOJA).
3. Cultural and socially, it is collectively united by Okun Development Association (ODA), which has been officially registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Abuja with effect from 25th November, 2013. The non-partisan Association is the mouth piece of the Okun-Yoruba speaking people of Kogi State. On Cultural and Socio-economic matters and their developments for sustainable livelihood.
4. At its very apex, is the Council of Okun Traditional Rulers made up of ungraded and graded Chiefs in the Third, Second and First Classes until very recently, under the Chairmanship of His Royal Majesty, Late Oba Dr. Michael Folorunsho Olobayo, JP, OON, the Obaro of Kabba (Ero 1).
Next to the Okun Traditional Council, is the 22 – Member Council of Okun Elders, under the Chairmanship of Chief Emmanuel. O . Otitoju, (MFR).
5. At the base of the Association is the 35 – Member National Executive Organ presently headed by Ambassador Babatunde Paul Fadumiyo. This Administrative and Technical Organ has three (3) Arms, namely: the Okun Think Thank (OTT), under the Chairmanship of Professor Eyitayo Lambo, former Hon, Minister of Health of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The other two arms of the Executive Organ are the Women and Youth Wings.
6. The Association, presently, has dependent Local Branches at Jos, Lagos, Kano, Port Harcourt and Zuba, as well as Liason offices at London in the United Kingdom and United State America.
8. When the present Executive of the Association came on board on 6th February, 2010, what we inherited from our predecessor and in fact, top most on the lip of every Okun man and woman, old and young, at home and in Diaspora, was a 3- point Agenda for Okunland, namely:
I. The economic growth and development of Okunland that will bring food on the table of every one.
II. The creation of a new State within the present Kogi State, in which Okunland will be an equal partner; and,
III. The enthronement of an Okun man or woman as the Executive Governor of Kogi State, in case (ii) above isnot immediately forth coming.
However, for over 6 years now have we failed in the above 3 areas of expectation?
ECONOMIC GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT OF OKUNLAND.
8. By either commission or omission or both, we have allowed strangers to take over and selfishly exploited our economic endowments especially in Agriculture and to the extent that we, no longer have anything that we can actually now call our own. And to add insult to injury, these strangers, in collaboration with other invaders, have now wickedly resolved to be ambushing and kidnapping our innocent and helpless Okun indigenes and holding them hostage for a huge unaffordable cash ransoms.
9. In fact, the insecurity now, to lives and property, in Okunland is such that our people can no longer sleep at night with their two eyes closed. Indeed, to say the least, life now in Okunland has become nasty, brutish and short.
10. Furthermore, education which had been the mainstay of our people has now been relegated to the far background due mainly to the decay in the State’s education system in terms of syllabus, curriculum, contents and basic infrastructure. The products of such an improvised system of education are unemployable graduates who can neither self sustained. In the alternative, they have therefore, taken to unconventional means of livelihood which make them to become vulnerable and no longer amendable to cultural and general discipline.
Challenges:
I. Decay of infrastructure
II. Insecurity – Fulani herdsmen
III. Negative attitude to farming
IV. Bad government.
11. Worse still, in the absence of a good network of motorable roads- both Federal and State – we can no longer freely and easily visit ourselves not even to talk of being able to transport our farm products to market centers within and outside Okunland.
12. In the above unfortunate circumstance therefore, it has been difficult if not impossible for us to bring food, as envisaged, on the table of every one in Okunland.
ENTHRONEMENT OF AN OKUN PERSON AS THE EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR OF KOGI STATE.
13. Generally, in Kogi State, where we are one of the three main ethnic Stakeholders, we have continued to be grossly and unreasonable marginalized politically and administratively at all levels of governance in the State. For instance, despite the fact that we are the reservoir of the State’s potential intellectual manpower nevertheless, in the State’s Civil Service, Okun’s share has plummeted from 41% in 1991 down to below 10% in 2016. Furthermore, an Okun person has never been allowed to rule the state, we belong to, as its Executive Governance from 1967 to 1991 in Kwara State, and from 1991- 2016 in Kogi State whereas the Igalas in the East of the State, has provided the Executive Governor of the State 4 times while the present Executive Governor of State, is the second the Ebiras are providing. And worst still, from what is filtering into our ears in Okunland from distance places, is that Kogi State will not be allowed to be governed by a Yoruba man or woman especially if he or she is a Christian. However, to those enemies of destiny, it is back to sender because an Okun man or woman, who is a Christian and whose names are Peteru or Esteri or Toluwase or Ajumoni, will be the next governor of Kogi State, whether they like it or not. Amen and Amen.
14. In fact, the time has come when our local Okun political aspirants to look inwards and stop trading Okun votes in the black market of the East and the Central, as this has given Okun away in the matter of governance in the State and has given us a negative perception in the minds of political watchers, as captured in the following words, by Mr Enibee, published at the back page of Thisday, Tuesday, 2nd January, 2016:
“ The groups in Kogi State are all monitoring where no one is totally dominant….. Although the Igalas have a slight majority, they cannot produce the governor without an alliance with either of the Yoruba or Ebiras…. The most fractious of the Kogi political elite are the Okun Yoruba’s. They have the crab mentality, always ready to prevent others in the group from having what they cannot have”
15. And the above observations cannot be faulted in view of the results of the 2011 and 2015 gubernatorial primary election in the State. For instance, in the 2011 gubernatorial elections in Kogi State, there were 9 Aspirants in only one political party (PDP) from Okunland alone. When they were summoned to the late Obaro’s Palace in Kabba, to convince them of the wisdom of reducing their number to a maximum of 3, they reacted by telling us that we cannot use traditional solution for a political problem. They therefore, went ahead and contested the primaries without stepping down for themselves. The results they brought back home were not only disastrous but equally shameful, as the total votes scored by all of them put together at the primaries, added up to only 153, whereas Kutepah alone who contested from Bassa Nge, scored a total of 303 votes. What a big shame.
As it also shamefully turned out, the same pattern of results also repeated itself in the Gubernatorial Primaries of 2015, when the total number of votes scored by the 6 APC contestants, from Okunland, added up to only 89, whereas, Late Audu Abubakar alone from Igala scored 1109; Yahaya Bello on his own part, scored 700 followed by 2 other Ebira candidates who scored 400 and 300 votes respectively. When we investigated that poor and shameful performances, we gathered that Okun delegates to the primaries were over 800. What that means, was that only 153 of the total delegates from Okun land to the primaries actually voted for all the six Okun contestants while the balance of 647 of their votes were traded in the black market of Igala and Ebira Contestants. Whereas, if the majority of Okun delegates to the Primaries had voted for their own Okun contestant the overall results for Okunland would have been quite different from what we eventually got to the extent that an Okun Contestant would have probably today been in the position of HE, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, as the Executive Governor of Kogi State.
THE AGENDA FOR THE CREATION OF OKUN STATE.
16. Towards, our unquenched desire and efforts for the creation of a new State from the present Kogi State in which Okunland will be an equal partner or stakeholder, three unsuccessful attempts have been made.
17. The first attempt was made in conjunction with the Ebiras and the people of Lokoja/Kotonkarfe in 2016. In fact, we reached an agreement, on 27th September, 2010, for the creation of new Kabba State. The principal Representatives of the three ethnic groups signed the Agreement. Those who signed on behalf of the Ebiras were:
HRM, King Ado Ibrahim Attah III, CON, the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, Egnr Idris. I. Atta; and Alhaji Buba Mohammed. Signatories to the Agreement of Okunland were: HRM Late Oba (Dr) Micheal F. Olobayo, OON, the Obaro of Kabba and Chairman, Okun Council of Traditional Rulers; Dr (Barrister) Micheal M. Obamero; Chief J.O. Yusuf and on behalf of Lokoja/Kotonkarfe people, the Agreement was signed by Alhaji (Dr) Mohammadu Kabir Markafi III, OON, the Maigari of Lokoja and Dr. G.T.N. Ajakpo.
However, as the agreement and the accompanied Memorandum was about to be submitted to the National Assembly at Abuja, for further necessary consideration, the Ebiras unilaterally and dramatically denounced the Agreement and withdrew their further participation in it, until the proposed name for the new State can be changed from ‘Kabba’ to confluence’ State.
18. The second attempt, this time around by Okunland alone, was made on Friday, 29th June, 2012 when a Memorandum for the creation of an Okun State from the Present Kogi State, was submitted to the Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Amended Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, at Abuja. The Memorandum was followed up to Markudi in Bendel State on Saturday, 17th November, 2012, where it was defended before the North Central Zonal Public Hearing of the Senate Review Committee. The senate response to our application is still being awaited.
19. The third and latest attempt we made, for the creation of an Okun State with a further request that the new State should be merged with the South West Geo-Political Zone of Nigeria, was the Memorandum on it submitted to the 2014 National Conference at Abuja, on 25th April, 2014. However, as it turned out, Okun State was not among the 18 new States recommended for creation by the Conference. Nonetheless, the hope for us to have an Okun State created has not been completely lost. Since, none of the 18 recommended new State has so far been actually created, we can still re submit our application for reconsideration when the matter comes up again under a reconstituted National Conference.
20. Ladies and Gentlemen, when I read the interview of Dr. Fredrick Fasehun, the leader of Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) in the South West of Nigeria, published at page 39 and 43, of the Nigeria Tribune of Saturday, 30th January 2016, I was tempted to liken our present situation in Okunland within Kogi State, to that Yorubas of South West within Nigeria before 1990.
21. According to the interview, until the advent of President Olusegun Obasanjo in 1999, the Yoruba people of South West Nigeria were unable to produce a Civilian Nigerian President. Before then also, life in Nigeria generally and in South West in particular, was becoming unpleasant and unsafe due to widespread insecurity to life and property. It was in this unbearable situation or condition that the Yoruba people of South West sat down and deliberated on what they could do to reverse the ugly and intolerable trends in the Region.
22. They then came up with the idea of organizing a group of their own people that could and would deliver, protect and defend them from the prevailing situation of uncertainties. This idea gave birth to the establishment of Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC). It was therefore, when OPC, Afenifere, and other Yoruba Groups came on board that the Yoruba People of the South West of Nigeria was able, for the first ever in the political history of Nigeria, to produce a Yoruba President for Nigeria, in the person of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, who ruled Nigeria Continuously for an unbroken another eight (8) years, 1999.
23. Furthermore, with OPC, Afenifere and others on board, the Yoruba People in South West of Nigeria could then sleep at night with their 2 eyes closed. In fact, armed robbery was not only reduced but insurgency was also nowhere to be found and life generally became better and freer for them, to the extent that when they were recently told that Boko Haram was coming to them, they boasted that the Boko Haram would be much welcome but that none of them would return back home to the North alive.
24. In conclusion therefore, Ladies and gentlemen, let us learn from the success story of our Yoruba counterpart from the South West of Nigeria, by determining where Okunland has actually missed it and to return there, without any further delay, to make necessary adjustment for our new orientation and direction for a sustainable Okunland development. In fact, some convinced, beyond reasonable doubt, that unless we immediately take necessary and feasible measures to do just that, there is no amount of meetings, seminars, workshops and political gamblings will produced the much desired fruitful results.
25. I thank you, all especially for you unshaken confidence in tolerating me, in spite of my many shortcomings, as your National President, since February 6th ,2010 to date.
PRESS RELEASE
ODA’S POSITION ON FULANI HERDSMEN, CATTLE COLONY AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR LASTING, WIN-WIN, PEACEFUL SOLUTION
BACKGROUND
THE OKUN PEOPLE ARE A SUB-NATIONAL GROUP OF THE YORUBA NATION PREDOMINANTLY LOCATED IN KABBA/BUNU, IJUMU, MOPAMURO, OWORO,YAGBA EAST, AND YAGBA WEST IN KOGI STATE, AN AREA OF ABOUT 35% OF THE LAND AREA OF THE STATE .
OKUN PEOPLE ARE NATURALLY LOVING, PEACEFUL AND ACCOMMODATING.
THE ODA IS THE UMBRELLA SOCIO-CULTURAL AND DEVELOPMENT ORGANIZATION THAT IS THE SOLE ORGAN OF THE OKUN PEOPLE WITH AUTHORITY TO SPEAK FOR AND ACT ON BEHALF OF THE OKUN YORUBA OF THE STATE ON MATTERS AFFECTING THE WAY WE ARE GOVERNED, OUR DEVELOPMENT AND THE SUSTAINABLE LIVELIHOOD OF OUR PEOPLE
IT IS IN THE ABOVE CAPACITY THAT THE ODA MAKES THE FOLLOWING STATEMENTS AS THE STAND OF OKUN PEOPLE ON THE DECLARED POSITION OF THE STATE GOVERNMENT ON FULANI HERDSMEN AND THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT’S PROPOSED CATTLE COLONY.
THIS STATEMENT REPRESENTS THE AGGREGATE VIEWS OF OUR PEOPLE AFTER WIDE AND COMPREHENSIVE CONSULTATION WITH ALL INTEREST GROUPS IN OKUNLAND, INCLUDING OUR REVERED TRADITIONAL RULERS, VARIOUS COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATIONS, PROFESSIONALS, ELECTED AND APPOINTED POLITICIANS, STUDENTS, OKUN MEN AND WOMEN ACROSS ALL OUR LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREAS, AND OKUNS IN THE DIASPORA. THE CONSULTATION CULMINATED IN A MEETING OF THE REPRESENTATIVES OF THESE GROUPS IN KABBA ON SATURDAY 20TH JANUARY, 2018.
WHAT WE KNOW ON THE STATE GOVERNMENT’S POSITION ON FULANI HERDSMEN AND CATTLE COLONY
FROM THE VARIOUS ACCOUNT IN THE MAINSTREAM AND SOCIAL MEDIA, THE ODA HAS LEARNT OF THE STATE GOVERNMENT’S POSITION ON FULANI HERDSMEN AND THE CATTLE COLONY
FROM MEDIA ACCOUNT, WE UNDERSTAND THE FOLLOWING:
- THAT THE STATE GOVERNMENT HAS FLUNG THE DOORS OF THE STATE OPEN TO FULANI HERDSMEN;
- THAT THE STATE GOVERNMENT HAS EXTENDED INVITATIONS TO ANY FULANI IN OTHER PARTS OF THE COUNTRY HAVING DIFFICULTIES FINDING A PLACE OF ABODE OR FACING POSSIBILITY OF EJECTION FROM WHERE THEY CURRENTLY OPERATE FOR WHATEVER REASONS TO COME TO KOGI STATE.
- THAT THE STATE GOVERNMENT HAS DIRECTED THE DIFFERENT LEVELS OF ADMINISTRATION IN THE STATE, INCLUDING, STATE, LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND TRADITIONAL COUNCILS, TO ACCOMMODATE THE FULANIS IN THEIR ADMINISTRATIVE MACHINERY.
- THAT THOUGH THIS DIRECTIVE DID NOT GO DOWN WELL WITH MANY OF THOSE TO IMPLEMENT IT. THEY ARE CONSTRAINED IN RAISING ANY OBJECTIONS AND SOME HAVE STARTED THE PROCESS OF IMPLEMENTING IT;
- THAT THE STATE GOVERNMENT HAS DIRECTED THAT FULANI HERDSMEN SHOULD BE GIVEN CERTIFICATE OF INDIGINE; AND
- THAT THE STATE GOVERNMENT HAS NOT ONLY ENTHUSIASTICALLY EMBRACED THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT’S PROPOSED CATTLE COLONY POLICY BUT IT HAS GONE AHEAD TO VOLUNTEER THE STATE AS THE STATE TO PIONEER THE CATTLE COLONY MODEL
ODA’S THOUGHTS ON THESE
THE ODA HAS REMAINED DEEPLY WORRIED AND TROUBLED ABOUT THESE DECLARED POSITIONS SINCE THEY WERE MADE PUBLIC.
THE ODA DOES NOT KNOW THE DEGREE OF CONSULTATION THAT TOOK PLACE BEFORE THESE POSITIONS WERE ADOPTED.
WHATEVER IT WAS, WE RESPECTFULLY URGE THE STATE GOVERNMENT TO TAKE A LOOK AT THESE POSITIONS AGAIN IN THE INTEREST OF THE PEOPLE IT IS SITTING IN GOVERNMENT OVER.
THESE POSITIONS ARE CLEARLY NOT IN THE BEST INTEREST OF OUR PEOPLE IN OKUNLAND.
WHILE WE CONCEDE THAT THE CONSTITUTION OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA, AS AMENDED, GUARANTEES SOME CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS FOR EVERY NIGERIAN CITIZEN, INCLUDING RIGHT TO FREEDOM OF MOVEMENT, RIGHT TO OWN PROPERTIES, RIGHT TO FREEDOM OF ASSOCIATION, ETC; THESE RIGHTS ARE NOT WITHOUT LIMITS. THEY ARE NOT ABSOLUTE. THE SAME CONSTITUTION ALSO PRESCRIBES WHEN THESE RIGHTS CAN BE CURTAILED.
OUR EXPERIENCE IN OKUNLAND WITH FULANI HERDSMEN.
THE FULANI HERDSMEN’S FORAY INTO OKUNLAND CAN BE TRACED BACK TO MANY YEARS. AT THE BEGINNING, THE FULANI HERDSMEN RECIPROCATED THE PEACEFUL, LOVING AND ACCOMODATING NATURE OF OKUN PEOPLE.
THEY WERE THEN KNOWN TO CARRY ONLY STICKS, KETTLES AND SOME PERSONAL BELONGINGS.
THEY WOULD DO ALL THAT WAS POSSIBLE TO GET THEIR CATTLE OUT OF PEOPLE’S FARMS OR THE COMMUNITY’S SOURCE OF DRINKING WATER.
WITH TIME, THEY BECAME MORE FAMILIAR WITH THE BUSHES AND AREAS OUTSIDE THE TOWNS AND VILLAGES, EVEN MORE THAN THE COMMUNITY LANDOWNERS.
WITH THIS, THEY BECAME MORE DARING, MORE AGGRESSIVE, AND STARTED TO SHOW THAT THERE WERE SEVERAL SIDES TO THEM.
TODAY, THEY HAVE COMPLETELY REVEALED WHAT THEY TRULY ARE, ENBOLDENED BY THE TACIT SUPPORT THEY SEEM TO ENJOY AS THEY UNLEASH MAYHEM ON THEIR HOST COMMUNITIES. NO ONE IS IN DOUBT ANY MORE. THEY DELIBRATELY MARCH THEIR HERDS OF COW INTO PEOPLE’S FARMS, AND YOU DARE NOT CHALLENGE THEM. OUR PEOPLE HAVE ALMOST TOTALLY ABANDONED FARMING FOR FEAR OF ATTACK BY THESE HERDSMEN AS THEY NO LONGER FEEL SAFE IN THEIR FARMS. AND YET FARMING IS THE ONLY MEANS OF LIVELIHOOD OF OUR PEOPLE.
THE THREAT THEY POSE TO THE SECURITY OF LIVES OF FARMERS AND THEIR HARVESTED AND YET TO BE HARVESTED FARM PRODUCE IS REAL AND SHOULD NOT BE UNDERSTIMATED.
MANY OF OUR PEOPLE IN EACH OF THE SIX LOCAL GOVERNMENT COUNCILS WHERE OKUN PEOPLE ARE FOUND HAVE HAD TO PAY THE ULTIMATE PRICE ON ACCOUNT OF ATTACKS BY FULANI HERDSMEN WHO INVADE THEIR FARMLANDS, DESTROYING EVERYTHING IN SIGHT, INCLUDING SUBJECTING THEM TO SLOW, HUMILIATING AND AGONISING DEATHS.
WE RECALL WITH SORROW THAT THE FOLLOWING OF SUCH DEATHS WERE RECORDED. IN YAGBA EAST 5, MOPAMURO 3, YAGBA WEST 4, IJUMU 5, AND BUNU 2
OUR FEARS AS A PEOPLE
WE NOTE WITH DEEP CONCERN THAT THE WIDESPREAD CRISIS THAT WE SEE TODAY BETWEEN THE HERDSMEN AND SOME PARTS OF THE NORTHERN STATES HAD THEIR SEEDS SOWN SEVERAL YEARS AGO, LONG BEFORE SOME OF THEIR VICTIMS WERE BORN.
WHO KNOWS, IF OUR FOREFATHERS DID IN THEIR DAYS WHAT THE STATE GOVERNMENT IS COMMITTING TO DOING TODAY, WE MIGHT HAVE BEEN SUFFERING THE SAME FATE AS THE UNFORTUNATE PEOPLE OF BENUE, TARABA AND OTHER AFFECTED STATES.
THE PRESENT GENERATION OF OKUN PEOPLE DO NOT WANT OUR CHILDREN, OUR GRANDCHILREN AND THEIR OWN, TO LOOK BACK AT US, THE PRESENT GENERATION, WITH REGRET, ANGER AND AGONY OF VIOLENT DEATHS IN THE HANDS OF HERDSMEN.
THE FULANI HERDSMEN CRISIS IS REAL. WISHING IT AWAY WITHOUT A WELL THOUGHT OUT PLAN WILL NOT HELP MATTERS
THE ODA’S POSITION
THE ODA CONSIDERS THE CONCEPT OF A CATTLE COLONY, WHICHEVER WAY IT IS DEFINED, REPULSIVE AND REPUGNANT TO FAIRNESS, EQUITY AND NATURAL JUSTICE AND REMINDS US OF OUR DARK DAYS UNDER THE COLONIAL MASTERS WHICH NO ONE SHOULD BRING BACK TO MEMORY
THE ODA BELIEVES THAT CREATING A CATTLE COLONY UNDER ANY STATUTE, THAT WILL FORCEFULLY APPROPRIATE ANY PORTION OF OKUNLAND FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROMOTING THE BUSINES INTERESTS OF SOME PRIVATE INDIVIDUALS, DENY THE PEOPLE THEIR RIGHTS OVER THEIR ANCESTRAL LAND AND POPULATE THE COLONIES WITH THE FULANI HERDSMEN, IS A CLEAR DANGER THAT IS ONLY COMPARABLE TO A TIME BOMB.
THE ODA SUBMITS THAT A CATTLE COLONY ON ANY PART OF OKUNLAND IS A DISSERVICE TO OUR PAST, OUR PRESENT AND OUR FUTURE IN OKUNLAND AND AS SUCH UNACCEPTABLE TO US.
THE ODA IS OF THE VIEW THAT A CATTLE COLONY, DEFINED IN WHATEVER WAY, IS DISTATEFUL, DANGEROUS, AND WITH POTENTIAL TO SNOWBALL INTO A MAJOR NATIONAL DISASTER
THE ODA, FOR THE ABOVE REASONS AND MORE, REJECTS IN ITS TOTALITY THE STATE GOVERNMENT POSITION ON THE FULANI HERDSMEN AND THE PROPOSED FEDERAL GOVERNMENT’S CATTLE COLONY.
THE AVERAGE FULANI HERDSMAN IS ECONOMICALLY MORE EMPOWERED THAN AN AVERAGE FARMER IN OKUNLAND. HE ONLY NEEDS TO SELL A FEW OF HIS CATTLE.
IT IS ON ACCOUNT OF THIS THAT WE CALL ON THE STATE GOVERNMENT TO URGENTLY REVIEW ITS DECLARED POSITION ON THE FULANI HERDSMEN AND CATTLE COLONY IN THE STATE
OUR RECOMMENDATIONS
WHILE STATING HER POSITION AS ENUNCIATED ABOVE, THE ODA WILL LIKE TO MAKE SOME RECCOMMENDATIONS TOWARDS AN ENDURING WIN-WIN PEACEFUL SOLUTIONS
CATTLE REARING IS A PRIVATE BUSINESS LIKE ANY OTHERS SUCH AS MANUFACTURING, TRADING OR SERVICES. THERE ARE REGULATIONS AND GUIDELINES IN OUR STATUTE BOOKS GUIDING THE WAY THESE OTHER PRIVATE BUSINESSES AND THEIR OWNERS BEHAVE. WHY SHOULD THE BUSINESS OF CATTLE REARING BE DIFFERENT?
FROM OUR FINDINGS, THE OWNERS OF THESE HERDS OF COW ARE NOT THE HERDSMEN THAT WE SEE. THE OWNERS ARE THE BIG AND THE MIGHTY IN THE SOCIETY ACROSS ALL DIVIDES.
THIS IS WHERE THE SECRET BEHIND THE CRISIS LIES.
THE PRESENT APPROACH TO CATTLE REARING IS AN INDIRECT WAY OF PROVIDING AN UNDUE AND UNDESERVED SUBSIDY TO THESE PRIVATE BUSINESSMEN.
HISTORY HAS IT THAT IN THE EARLY DAYS OF THIS COUNTRY, THERE WERE CATTLE RANCHES IN DIFFERENT PARTS OF THE COUNTRY. THE FIRST OF THESE WAS THE OBUDU CATTLE RANCH IN THE SOUTH SOUTH. THERE WAS THE MOKWA RANCH IN THE NOTHERN REGION. AND THERE WAS THE AKUNNUN RANCH IN THE WESTERN REGION. WE GREW UP TO KNOW A CATTLE RANCH IN KABBA THAT WAS UNDER THE MANAGEMENT OF AHMADU BELLO UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE, KABBA.
THE HERDS OF COW IN THESE RANCHES WERE ROBUST AND GOOD LOOKING AS THEY DID NOT HAVE TO DO THE LIFE-SAPPING, ENERGY-DRAINING CROSS COUNTRY JOURNEY..
THE ODA STRONGLY RECOMMENDS THAT THE STATE GOVERNMENT AND THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT TAKE NECESSARY STEPS URGENTLY TO REACTIVATE THESE RANCHES AND ENCOURAGE CATTLE OWNERS TO SET UP MORE RANCHES WHERE POSSIBLE FOR THEIR PRIVATE USE.
RANCHES WILL CREATE MORE ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES AND BENEFITS FOR THE STATE AND THE COUNTRY AS IT WILL ENCOURAGE OTHERS TO GO INTO THE BUSINESS OF PROVIDING FEEDS FOR THESE ANIMALS. IT WILL REDUCE TENSION BETWEEN THE HERDSMEN AND FARMERS. IT WILL MAKE THE APPLICATION OF MODERN TECHNOLOGY POSSIBLE AND EASIER. THE HERDSMEN THEMSELVES WILL BE ABLE TO TRAIN THEIR CHILDREN IN SCHOOLS FOR A BETTER FUTURE FOR THEM, AND SUCH OTHER BENEFITS
CONCLUSION
IN CONCLUSION, THE ODA WILL LIKE TO APPEAL TO THE STATE GOVERNMENT TO, IN FUTURE, TAKE INTO CONSIDERATION, THROUGH ADEQUATE CONSULTATIONS, THE LONG TERM OVERALL INTERESTS OF ITS CITIZENS ABOVE ANY OTHER INTERESTS, IN ALL ITS DECISIONS AND ACTIONS
AGAIN THE ODA EMPHASISES THAT THE OKUN PEOPLE ARE NATURALLY VERY LOVING PEACEFUL AND ACCOMMODATING.
THE STATE GOVERNMENT MUST HELP US TO REMAIN SO
THANK YOU
BARRISTER FEMI MOKIKAN PASTOR BEN AYO ABEREORAN NATIONAL PRESIDENT, NATIONAL SECRETARY, OKUN DEV. ASSOCIATION (ODA) OKUN DEV ASSOCIATION (ODA)
PRESS RELEASE
OKUN DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION (ODA) AND THE KILLINGS TAKING PLACE IN OKUNLAND: WE WISH OUR VOICE WAS HEARD
BACKGROUND
THE OKUN DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION (ODA) IS THE UMBRELLA SOCIO-CULTURAL AND DEVELOPMENT ORGANIZATION THAT IS THE SOLE ORGAN OF THE OKUN PEOPLE WITH AUTHORITY TO SPEAK FOR AND ACT ON BEHALF OF THE OKUN YORUBA OF THE STATE ON MATTERS AFFECTING THE WAY WE ARE GOVERNED, OUR DEVELOPMENT AND THE SUSTAINABLE LIVELIHOOD OF OUR PEOPLE
IT IS IN THE ABOVE CAPACITY THAT THE ODA IS COMPELLED TO MAKE THE FOLLOWING STATEMENTS AS THE POSITION OF OKUN PEOPLE NOT ONLY ON THE KILLINGS THAT HAVE RECENTLY TAKEN PLACE IN SOME PARTS OF OKUNLAND, PARTICULARLY IN YAGBA WEST LOCAL GOVERNMENT, WHERE THE LATEST OF SUCH KILLINGS IS THAT OF MR ARIYO AINA, WHO WAS NOT ONLY MURDERED BUT BEHEADED BY THE FULANI HREDSMEN THAT INVADED HIS FARM WITH THEIR CATTLE; BUT ALSO ON THE WAY THE STATE GOVERNMENT HAS GONE ABOUT HANDLING IT..
YOU WILL PLEASE RECALL THAT IN JANUARY 2018, THE ODA ISSUED A PRESS RELEASE IN WHICH WE, THE OKUN PEOPLE, UNANIMOUSLY STATED OUR OBJECTION TO THE STATE GOVERNOR’S INVITATION TO THE FULANI HERDSMEN. WE AS A PEOPLE ADVANCED SEVERAL VALID REASONS FOR OUR OBJECTION. WE DID NOT ONLY OBJECT TO THE INVITATION, WE WENT FURTHER TO MAKE SOME RECOMMENDATIONS ON HOW WE BELIEVED THAT THE ISSUES INVOLVED COULD BE ADDRESSED.
THE POINTS WE RAISED IN THE PRESS RELEASE OF JANUARY 2018 REMAIN AS RELEVANT, IF NOT MORE RELEVANT, TODAY AS THEY WERE THEN. WE WILL THEREFORE REPRODUCE A SUBSTANTIAL PART OF IT TO REFRESH OUR MEMORIES AND PROPERLY SITUATE OUR STAND WITHIN THE CONTEXT OF CURRENT REALITIES AND KILLINGS.
“ODA’S THOUGHTS ON THESE
THE ODA HAS REMAINED DEEPLY WORRIED AND TROUBLED ABOUT THESE DECLARED POSITIONS SINCE THEY WERE MADE PUBLIC.
THE ODA DOES NOT KNOW THE DEGREE OF CONSULTATION THAT TOOK PLACE BEFORE THESE POSITIONS WERE ADOPTED.
WHATEVER IT WAS, WE RESPECTFULLY URGE THE STATE GOVERNMENT TO TAKE A LOOK AT THESE POSITIONS AGAIN IN THE INTEREST OF THE PEOPLE IT IS SITTING IN GOVERNMENT OVER.
THESE POSITIONS ARE CLEARLY NOT IN THE BEST INTEREST OF OUR PEOPLE IN OKUNLAND.
WHILE WE CONCEDE THAT THE CONSTITUTION OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA, AS AMENDED, GUARANTEES SOME CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS FOR EVERY NIGERIAN CITIZEN, INCLUDING RIGHT TO FREEDOM OF MOVEMENT, RIGHT TO OWN PROPERTIES, RIGHT TO FREEDOM OF ASSOCIATION, ETC; THESE RIGHTS ARE NOT WITHOUT LIMITS. THEY ARE NOT ABSOLUTE. THE SAME CONSTITUTION ALSO PRESCRIBES WHEN THESE RIGHTS CAN BE CURTAILED.
OUR EXPERIENCE IN OKUNLAND WITH FULANI HERDSMEN.
THE FULANI HERDSMEN’S FORAY INTO OKUNLAND CAN BE TRACED BACK TO MANY YEARS. AT THE BEGINNING, THE FULANI HERDSMEN RECIPROCATED THE PEACEFUL, LOVING AND ACCOMODATING NATURE OF OKUN PEOPLE…….
TODAY, THEY HAVE COMPLETELY REVEALED WHAT THEY TRULY ARE, ENBOLDENED BY THE TACIT SUPPORT THEY SEEM TO ENJOY FROM THE AUTHORITIES AS THEY UNLEASH MAYHEM ON THEIR HOST COMMUNITIES. NO ONE IS IN DOUBT ANY MORE. THEY DELIBRATELY MARCH THEIR HERDS OF COW INTO PEOPLE’S FARMS, AND YOU DARE NOT CHALLENGE THEM. OUR PEOPLE HAVE ALMOST TOTALLY ABANDONED FARMING FOR FEAR OF ATTACK BY THESE HERDSMEN AS THEY NO LONGER FEEL SAFE IN THEIR FARMS. AND YET FARMING IS THE ONLY MEANS OF LIVELIHOOD OF OUR PEOPLE.
THE THREAT THEY POSE TO THE SECURITY OF LIVES OF FARMERS AND THEIR HARVESTED AND YET TO BE HARVESTED FARM PRODUCE IS REAL AND SHOULD NOT BE UNDERSTIMATED.
MANY OF OUR PEOPLE IN EACH OF THE SIX LOCAL GOVERNMENT COUNCILS WHERE OKUN PEOPLE ARE FOUND HAVE HAD TO PAY THE ULTIMATE PRICE ON ACCOUNT OF ATTACKS BY FULANI HERDSMEN WHO INVADE THEIR FARMLANDS, DESTROYING EVERYTHING IN SIGHT, INCLUDING SUBJECTING THEM TO SLOW, HUMILIATING AND AGONISING DEATHS.
WE RECALL WITH SORROW THAT THE FOLLOWING OF SUCH DEATHS WERE RECORDED. IN YAGBA EAST- 5, MOPAMURO- 3, YAGBA WEST- 4, IJUMU- 5, AND BUNU- 2
OUR FEARS AS A PEOPLE
WE NOTE WITH DEEP CONCERN THAT THE WIDESPREAD CRISIS THAT WE SEE TODAY BETWEEN THE HERDSMEN AND SOME PARTS OF THE NORTHERN STATES HAD THEIR SEEDS SOWN SEVERAL YEARS AGO, LONG BEFORE SOME OF THEIR VICTIMS WERE BORN.
WHO KNOWS, IF OUR FOREFATHERS DID IN THEIR DAYS WHAT THE STATE GOVERNMENT IS COMMITTING TO DOING TODAY, WE MIGHT HAVE BEEN SUFFERING THE SAME FATE AS THE UNFORTUNATE PEOPLE OF… AFFECTED STATES.
THE PRESENT GENERATION OF OKUN PEOPLE DO NOT WANT OUR CHILDREN, OUR GRANDCHILREN AND THEIR OWN, TO LOOK BACK AT US, THE PRESENT GENERATION, WITH REGRET, ANGER AND AGONY OF VIOLENT DEATHS IN THE HANDS OF HERDSMEN.
THE FULANI HERDSMEN CRISIS IS REAL. WISHING IT AWAY WITHOUT A WELL THOUGHT OUT PLAN WILL NOT HELP MATTERS….
IT IS ON ACCOUNT OF THIS THAT WE CALL ON THE STATE GOVERNMENT TO URGENTLY REVIEW ITS DECLARED POSITION ON THE FULANI HERDSMEN AND CATTLE COLONY IN THE STATE………..
CONCLUSION
IN CONCLUSION, THE ODA WILL LIKE TO APPEAL TO THE STATE GOVERNMENT TO, IN FUTURE, TAKE INTO CONSIDERATION, THROUGH ADEQUATE CONSULTATIONS, THE LONG TERM OVERALL INTERESTS OF ITS CITIZENS ABOVE ANY OTHER INTERESTS, IN ALL ITS DECISIONS AND ACTIONS
AGAIN THE ODA EMPHASISES THAT THE OKUN PEOPLE ARE NATURALLY VERY LOVING PEACEFUL AND ACCOMMODATING.
THE STATE GOVERNMENT MUST HELP US TO REMAIN SO””
THE ABOVE REPRESENTS A PORTION OF WHAT WE PRESENTED IN JANUARY 2018.
TODAY, IT IS VERY DISHEARTNING TO NOTE THAT THE SITUATION APPEARS TO HAVE DETERIORATED. THE FULANI HERDSMEN, IN RESPONSE TO THE STATE GOVERNMENT’S INVITATION, HAVE SINCE FLOODED MANY PARTS OF OKUN LAND. SOME CAME WITH THEIR CATTLE, SOME WITH NOTHING, FORCING ONE TO SUSPECT OTHER INTENTIONS. THEY ARE DARING, IMPETUOUS AND CARRY ON AS IF THEY OWN THE LAND. THOSE OF THEM WITH CATTLE DELIBRATELY DIRECT THEIR CATTLE INTO PEOPLE’S FARMS, FEEDING THEM WITH EVERY FOODCROP IN SIGHT, BOTH MATURED AND IMMATURED, HARVESTED AND YET TO BE HARVESTED. EVEN WHEN THE FARMERS TAKE EXTRA MEASURES TO ERECT CONCRETE WALLS AS FENCE, THE HERDSMEN WOULD PULL DOWN THE FENCE BEFORE DESTROYING THE CROPS. WHILE THEIR CATTLES ARE DESTROYING THE CROPS, THEY TAKE ON OUR WOMEN THAT ACCOMPANY THEIR HUSBANDS TO THE FARM AND SEXUALLY ABUSE THEM IN THE PRESENCE OF THEIR HUSBANDS. ANY FARMER WHO DARES TO CHALLENGE THEM IS ATTACKED, AND IF UNABLE TO ESCAPE, HACKED TO DEATH. THEY HAVE NOW ADDED A NEW DIMENSION. THEY NOT ONLY KILL, THEY NOW SEVERE THE HEAD OF THE VICTIM. THAT WAS WHAT BEFELL MR ARIYO AINA.
OUR PEOPLE’S CRIES TO THE AUTHORITIES FOR PROTECTION APPEAR NOT TO HAVE YIELDED THE DESIRED RESULT. THE ODA HAS DONE EVERYTHING HUMANLY POSSIBLE, ALONG WITH OTHER INDIVIDUAL COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATIONS AND NATURAL GROUPS, IN THE FACE OF OBVIOUS CONSTRAINTS, TO RESTRAIN OUR PEOPLE AND GET THEM TO REMAIN LOVING AND PEACEFUL.
OUR SUBMISSION IN OUR PRESS RELEASE REFRENCED ABOVE THAT
“…THE ODA EMPHASISES THAT THE OKUN PEOPLE ARE NATURALLY VERY LOVING PEACEFUL AND ACCOMMODATING. THE STATE GOVERNMENT MUST HELP US TO REMAIN SO”
APPEARS NOT TO HAVE RECEIVED ADEQUATE ATTENTION FROM THE STATE GOVERNMENT. HOW WOULD ONE EXPLAIN THE FACT THAT EVERY TIME THERE IS AN ATTACK AND OUR PEOPLE REPORT TO THE POLICE, THE HERDSMEN ARE ARRESTED, ONLY TO BE RELEASED TO “ORDER FROM ABOVE” WITHOUT ANY PROSECUTION?
FOLLOWING THE MURDER AND SEVERANCE OF MR AINA’S HEAD AND THE FURORE IT GENERATED, THE STATE GOVERNMENT NOW SHOWED THE URGENCY AND SERIOUSNESS THAT WE HAD CRIED FOR AND EXPECTED THESE PAST MONTHS. SADLY, AND PAINFULLY SO, WE BELIEVE THE STATE GOVERNMENT IS GOING ABOUT ITS INTERVENTION THE WRONG WAY. WHILE THE ODA WILL NEVER STAND AGAINST BRINGING ANY CRIMINAL FORWARD TO ACCOUNT FOR HIS CRIMES, WE THINK THAT THE THREAT TO REMOVE ROYAL FATHERS AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT ADMINISTRATORS IF THEY FAIL TO PRODUCE THOSE WHO DEFENDED THEMSELVES AGAINST THE FULANI HERDSMEN INVASION, IS NOT THE BEST APPROACH TO ADDRESS THE CHALLENGES THAT THE PRESENCE OF THE FULANI HERDSMEN HAS BROUGHT ON OUR PEOPLE.
WHILE THE STATE GOVERNMENT IS FREE TO REMOVE ANY LOCAL GOVERNMENT ADMINISTRATOR AT ANY TIME AND FOR WHATEVER REASONS, REMOVING ROYAL FATHERS WILL ONLY CREATE NEW NEEDLESS, AVOIDABLE AND MORE SERIOUS PROBLEMS. WE BELIEVE THAT THE STATE ALREADY HAS ENOUGH TO DEAL WITH. WE NEED NOT INFLICT MORE ON OURSELVES AS A STATE.
THE QUESTION THAT THE ODA WILL LIKE THE GOVERNMENT TO PROVIDE ANSWERS TO IS THIS- WHERE THE PEOPLE, ON ACCOUNT OF THEIR EXPERIENCES, HAVE COME TO THE CONCLUSION THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAS FAILED IN ITS NUMBER ONE RESPONSIBILITY OF PROTECTING THE LIVES AND PROPERTIES OF HER CITIZENS AGAINST KNOWN INVADERS, AND ARE BEING SO SAVAGELY MURDERED AND DISMEMBERED, WHAT SHOULD THE PEOPLE DO? ANSWERS TO THIS WILL HELP A GREAT DEAL IN RESTORING THE CONFIDENCE OF OUR PEOPLE IN THE GOVERNMENT
IT IS OUR FIRM BELIEF THAT THE LONGER IT TAKES TO STRATEGICALLY FIND A LASTING SOLUTION TO THE RISK AND THREATS POSED BY THE FULANI HERDSMEN’S CHALLENGE, THE MORE OMINOUS THE DANGERS THAT LIE AHEAD.
A WAY OUT
IT IS FOR THE ABOVE REASON THAT WE MAKE THE FOLLOWING SUGGESTIONS. THIS IS IN ADDITION TO THE RECOMMENDATIONS WE OFFERED IN OUR JANUARY 2018 PRESS RELEASE WHICH WE DID NOT REPRODUCE IN OUR EXTENSIVE QUOTE EARLY IN THIS PRESS RELEASE.
NOW THAT IT HAS BEEN CONFIRMED THAT THE LIFESTYLE OF THE CATTLES HAVE CHANGED FROM EATING GRASS TO EATING YAM, CASSAVA, MAIZE AND OTHER FOODCROPS, MATURED OR NOT, HARVESTED OR NOT, WE BELIEVE WE ALL CAN, TOGETHER, WORK OUT A MUTUALLY BENEFICIAL SOLUTION THAT WILL GIVE ALL A WIN-WIN OUTCOME AND PRESERVE THE LIVES OF THE FARMERS IN THESE COMMUNITIES.
THE FOLLOWING OPTIONS SHOULD BE GIVEN IMMEDIATE CONSIDERATION.
OPTION 1) THE HERDSMEN THAT ARE BENT ON FEEDING THEIR CATTLE WITH FARM PRODUCE SHOULD DIVERSIFY INTO THE GROWING OF THE FARM PRODUCE THEY WANT TO FEED THEIR CATTLE WITH. THEY CAN DO THIS IN ANY OF SEVERAL WAYS.
OPTION 2) THOSE OF THE HERDSMEN THAT HAVE DIFFICULTY IN DIVERSIFYING INTO FARMING SHOULD NEGOTIATE WITH THE LOCAL FARMERS THE POSSIBILITY OF BUYING THE PRODUCE OFF THE FARMERS FOR THE PURPOSE OF FEEDING THEIR CATTLE. THAT WAY, THE FARMERS WILL KNOW WHAT TO EXPECT, AND BE ENCOURAGED TO INCREASE HIS FARM ACREAGE, AND THERE WILL BE LESS ACRIMONY.
THESE TWO OPTIONS WILL GIVE THE GOVERNMENTS’ AGRICULTURAL REVOLUTION A MASSIVE BOOST WITH TREMENDOUS OPPORTUNITIES TO GROW THE ECONOMY MUCH FASTER. .
OPTION 3) ANY FULANI HERDSMAN THAT HAS DIFFICULTY ADOPTING ANY OF THE TWO OPTIONS LISTED ABOVE OR EVEN A COMBINATION OF BOTH, SHOULD, WITHOUT HESITATION, RETURN TO WHERE HE CAME FROM.
ENOUGH OF THE KILLINGS. ENOUGH OF RAPING OF OUR WOMEN. ENOUGH OF THE DESTRUCTION OF OUR FARMS
CONCLUSION
WHILE THE ODA IS MINDFUL OF THE ENORMITY OF THE CHALLENGE OF MANAGING A STATE AS COMPLEX AS KOGI STATE, EVEN WHEN THERE WERE NO IMPORTED HOT BUTTONS AS BEING INDUCED BY THE FULANI HERDSMEN, WE PLEAD THAT THE GOVERNOR DRAW HIS MOTIVATION SOLELY FROM HOW HE IS ABLE TO BRING THE MAXIMUM BENEFITS TO THE MAXIMUM NUMBER OF THE PEOPLE GOD HAS ORDAINED HIM AT THIS TIME TO LEAD AS THE STATE GOVERNOR. IN DOING THIS, WE WISH THE GOVERNOR WILL CONSTANTLY BE REMINDED THAT FIVE, TEN, TWENTY OR SO YEARS AFTER HIS TENURE, PEOPLE WILL STRUGGLE HARD TO REMEMBER WHO WAS COMMISSIONER FOR WHAT OR WHO WAS WHAT OFFICER IN CHARGE OF WHAT RESPONSIBILITY. ON THE OTHER HAND, NO ONE WILL INVEST ANY EFFORT BEFORE REMEMBERING WHO WAS GOVERNOR OF THE STATE AT THIS TIME IN THE HISTORY OF THE STATE.
WE PRAY THAT GOD WILL GIVE OUR GOVERNOR ALL HE NEEDS TO TAKE KOGI STATE TO THE DESIRED DESTINATION AND THUS WRITE HIS NAME IN GOLD.
BARRISTER FEMI MOKIKAN
NATIONAL
PRESS RELEASE
OKUN DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION (ODA) AND THE KILLINGS TAKING PLACE IN OKUNLAND: WE WISH OUR VOICE WAS HEARD
BACKGROUND
THE OKUN DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION (ODA) IS THE UMBRELLA SOCIO-CULTURAL AND DEVELOPMENT ORGANIZATION THAT IS THE SOLE ORGAN OF THE OKUN PEOPLE WITH AUTHORITY TO SPEAK FOR AND ACT ON BEHALF OF THE OKUN YORUBA OF THE STATE ON MATTERS AFFECTING THE WAY WE ARE GOVERNED, OUR DEVELOPMENT AND THE SUSTAINABLE LIVELIHOOD OF OUR PEOPLE
IT IS IN THE ABOVE CAPACITY THAT THE ODA IS COMPELLED TO MAKE THE FOLLOWING STATEMENTS AS THE POSITION OF OKUN PEOPLE NOT ONLY ON THE KILLINGS THAT HAVE RECENTLY TAKEN PLACE IN SOME PARTS OF OKUNLAND, PARTICULARLY IN YAGBA WEST LOCAL GOVERNMENT, WHERE THE LATEST OF SUCH KILLINGS IS THAT OF MR ARIYO AINA, WHO WAS NOT ONLY MURDERED BUT BEHEADED BY THE FULANI HREDSMEN THAT INVADED HIS FARM WITH THEIR CATTLE; BUT ALSO ON THE WAY THE STATE GOVERNMENT HAS GONE ABOUT HANDLING IT..
YOU WILL PLEASE RECALL THAT IN JANUARY 2018, THE ODA ISSUED A PRESS RELEASE IN WHICH WE, THE OKUN PEOPLE, UNANIMOUSLY STATED OUR OBJECTION TO THE STATE GOVERNOR’S INVITATION TO THE FULANI HERDSMEN. WE AS A PEOPLE ADVANCED SEVERAL VALID REASONS FOR OUR OBJECTION. WE DID NOT ONLY OBJECT TO THE INVITATION, WE WENT FURTHER TO MAKE SOME RECOMMENDATIONS ON HOW WE BELIEVED THAT THE ISSUES INVOLVED COULD BE ADDRESSED.
THE POINTS WE RAISED IN THE PRESS RELEASE OF JANUARY 2018 REMAIN AS RELEVANT, IF NOT MORE RELEVANT, TODAY AS THEY WERE THEN. WE WILL THEREFORE REPRODUCE A SUBSTANTIAL PART OF IT TO REFRESH OUR MEMORIES AND PROPERLY SITUATE OUR STAND WITHIN THE CONTEXT OF CURRENT REALITIES AND KILLINGS.
“ODA’S THOUGHTS ON THESE
THE ODA HAS REMAINED DEEPLY WORRIED AND TROUBLED ABOUT THESE DECLARED POSITIONS SINCE THEY WERE MADE PUBLIC.
THE ODA DOES NOT KNOW THE DEGREE OF CONSULTATION THAT TOOK PLACE BEFORE THESE POSITIONS WERE ADOPTED.
WHATEVER IT WAS, WE RESPECTFULLY URGE THE STATE GOVERNMENT TO TAKE A LOOK AT THESE POSITIONS AGAIN IN THE INTEREST OF THE PEOPLE IT IS SITTING IN GOVERNMENT OVER.
THESE POSITIONS ARE CLEARLY NOT IN THE BEST INTEREST OF OUR PEOPLE IN OKUNLAND.
WHILE WE CONCEDE THAT THE CONSTITUTION OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA, AS AMENDED, GUARANTEES SOME CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS FOR EVERY NIGERIAN CITIZEN, INCLUDING RIGHT TO FREEDOM OF MOVEMENT, RIGHT TO OWN PROPERTIES, RIGHT TO FREEDOM OF ASSOCIATION, ETC; THESE RIGHTS ARE NOT WITHOUT LIMITS. THEY ARE NOT ABSOLUTE. THE SAME CONSTITUTION ALSO PRESCRIBES WHEN THESE RIGHTS CAN BE CURTAILED.
OUR EXPERIENCE IN OKUNLAND WITH FULANI HERDSMEN.
THE FULANI HERDSMEN’S FORAY INTO OKUNLAND CAN BE TRACED BACK TO MANY YEARS. AT THE BEGINNING, THE FULANI HERDSMEN RECIPROCATED THE PEACEFUL, LOVING AND ACCOMODATING NATURE OF OKUN PEOPLE…….
TODAY, THEY HAVE COMPLETELY REVEALED WHAT THEY TRULY ARE, ENBOLDENED BY THE TACIT SUPPORT THEY SEEM TO ENJOY FROM THE AUTHORITIES AS THEY UNLEASH MAYHEM ON THEIR HOST COMMUNITIES. NO ONE IS IN DOUBT ANY MORE. THEY DELIBRATELY MARCH THEIR HERDS OF COW INTO PEOPLE’S FARMS, AND YOU DARE NOT CHALLENGE THEM. OUR PEOPLE HAVE ALMOST TOTALLY ABANDONED FARMING FOR FEAR OF ATTACK BY THESE HERDSMEN AS THEY NO LONGER FEEL SAFE IN THEIR FARMS. AND YET FARMING IS THE ONLY MEANS OF LIVELIHOOD OF OUR PEOPLE.
THE THREAT THEY POSE TO THE SECURITY OF LIVES OF FARMERS AND THEIR HARVESTED AND YET TO BE HARVESTED FARM PRODUCE IS REAL AND SHOULD NOT BE UNDERSTIMATED.
MANY OF OUR PEOPLE IN EACH OF THE SIX LOCAL GOVERNMENT COUNCILS WHERE OKUN PEOPLE ARE FOUND HAVE HAD TO PAY THE ULTIMATE PRICE ON ACCOUNT OF ATTACKS BY FULANI HERDSMEN WHO INVADE THEIR FARMLANDS, DESTROYING EVERYTHING IN SIGHT, INCLUDING SUBJECTING THEM TO SLOW, HUMILIATING AND AGONISING DEATHS.
WE RECALL WITH SORROW THAT THE FOLLOWING OF SUCH DEATHS WERE RECORDED. IN YAGBA EAST- 5, MOPAMURO- 3, YAGBA WEST- 4, IJUMU- 5, AND BUNU- 2
OUR FEARS AS A PEOPLE
WE NOTE WITH DEEP CONCERN THAT THE WIDESPREAD CRISIS THAT WE SEE TODAY BETWEEN THE HERDSMEN AND SOME PARTS OF THE NORTHERN STATES HAD THEIR SEEDS SOWN SEVERAL YEARS AGO, LONG BEFORE SOME OF THEIR VICTIMS WERE BORN.
WHO KNOWS, IF OUR FOREFATHERS DID IN THEIR DAYS WHAT THE STATE GOVERNMENT IS COMMITTING TO DOING TODAY, WE MIGHT HAVE BEEN SUFFERING THE SAME FATE AS THE UNFORTUNATE PEOPLE OF… AFFECTED STATES.
THE PRESENT GENERATION OF OKUN PEOPLE DO NOT WANT OUR CHILDREN, OUR GRANDCHILREN AND THEIR OWN, TO LOOK BACK AT US, THE PRESENT GENERATION, WITH REGRET, ANGER AND AGONY OF VIOLENT DEATHS IN THE HANDS OF HERDSMEN.
THE FULANI HERDSMEN CRISIS IS REAL. WISHING IT AWAY WITHOUT A WELL THOUGHT OUT PLAN WILL NOT HELP MATTERS….
IT IS ON ACCOUNT OF THIS THAT WE CALL ON THE STATE GOVERNMENT TO URGENTLY REVIEW ITS DECLARED POSITION ON THE FULANI HERDSMEN AND CATTLE COLONY IN THE STATE………..
CONCLUSION
IN CONCLUSION, THE ODA WILL LIKE TO APPEAL TO THE STATE GOVERNMENT TO, IN FUTURE, TAKE INTO CONSIDERATION, THROUGH ADEQUATE CONSULTATIONS, THE LONG TERM OVERALL INTERESTS OF ITS CITIZENS ABOVE ANY OTHER INTERESTS, IN ALL ITS DECISIONS AND ACTIONS
AGAIN THE ODA EMPHASISES THAT THE OKUN PEOPLE ARE NATURALLY VERY LOVING PEACEFUL AND ACCOMMODATING.
THE STATE GOVERNMENT MUST HELP US TO REMAIN SO””
THE ABOVE REPRESENTS A PORTION OF WHAT WE PRESENTED IN JANUARY 2018.
TODAY, IT IS VERY DISHEARTNING TO NOTE THAT THE SITUATION APPEARS TO HAVE DETERIORATED. THE FULANI HERDSMEN, IN RESPONSE TO THE STATE GOVERNMENT’S INVITATION, HAVE SINCE FLOODED MANY PARTS OF OKUN LAND. SOME CAME WITH THEIR CATTLE, SOME WITH NOTHING, FORCING ONE TO SUSPECT OTHER INTENTIONS. THEY ARE DARING, IMPETUOUS AND CARRY ON AS IF THEY OWN THE LAND. THOSE OF THEM WITH CATTLE DELIBRATELY DIRECT THEIR CATTLE INTO PEOPLE’S FARMS, FEEDING THEM WITH EVERY FOODCROP IN SIGHT, BOTH MATURED AND IMMATURED, HARVESTED AND YET TO BE HARVESTED. EVEN WHEN THE FARMERS TAKE EXTRA MEASURES TO ERECT CONCRETE WALLS AS FENCE, THE HERDSMEN WOULD PULL DOWN THE FENCE BEFORE DESTROYING THE CROPS. WHILE THEIR CATTLES ARE DESTROYING THE CROPS, THEY TAKE ON OUR WOMEN THAT ACCOMPANY THEIR HUSBANDS TO THE FARM AND SEXUALLY ABUSE THEM IN THE PRESENCE OF THEIR HUSBANDS. ANY FARMER WHO DARES TO CHALLENGE THEM IS ATTACKED, AND IF UNABLE TO ESCAPE, HACKED TO DEATH. THEY HAVE NOW ADDED A NEW DIMENSION. THEY NOT ONLY KILL, THEY NOW SEVERE THE HEAD OF THE VICTIM. THAT WAS WHAT BEFELL MR ARIYO AINA.
OUR PEOPLE’S CRIES TO THE AUTHORITIES FOR PROTECTION APPEAR NOT TO HAVE YIELDED THE DESIRED RESULT. THE ODA HAS DONE EVERYTHING HUMANLY POSSIBLE, ALONG WITH OTHER INDIVIDUAL COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATIONS AND NATURAL GROUPS, IN THE FACE OF OBVIOUS CONSTRAINTS, TO RESTRAIN OUR PEOPLE AND GET THEM TO REMAIN LOVING AND PEACEFUL.
OUR SUBMISSION IN OUR PRESS RELEASE REFRENCED ABOVE THAT
“…THE ODA EMPHASISES THAT THE OKUN PEOPLE ARE NATURALLY VERY LOVING PEACEFUL AND ACCOMMODATING. THE STATE GOVERNMENT MUST HELP US TO REMAIN SO”
APPEARS NOT TO HAVE RECEIVED ADEQUATE ATTENTION FROM THE STATE GOVERNMENT. HOW WOULD ONE EXPLAIN THE FACT THAT EVERY TIME THERE IS AN ATTACK AND OUR PEOPLE REPORT TO THE POLICE, THE HERDSMEN ARE ARRESTED, ONLY TO BE RELEASED TO “ORDER FROM ABOVE” WITHOUT ANY PROSECUTION?
FOLLOWING THE MURDER AND SEVERANCE OF MR AINA’S HEAD AND THE FURORE IT GENERATED, THE STATE GOVERNMENT NOW SHOWED THE URGENCY AND SERIOUSNESS THAT WE HAD CRIED FOR AND EXPECTED THESE PAST MONTHS. SADLY, AND PAINFULLY SO, WE BELIEVE THE STATE GOVERNMENT IS GOING ABOUT ITS INTERVENTION THE WRONG WAY. WHILE THE ODA WILL NEVER STAND AGAINST BRINGING ANY CRIMINAL FORWARD TO ACCOUNT FOR HIS CRIMES, WE THINK THAT THE THREAT TO REMOVE ROYAL FATHERS AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT ADMINISTRATORS IF THEY FAIL TO PRODUCE THOSE WHO DEFENDED THEMSELVES AGAINST THE FULANI HERDSMEN INVASION, IS NOT THE BEST APPROACH TO ADDRESS THE CHALLENGES THAT THE PRESENCE OF THE FULANI HERDSMEN HAS BROUGHT ON OUR PEOPLE.
WHILE THE STATE GOVERNMENT IS FREE TO REMOVE ANY LOCAL GOVERNMENT ADMINISTRATOR AT ANY TIME AND FOR WHATEVER REASONS, REMOVING ROYAL FATHERS WILL ONLY CREATE NEW NEEDLESS, AVOIDABLE AND MORE SERIOUS PROBLEMS. WE BELIEVE THAT THE STATE ALREADY HAS ENOUGH TO DEAL WITH. WE NEED NOT INFLICT MORE ON OURSELVES AS A STATE.
THE QUESTION THAT THE ODA WILL LIKE THE GOVERNMENT TO PROVIDE ANSWERS TO IS THIS- WHERE THE PEOPLE, ON ACCOUNT OF THEIR EXPERIENCES, HAVE COME TO THE CONCLUSION THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAS FAILED IN ITS NUMBER ONE RESPONSIBILITY OF PROTECTING THE LIVES AND PROPERTIES OF HER CITIZENS AGAINST KNOWN INVADERS, AND ARE BEING SO SAVAGELY MURDERED AND DISMEMBERED, WHAT SHOULD THE PEOPLE DO? ANSWERS TO THIS WILL HELP A GREAT DEAL IN RESTORING THE CONFIDENCE OF OUR PEOPLE IN THE GOVERNMENT
IT IS OUR FIRM BELIEF THAT THE LONGER IT TAKES TO STRATEGICALLY FIND A LASTING SOLUTION TO THE RISK AND THREATS POSED BY THE FULANI HERDSMEN’S CHALLENGE, THE MORE OMINOUS THE DANGERS THAT LIE AHEAD.
A WAY OUT
IT IS FOR THE ABOVE REASON THAT WE MAKE THE FOLLOWING SUGGESTIONS. THIS IS IN ADDITION TO THE RECOMMENDATIONS WE OFFERED IN OUR JANUARY 2018 PRESS RELEASE WHICH WE DID NOT REPRODUCE IN OUR EXTENSIVE QUOTE EARLY IN THIS PRESS RELEASE.
NOW THAT IT HAS BEEN CONFIRMED THAT THE LIFESTYLE OF THE CATTLES HAVE CHANGED FROM EATING GRASS TO EATING YAM, CASSAVA, MAIZE AND OTHER FOODCROPS, MATURED OR NOT, HARVESTED OR NOT, WE BELIEVE WE ALL CAN, TOGETHER, WORK OUT A MUTUALLY BENEFICIAL SOLUTION THAT WILL GIVE ALL A WIN-WIN OUTCOME AND PRESERVE THE LIVES OF THE FARMERS IN THESE COMMUNITIES.
THE FOLLOWING OPTIONS SHOULD BE GIVEN IMMEDIATE CONSIDERATION.
OPTION 1) THE HERDSMEN THAT ARE BENT ON FEEDING THEIR CATTLE WITH FARM PRODUCE SHOULD DIVERSIFY INTO THE GROWING OF THE FARM PRODUCE THEY WANT TO FEED THEIR CATTLE WITH. THEY CAN DO THIS IN ANY OF SEVERAL WAYS.
OPTION 2) THOSE OF THE HERDSMEN THAT HAVE DIFFICULTY IN DIVERSIFYING INTO FARMING SHOULD NEGOTIATE WITH THE LOCAL FARMERS THE POSSIBILITY OF BUYING THE PRODUCE OFF THE FARMERS FOR THE PURPOSE OF FEEDING THEIR CATTLE. THAT WAY, THE FARMERS WILL KNOW WHAT TO EXPECT, AND BE ENCOURAGED TO INCREASE HIS FARM ACREAGE, AND THERE WILL BE LESS ACRIMONY.
THESE TWO OPTIONS WILL GIVE THE GOVERNMENTS’ AGRICULTURAL REVOLUTION A MASSIVE BOOST WITH TREMENDOUS OPPORTUNITIES TO GROW THE ECONOMY MUCH FASTER. .
OPTION 3) ANY FULANI HERDSMAN THAT HAS DIFFICULTY ADOPTING ANY OF THE TWO OPTIONS LISTED ABOVE OR EVEN A COMBINATION OF BOTH, SHOULD, WITHOUT HESITATION, RETURN TO WHERE HE CAME FROM.
ENOUGH OF THE KILLINGS. ENOUGH OF RAPING OF OUR WOMEN. ENOUGH OF THE DESTRUCTION OF OUR FARMS
CONCLUSION
WHILE THE ODA IS MINDFUL OF THE ENORMITY OF THE CHALLENGE OF MANAGING A STATE AS COMPLEX AS KOGI STATE, EVEN WHEN THERE WERE NO IMPORTED HOT BUTTONS AS BEING INDUCED BY THE FULANI HERDSMEN, WE PLEAD THAT THE GOVERNOR DRAW HIS MOTIVATION SOLELY FROM HOW HE IS ABLE TO BRING THE MAXIMUM BENEFITS TO THE MAXIMUM NUMBER OF THE PEOPLE GOD HAS ORDAINED HIM AT THIS TIME TO LEAD AS THE STATE GOVERNOR. IN DOING THIS, WE WISH THE GOVERNOR WILL CONSTANTLY BE REMINDED THAT FIVE, TEN, TWENTY OR SO YEARS AFTER HIS TENURE, PEOPLE WILL STRUGGLE HARD TO REMEMBER WHO WAS COMMISSIONER FOR WHAT OR WHO WAS WHAT OFFICER IN CHARGE OF WHAT RESPONSIBILITY. ON THE OTHER HAND, NO ONE WILL INVEST ANY EFFORT BEFORE REMEMBERING WHO WAS GOVERNOR OF THE STATE AT THIS TIME IN THE HISTORY OF THE STATE.
WE PRAY THAT GOD WILL GIVE OUR GOVERNOR ALL HE NEEDS TO TAKE KOGI STATE TO THE DESIRED DESTINATION AND THUS WRITE HIS NAME IN GOLD.
BARRISTER FEMI MOKIKAN
NATIONAL PRESIDENT, OKUN DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION (ODA)
OKUN DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION’S SPEECH PRESENTED DURING THE COURTESY VISIT OF THE ODA EXECUTIVE TO THE EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR OF KOGI STATE, ALHAJI YAHAYA BELLO, ON JULY 17, 2018, AT THE GOVERNMENT HOUSE, LOKOJA
PROTOCOLS.
YOUR EXCELLENCY,
I WANT TO, ON BEHALF OF THE EXECUTIVE AND MEMBERS OF OKUN DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION (ODA), THANK YOUR EXCELLENCY VERY WARMLY FOR THE OPPORTUNITY OF THIS VISIT.
IN DOING SO, I WILL LIKE TO CONVEY THE FRATERNAL GREETINGS FROM OUR ROYAL FATHERS, MEN AND WOMEN, YOUNG AND OLD, AND FROM ALL THE PEOPLE OF OKUNLAND TO YOUR EXCELLENCY
IT IS A VERY WELL KNOWN FACT THAT THE ART OF GOVERNANCE IS A 24/7 PROCESS FOR ANY EXECUTIVE THAT WANTS TO LEAVE ENDURING LEGACIES.
THERE ARE SO MANY THINGS TO DO WITHIN AN UNCHANGEABLE TIME LIMIT THAT IS DIVINELY DEFINED AND GIVEN TO EVERYONE, RICH OR POOR, STRONG OR WEAK, MAN OR WOMAN, YOUNG OR OLD, IN THE SAME AMOUNT
DETERMINING WHAT TO GIVE PRIORITIES TO AMONG THE COMPETING TO DOS WITHIN THE LIMITED TIME AVAILABLE AND STILL LEAVE AN ENDURING LEGACY IS OFTEN THE CHALLENGE.
YOU GET IT RIGHT, HISTORY RECORDS IT. YOU MISS IT, HISTORY MAKES A NOTE.
OUR VISIT TO YOUR EXCELLENCY WAS ONE OF THE TO DOS COMPETING FOR YOUR TIME.
WE THANK YOUR EXCELLENCY VERY MUCH FOR GIVING US THIS TIME.
WHO WE ARE
WE, THE OKUN PEOPLE, ARE A SUB-NATIONAL GROUP OF THE YORUBA NATION.
WHILE WE ARE PREDOMINANTLY LOCATED IN KOGI STATE, WHERE WE CONSTITUTE ABOUT 25% OF THE POPULATION OF THE STATE AND OCCUPY ABOUT 25% OF ITS LAND AREA, WE ARE ALSO INDIGENOUSLY PRESENT IN ONDO, EKITI, AND KWARA STATES.
THE ODA AND ITS NATIONAL EXECUTIVE
THE ODA IS THE UMBRELLA SOCIO-CULTURAL AND DEVELOPMENT ORGANIZATION THAT IS THE SOLE ORGAN OF THE OKUN PEOPLE WITH AUTHORITY TO SPEAK AND ACT ON BEHALF OF THE OKUN YORUBA OF OUR STATE ON MATTERS AFFECTING OUR GOVERNANCE, DEVELOPMENT AND SUSTAINABLE LIVELIHOOD.
IT IS REGISTERED WITH THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION.
THE MANAGEMENT OF ITS AFFAIRS IS VESTED IN THE HANDS OF ITS NATIONAL EXECUTIVE
THE NATIONAL EXECUTIVE MEMEBERS VISITING YOU TODAY CAME INTO OFFICE THROUGH A KEENLY CONTESTED ELECTION ON OCTOBER 20, 2017.
IT IS INSTRUCTIVE TO POINT OUT THAT THERE IS NOT A SINGLE MEMBER OF THIS EXECUTIVE THAT CONTESTED FOR ELECTION INTO THE OFFICE HE/SHE OCCUPIES AS AN INDEPENDENT CANDIDATE.
TO ENSURE BALANCED REPRESENTATION, THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION OF EACH MEMBER’S DISTRICT APPLIED A CAREFULLY WORKED OUT PROCESS THAT RESULTED IN THE NOMINATION OF EACH ONE OF US BEFORE WE WERE PRESENTED TO THE ENTIRE OKUN COMMUNITY FOR CONSIDERATION AND ELECTION.
FROM THAT MOMENT, EVERYTHING WE SAY OR DO IN OUR CAPACITY AS EXECUTIVE MEMBERS, WE SAY OR DO ON BEHALF OF OUR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATIONS THROUGH THE ODA
THIS MEANS THAT EACH ONE OF US IS BEING CLOSELY MONITORED BY OUR INDIVIDUAL COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION.
IMMEDIATELY AFTER OUR ELECTION,WE RESOLVED THAT OUR FIRST POINT OF CALL WOULD BE TO YOUR EXCELLENCY AS THE EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR AND NUMBER ONE CITIZEN OF OUR STATE, TO INTRODUCE OUR TEAM TO YOU AND LAY THE FOUNDATION FOR A FRUITFUL RELATIONSHIP WITH YOUR EXCELLENCY.
WE ONCE AGAIN THANK YOU FOR GRANTING US THIS AUDIENCE.
OUR VISIT TO YOUR EXCELLENCY TODAY THEREFORE IS PRIMARILY TO INTRODUCE THE NEW LEADERSHIP OF ODA TO YOU AND TO LET YOUR EXCELLENCY KNOW WHAT WE STAND FOR.
PARTNERSHIP WITH THE STATE GOVERNMENT
AS A COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT-ORIENTED ASSOCIATION, OUR PRIMARY FOCUS IS TO, THROUGH ADVOCACY, PROMOTE UNITY AND ATTRACT ATTENTION AND SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT EFFORTS FOR THE BENEFIT OF OUR PEOPLE.
TO THAT EXTENT, WE BELIEVE THAT THE GOALS OF THE STATE GOVERNMENT AND THOSE OF ODA ARE ESSENTIALLY THE SAME.
OUR APPROACH WILL OF NECESSITY DIFFER GIVEN THE NATURE OF DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATIONS
WE ARE THEREFORE COMMITTED,DETERMINED AND WILLING TO PARTNER WITH THE GOVERNMENT UNDER YOUR EXECELLENCY’S LEADERSHIP IN WHATEVER CAPACITY YOUR GOVERNMENT BELIEVES WE CAN ADD VALUE TO THE CONCEPTUALISATION, FORMULATION AND EXECUTION OF YOUR AGENDA FOR THE PEOPLE OF KOGI STATE IN GENERAL AND OKUN PEOPLE IN PARTICULAR.
WE WANT TO PUT ON RECORD OUR ACKNOWLEDGEMENT AND APPRECIATION FOR THE HIGH ESTEEM IN WHICH YOUR EXCELLENCY HOLD OKUN PEOPLE.
WE DRAW THIS CONCLUSION FROM, AMONG OTHER SOURCES, YOUR APPOINTMENT OF OKUN SONS AND DAUGHTERS INTO STRATEGIC POSITIONS IN YOUR GOVERNMENT, BOTH AT THE STATE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL AND OTHER ORGANS OF THE STATE GOVERNMENT.
WE SEE THIS IN THE NUMBER AND QUALITY OF THE PORTFOLIOS ASSIGNED TO OKUN SONS AND DAUGHTERS IN YOUR GOVERNMENT. HISTORY WILL SCORE YOU HIGH FOR THIS.
GOVERNANCE
EVERYWHERE IN THE WORLD, GOVERNANCE IS NOT A TEA PARTY.
THE ODA IS NOT UNAWARE OF THE TREMENDOUS CHALLENGES YOUR GOVERNMENT IS CONFRONTED WITH IN YOUR DETERMINATION TO USE THE RESOURCES AVAILABLE TO THE STATE FOR THE MAXIMUM BENEFIT OF THE MAXIMUM NUMBER OF OUR CITIZENS.
WE HASTEN TO ADD THAT THIS TASK IS NOT FOR THE GOVERNMENT ALONE. IT REQUIRES THE ACTIVE SUPPORT, PARTICIPATION AND ENGAGEMENT OF ALL CITIZENS OF THE STATE.
THIS IS WHY WE LIKE TO COMMEND YOUR EXCELLENCY’S EFFORT IN FRONTALLY CONFRONTING THE ISSUE OF GHOST WORKERS IN THE STATE.
IT IS A KNOWN FACT THAT THE ISSUE OF GHOST WORKERS IS PREVALENT IN MANY STATES OF THE FEDERATION, INCLUDING THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT LEVEL.
MANY OF THESE OTHER INSTITUTIONS HAVE SUCCEEDED IN PERMANENTLY LAYING TO REST THE GHOST OF GHOST WORKERS, THUS MINIMISING ITS IMPACT ON THEIR FINANCES.
WHATEVER THE GOVERNMENT NEEDS TO DO TO PERMANENTLY WIPE OUT THIS EVIL MUST BE DONE DECISIVELY, EFFECTIVELY AND TIMEOUSLY, WITH MINIMAL PAIN TO THE INNOCENT AND HARD WORKING CIVIL SERVANTS AND PENSIONERS IN THE STATE WHO ARE ENTITLED TO THE FULL PAYMENT OF THEIR SALARIES.
THE STATE CAN LEVERAGE ON THE EXPERIENCES THAT ABOUND AMONGST KOGI CITIZENS WHOSE CALLINGS INCLUDE MANAGING SUCH UNDESIRABLE FEATURES IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR AND ALSO FROM THOSE STATES WHERE THIS MONSTER HAS BEEN EFFECTIVELY TAMED.
ON THIS NOTE WE WISH TO APPEAL TO YOUR EXCELLENCY TO DIRECT AS A MATTER OF UTMOST URGENCY TO PAY ALL THOSE THAT HAVE BEEN SCREENED AND CERTIFIED FIT FOR PAYMENT TO BE PAID THEIR ENTITLEMENTS IN FULL WITHOUT FURTHER DELAY.
THIS WILL FURTHER STIMULATE THE ECONOMY OF THE STATE AS SUCH WORKERS WILL SPEND AND CREATE MULTIPLIER EFFECT.
WE ALSO WISH TO COMMEND YOUR EFFORTS IN FRONTALLY CONFRONTING THE SECURITY CHALLENGES THAT SEEM TO BEDEVIL THE STATE IN OUR RECENT PAST.
WHERE THERE IS HIGH UNEMPLOYMENT, AND WHERE SOME YOUTHS HAVE ALLOWED THEMSELVES TO BE MISGUIDED BY WHOMEVER AND FOR WHATEVER REASONS, SOCIAL VICES ARE BOUND TO EXIST.
INSECURITY IS ONE OF SUCH SOCIAL VICES.
WE MUST NOT, ON ACCOUNT OF RECENT SUCCESSES IN REDUCING INSECURITY,LOWER OUR GUARDS.
THE CAUSATIVE FACTORS ARE STILL THERE.
OUR STATE IS IN A UNIQUE POSITION, SHARING BOUNDARIES WITH ABOUT TEN STATES AND THE FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY.
THIS IN ITSELF MAKES US VALNERABLE
WE ALL MUST REMAIN ETERNALLY VIGILANT
OKUNLAND AND ACCESSIBILITY
OUR VISIT TO YOUR EXCELLENCY WILL BE ADJUDGED A FAILURE IF WE FAIL TO CALL ATTENTION TO ONE AREA THAT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO OUR PEOPLE
ON BEHALF OF THE OKUN PEOPLE, WE WISH TO NOTE THAT ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT AND EASIEST ROUTES TO LEAVE LASTING AND VISIBLE LEGACIES WHICH PEOPLE WILL REMAIN GRATEFUL FOR OVER A LONG PERIOD OF TIME IS IN THE AREA OF MAKING MOVEMENT OF PEOPLE, GOODS AND SERVICES SEAMLESS AND STRESSLESS.
WHILE WE ACKNOWLEDGE YOUR EXCELLENCY’S WORK IN THIS AREA, WE WISH TO CALL YOUR ATTENTION TO THE SORRY STATE OF ALL THE ROADS THAT LINK OTHER STATES WITH KOGI STATE THROUGH THE WEST FLANK, WHICH IS HOME TO OKUN PEOPLE.
FROM THIS FLANK, YOU CAN EITHER LINK THE STATETHROUGH OMUO IN EKITI STATE, OR FROM AKUNNNU IN ONDO STATE, OR OMUARAN IN KWARA STATE.
TRAVELLERS COMING TO KOGI STATE THROUGH OKUNLAND BY ANY OF THESE ROUTES ENJOY A SMOOTH RIDE ALL THROUGH UNTIL THEY GET TO THE BOUNDARY WITH KOGI STATE WHICH HAPPENS TO BE WHERE OKUN IN KOGI STARTS FROM.
ONCE YOU GET TO THE KOGI PORTION OF THESE ROADS YOU FEEL VERY SAD AND SORRY FOR THE COMMUTERS AND THEIR VEHICLES.
A JOURNEY THAT SHOULD ORDINARILY NOT TAKE MORE THAN ONE HOUR TAKES AN AVERAGE OF TWO TO THREE HOURS.
YOUR EXCELLENCY, IT WILL NOT BE AN EXAGERATION TO CONCLUDE THAT THE CONDITION OF THE KOGI PORTION OF THESE ROADS IS ONE OF THE REASONS MILITATING AGAINST YOUR ADMINISTRATION’S DRIVE FOR INDUSTRAILISATION AND TOURISM IN THE STATE.
ANY INVESTOR ON ANY OF THESE ROUTES WILL NOT WANT TO TRY IT A SECOND TIME
YOUR RECENT TRIP TO EKITI STATE THROUGH IYARA OMUO ROUTE WOULD HAVE REVEALED THE SITUATION OF THAT SHORT DISTANCE BETWEEN KABBA AND OMUO TO YOU.
THE EFFECT OF THIS ON THE HEALTH OF COMMUTERS, THEIR PRODUCTIVITY, THE VEHICLES AND THE ECONOMY OF THE STATE AS A WHOLE IS VERY DISHEARTENING.
WHILE WE ARE AWARE THAT SOME OF THESE ROADS ARE FEDERAL ROADS, THE STATE, PARTICULARLY THE OKUN PEOPLE, ACTUALLY BEAR THE CONSEQUENCES OF THE TERRIBLE NATURE OF THESE ROADS.
THE STATE IS UNABLE TO ATTRACT NEEDED INVESTORS.
THE RICH TOURIST INDUSTRY IN THE STATE CONTINUES TO UNDERPERFORM.
ALL THESE AND MORE COMBINE TO DELIVER A STUNTED ECONOMY FOR THE STATE.
WE SUGGEST THAT THE STATE GOVERNMENT PUT SOME OF THESE ROADS IN GOOD SHAPE AND APPROACH THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT FOR REIMBURSEMENT, AS IT IS DONE IN SOME OTHER STATES.
IN ADDITION, THE STATE GOVERNMENT SHOULD INTENSIFY EFFORTS WITH THE RELEVANT FEDERAL GOVERNMENT MDAs RESPONSIBLE FOR THESE ROADS TO STEP IN OR EXPEDITE ACTION ON THEM.
THIS WILL IMMEDIATELY SEND STRONG POSITIVE SIGNALS TO THE OKUN PEOPLE
RELATIONSHIP WITH THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT
WE ARE AWARE OF YOUR VERY CLOSE RELATIONSHIP WITH THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT, PARTICULARLY WITH THE PRESIDENT OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA, PRESIDENT MUHAMMADU BUHARI.
THIS OUGHT TO BE A HUGE POTENTIAL ASSET FOR THE STATE.
WE URGE YOU TO TAKE FULL ADVANTAGE OF THIS UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE STATE.
WE WISH TO SEE THIS REFLECTED IN APPOINTMENTS OF OUR SONS AND DAUGHTERS AT THE FEDERAL LEVEL THROUGH THE STATE GOVERNMENT INTERVENTIONS.
IT WILL GLADDEN OUR HEARTS IF YOUR EXCELLENCY WILL ALLOW ALL FEDERAL APPPOINTMENTS TO REFLECT FEDERAL CHARACTER CONCEPT AT THE STATE LEVEL
THIS SHOULD ALSO IMPACT ON TIMELY AND ADEQUATE RELEASE OF FUND FOR THE VARIOUS INFRASTRUCTRAL FACILITIES IN OKUNLAND, INCLUDING ROADS, WATER, POWER, HEALTH FACILITIES, ETC.
SATALITE CAMPUSES FOR KOGI STATE UNIVERSITY
WE WISH TO REMIND YOUR EXCELLENCY OF YOUR COMMITMENT TO ENSURING EQUITY AND FAIRNESS IN THE DISTRIBUTION OF BENEFITS TO ALL THE SENATORIAL DISTRICTS. WE RECALL SPECIFICALLY THAT YOU COMMITTED TO SETTING UP SATTALITE CAMPUSES OF THE KOGI STATE UNIVERSITY. WE PRAY YOUR EXCELLENCY TO GIVE US ONE OF THESE CAMPUSES IN OKUNLAND. SUCH A STEP WILL TRANSLATE TO ECONOMIC BENEFITS AMOUNT OTHERS.
WHILE WE APPRECIATE YOUR EXCELLENCY’S GOOD STEP OF APPOINTING OUR DAUGHTER AS THE PROVOST OF COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, TECHNICAL, KABBA, WE STILL WILL LIKE TO APPEAL THAT YOU PLEASE LOOK INTO THE ISSUE OF MARGINALISATION OF OKUN PEOPLE IN THE TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS IN THE STATE
TRADITIONAL INSTITUTIONS
WE WANT TO COMMEND YOUR STYLE OF LEADERSHIP, PARTICUALRLY IN BUILDING A HEALTHY AND PRODUCTIVE RELATIONSHIP WITH THE ROYAL FATHERS IN THE STATE. WE KNOW THERE ARE SOME VACANT TOOLS ACROSS THE STATE. WE PRAY THAT YOU WILL WORK WITH THE KING MAKERS IN THES PLACES TO FILL THESE STOOLS. THEIR ROLES ARE SO CRITICAL THAT WE CANNOT AFFORD TO KEEP THEM UNOCCUPIED FOR TOO LONG
ODA AND ITS CHALLENGES
YOUR EXCELLENCY, WE KNOW THAT YOU ARE VERY MUCH AWARE OF THE CHALLENGES THAT COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ORIENTED ASSOCIATIONS ARE FACED WITH.
THEY ARE VOLUNTARY ASSOCIATIONS WITH NO INSTRUMENTS OF COERSION.
THEY RELY MORE ON MORAL SUATION.
IN MANY INSTANCES, ONLY VERY FEW MEMBERS OF THE AFFECTED COMMUNITIES ARE TRULY AND FINANCIALLY COMMITTED TO THE ASSOCIATION.
THIS, OFTEN TIME, CONSTRAINTS THE ASSOCIATIONS FROM EFFECTIVELY TRANSLATING THEIR FULL POTENTIALS INTO REALITY
WE ARE OPTIMISTIC AND PERSUADED BY YOUR ANTECEDENTS THAT YOUR GOVERNMENT WILL SEE ODA AS ONE ASSOCIATION THAT SHOULD BE ENCOURAGED AND EMPOWERD TO REALISE ITS FULL POTENTIAL IN ITS DERERMINATION TO SUPPORT THE GOVERNMENT IN ACHIEVING ITS VISION FOR THE PEOPLE OF KOGI STATE.
WE MUST NOT FAIL TO COMMEND YOUR EXCELLENCY FOR YOUR GIFTS OF VEHICLES TO SOME INTERESTS GROUPS INCLUDING KOGI STUDENTS AND OTHER ETHNIC ASSOCIATIONS.
SOME OF OUR PEOPLE WERE ALREADY CONGRATULATING US WHEN THEY GOT TO KNOW THAT WE WERE PAYING YOU A VISIT.
WHEN WE ASKED WHY THEY WERE CONGRATULATING US, THEY OPINED THAT THEY WERE SURE WE WOULD RETURN FROM THE VISIT WITH AT LEAST A BRAND NEW HUMMER BUS
CONCLUDING REMARKS
WE WANT TO THANK YOUR EXCELLENCY AGAIN FOR THIS OPPORTUNITY TO MEET WITH YOU.
WE DO NOT UNDERESTIMATE THE DAUNTING CHALLENGE OF MANAGING A STATE AS COMPLEX AND AS DIVERSE AS KOGI STATE WHERE EXPECTATIONS ARE HIGH FROM A HIGHLY AWARE CITIZENRY.
WE WANT TO SAY AGAIN THAT OUR ASSOCIATION IS FULLY PREPARED TO PARTNER WITH YOUR EXCELLENCY IN WHATEVER CAPACITY YOU CONSIDER APPROPRIATE TO MAKE LIFE MORE MEANINGFUL AND WORTH LIVING FOR OUR PEOPLE.
WE PRAY THAT ALMIGHTY GOD WILL CONTINUE TO GIVE YOUREXCELLENCY GOOD HEALTH, ABUNDANT STRENGTH AND THE NEEDED WISDOM TO CONTINUE TO PROVIDE EFFECTIVE AND EFFICIENT LEADERSHIP FOR THE STATE.
WE ALSO PRAY THAT YOUR FAMILY AND MEMBERS OF YOUR CABINET WILL ENJOY LONG LIFE AND EXCELLENT HEALTH SO AS TO CONTINUE TO PROVIDE YOU THE NEEDED SUPPORT AND ADVICE.
LONG LIVE KOGI STATE
LONG LIVE NIGERIA
FEMI MOKIKAN. NATIONAL PRESIDENT, OKUN DEVEKLOPMENT ASSOCIATION.
SPEECH DELIVERED TO HIS IMPERIAL MAJESTY, THE ONIRISA OF IFE, AROLE ODU’A, OONI ADEYEYE ENITAN OGUNWUSI, OJAJA II, DURING THE VISIT OF THE EXECUTIVE MEMEBERS OF OKUN DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION (ODA) FROM KOGI STATE TO THE AROLE ODU’A ON MONDAY 6TH AUGUST 2018
PROTOCOLS
GREETINGS
YOUR IMPERIAL MAJESTY, THE ONIRISA OF IFE, AROLE ODU’A, OONI ADEYEYE ENITAN OGUNWUSI, OJAJA II, WE BRING YOU VERY WARM GREETINGS FROM THE PEOPLE OF OKUN LAND – MEN AND WOMEN, YOUNG AND OLD, AND ESPECIALLY FROM OUR ROYAL FATHERS, OUR TRADITIONAL RULERS.
WE ARE VERY MUCH AWARE OF YOUR EXTREMELY TIGHT SCHEDULE.
IN SPITE OF THAT, YOUR IMPERIAL MAJESTY STILL MADE SPACE TO SHARE YOUR TIME WITH US, WHICH IN THE FIRST INSTANCE, IS HARDLY ENOUGH FOR YOU TO DEAL ADEQUATELY WITH ALL MATTERS THAT COME TO YOUR OFFICE.
WE WANT TO LET YOU KNOW KABIYESI THAT WE CANNOT THANK YOU ENOUGH FOR THIS.
WE WISH TO STILL CONGRATULATE YOU ON YOUR ASCENSION TO THE COVETED THRONE OF THE ONIRISA OF IFE AND THE AROLE OF ODU’A.
WHO WE ARE
AS YOUR IMPERIAL MAJESTY IS NO DOUBT AWARE, WE THE OKUN PEOPLE ARE A SUB-NATIONAL GROUP OF THE YORUBA NATION. WE ARE THE YORUBAS THAT ARE PREDOMINANTLY LOCATED IN KOGI STATE, OCCUPYING ABOUT 30% OF THE LAND AREA OF THE STATE, AND ABOUT 25% OF ITS POPULATION.
WE ARE ALSO INDIGENOUSLY PRESENT IN ONDO, EKITI AND KWARA STATES, FROM WHICH WE ARE, UNFORTUNATELY, SEPARATED BY ARTIFICIAL POLITICAL BOUNDARIES DRAWN BETWEEN 1900 AND 1906 BY THE COLONIAL POWERS AND CODIFIED BY SUBSEQUENT STATE CREATION EXERCISES FROM 1967 TO DATE.
OKUN DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION (O.D.A) & NEW EXECUTIVE
OKUN DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION (O.D.A), WHICH WE REPRESENT, IS THE UMBRELLA SOCIO-CULTURAL AND DEVELOPMENT ORGANIZATION THAT IS THE SOLE ORGAN OF THE OKUN PEOPLE WITH AUTHORITY TO SPEAK AND ACT ON BEHALF OF THE OKUN YORUBAS OF KOGI STATE, ON MATTERS AFFECTING OUR GOVERNANCE, DEVELOPMENT AND SUSTAINABLE LIVELIHOOD.
THE ASSOCIATION IS REGISTERED WITH THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC).
THE TEAM THAT IS VISITING YOU TODAY, YOUR IMPERIAL MAJESTY, CONSISTS OF THE NEW EXECUTIVE MEMBERS THAT WERE ELECTED AND SWORN INTO OFFICE ON OCTOBER 20, 2017.
SINCE OUR ASSUMPTION OF OFFICE, WE HAVE VIGOROULY PURSUED THE DREAMS AND VISION OF THE FOUNDING FATHERS OF THIS ASSOCITION.
DREAMS AND VISION ANCHORED ON THE PROMOTION OF UNITY, PEACE, SOCIO-CULTURAL AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF OUR LAND THAT WILL TRANSLATE TO IMPROVED QUALITY OF LIFE FOR OUR PEOPLE.
WE HAVE DONE THIS MAINLY THROUGH ADVOCACY, EFFECTIVE REPRESENTATION AND NETWORKING.
WHY WE ARE VISITING
OUR VIEW IS THAT WE WILL BE COMMITTING A GRAVE AND UNPARDONABLE ERROR IF WE FAIL TO SEEK AUDIENCE WITH YOU AS WE PURSUE THE REALIZATION OF THE DREAM AND VISION OF OUR ASSOCIATION, AND PARTICULARLY AT THIS CRUCIAL TIME IN THE LIFE OF THIS NATION.
THAT THE OKUN PEOPLE IN THESE STATES ARE YORUBAS IS NOT IN DOUBT. WHAT WITH OUR HISTORICAL, CULTURAL AND LINGUISTIC COMMONALITIES.
ON BOTH SIDES, OUR NAMES, OUR WAYS OF LIFE, OUR DRESSING, OUR LANGUAGE AND OUR FESTIVALS ARE TRACEABLE TO THE SAME SOURCE.
WHAT APPEARS TO BE IN DOUBT IS WHETHER THE YORUBAS IN OTHER STATES OUTSIDE THE OKUNS TRULY WANT THE OKUNS AS THEIR KITH AND KIN.
THE BASIS FOR THIS DOUBT IS THAT WHILE THE OKUNS HAVE MADE SEVERAL EFFORTS AT REINTEGRATION WITH OUR ORIGIN, THERE HAS NOT BEEN PROPORTIONATE RECIPROCAL ATTEMPTS FROM OUR ORIGIN TO EFFECTIVELY DEMAND FOR AND CLAIM WHAT RIGHTLY BELONGS TO THEM.
FOR HOW LONG WILL THIS CONTINUE?
THE MERE FACT THAT WE WERE MERGED WITH THE NORTHERN REGION WITHOUT OUR CONSENT SHOULD NOT ALTER OUR IDENTITY AS YORUBAS
WE NOTE THAT YOUR IMPERIAL MAJESTY SHARES SOME VITUES WITH KING DAVID AND KING SOLOMON IN THE BIBLE.
GOD SKIPPED THE ELDERS AND WENT FOR DAVID THE YOUNG SHEPHERD BOY TO BE KING OVER ALL.
IT IS ON RECORD THAT IN WISDOM, NO OTHER KING SURPASSED KING SOLOMON
WE HAVE OBSERVED HOW, WITHIN THE SHORT TIME THAT GOD HAS PLACED YOU IN THIS EXALTED POSITION, YOU HAVE BUILT BRIDGES ACROSS SEEMINGLY HISTORICALLY UNBRIDGEABLE DIVIDES WITHIN THE YORUBA RACE, AND BETWEEN THE YORUBA RACE AND OTHER KINGDOMS.
WE HAVE SEEN HOW YOU HAVE MADE HISTORIC TRIPS TO OTHER ROYAL FATHERS IN YORUBALAND AND IN OHER PARTS OF NIGERIA. SOME OF THESE VISITS WOULD HAVE BEEN UNTHINKABLE JUST A FEW YEARS BACK.
THESE INITIATIVES HAVE CARVED A SPECIAL PLACE FOR YOU IN OUR HEARTS.
WE ARE ALSO AWARE OF HOW YOUR PERSONAL INTERVENTIONS HAVE RECONCILED PARTIES THAT WERE PREVIOUSLY THOUGHT TO BE IRREDEEMABLY IRRECONCILABLE.
OUR PEOPLE, THE OKUN PEOPLE, WANT TO BENEFIT FROM THESE REMARKABLE AND SIGNIFICANT SUCCESS STRORIES THAT WERE THE PRODUCTS OF YOUR PURSUIT OF THOSE IDEALS THAT THE FOUNDING FATHERS OF ODA COMMITTED THEMSELVES AND THOSE AFTER THEM HAVE CONTINUED TO SUSTAIN.
IT IS FOR THIS REASON AND MORE THAT WE CONSIDER IT PROPER TO PAY THIS VISIT TO YOU.
WE HAVE COME TO BRING TO YOUR ATTENTION THAT SOME OF YOUR SONS AND DAUGHTERS IN ILE KARO O, JIRE, WHICH ARE IN KOGI STATE, PLEAD FOR YOUR ATTENTION.
THE THREE POINT-AGENDA
THREE THINGS THAT ARE TOPMOST IN TROUBLING OUR MINDS TODAY INCLUDE RESTRUCTURING, SECURITY AND INTERPERSONAL CONFLICT.
WE SEEK YOUR IMPERIAL MAJESTY’S ACTIVE SUPPORT IN EACH OF THESE AREAS.
WHENEVER THE RESTRUCTURING OF THIS COUNTRY IS TO TAKE PLACE AND WHATEVER FORM IT WOULD TAKE, IT IS THE DESIRE OF THE OKUN PEOPLE TO BE FULLY AND PERMANENTLY REINTEGRARTED AND REUNITED WITH THEIR KITH AND KIN IN THE SOUTH WEST.
PUT TOGETHER WITH OTHER OKUNS IN THE STATES MENTIONED EARLIER, WE MORE THAN MEET ALL NECESSARY CONDITIONS TO STAND ALONE AS AN ADDITIONAL STATE TO THE PRESENT YORUBA STATES IN THE SOUTH WEST.
ON SECURITY, WHILE WE AKNOWLEDGE IT AS A NATIONAL CHALLENGE, WE APPEAL THAT WE BE CONSIDERED ALONG WITH OTHER STATES IN THE SOUTH WEST IN WHATEVER ARRANGEMENT IS BEING MADE, IN ADDITION TO WHAT GOVERNMENT IS DOING, TO STRENGTHEN THE SECURITY FRAMEWORK FOR ENHANCING THE SECURITY OF LIVES AND PROPERTIES IN THESE STATES
THE THIRD ISSUE OF CONCERN IS THE EPISODIC OUTBREAK OF INTERPERSONAL CONFLICTS
INTERPERSONAL CONFLICT IS A PART OF LIFE.
IN FACT SOME CONFLICTS ARE HEALTHY FOR DEVELOPMENT.
BUT WHERE CONFLICTS LINGER ON FOR TOO LONG AND WHERE SUCH CONFLICTS HOLD BACK PROGRESS AND DEVELOPMENT, ONE NEEDS TO TAKE ACTION TO ADDRESS AND RESOLVE THEM
YOUR IMPERIAL MAJESTY, WE SEEK FOR YOUR PERMISSION TO FURNISH YOU THE DETAILS OF OUR CONCERNS IN THIS AREA SEPARATELY FROM THIS SPEECH (BRIEF MENTION OF OTHER DETAILS TO HIM OFF PUBLIC GLARE). WE SEEK YOUR ROYAL INTERVENTION.
CONCLUDING REMARKS
YOUR IMPERIAL MAJESTY, WE WANT TO THANK YOU ONCE AGAIN FOR THIS WONDERFUL OPPORTUNITY. IT IS OUR PRAYERS THAT THE ALMIGHTY GOD THAT CALLED YOU AT THIS TIME WILL CONTIUE TO SUPPORT YOU, GUIDE YOU AND DIRECT YOUR WAYS IN ALL THE DECISIONS YOU MAKE ON THIS EXALTED THRONE.
GOD WILL GRANT YOU LONG LIFE, EXCELLENT HEALTH, STRENGTH, ABUNDANT WISDOM AND WHATEVER OTHER THINGS YOU NEED TO LEAVE AN ENDURING LEGACY.
YOUR REIGN WILL WITNESS UNPRECEDENTED REPOSITIONING OF THE YORUBA NATION TO THE ADMIRATION AND ENVY OF ALL.
WE THANK YOU AGAIN AND ON BEHALF OF ALL OKUN TRADITIONAL RULERS AND THE ENTIRE PEOPLE OF OKUN IN KOGI STATE WE SAY AND PRAY:
KADE PE LORI
KI BATA PE LESE
KI IRUKERE PE LOWO
LONG LIVE THE ONIRISA OF IFE, AROLE ODU’A, OJAJA II
LONG LIVE YORUBA NATION
LONG LIVE THE OKUN PEOPLE OF NIGERIA
LONG LIVE NIGERIA
Femi Mokikan National President, Okun Development Association (ODA)
REQUEST FOR THE CREATION OF OKUN STATE FROM THE PRESENT KOGI STATE
PRESENTED TO
THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON THE REVIEW OF THE 1999 CONSTITUTION OF THE REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA
BY THE
OKUN DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION (ODA)
JUNE 15,2012
15TH June, 2012
The Clerk to the National Assembly,
National Assembly Complex,
Three Arms Zone,
Abuja.
Dear Sir,
REQUEST FOR THE CREATION OF OKUN STATE OUT OF THE PRESENT KOGI STATE.
1.0 PREAMBLE
WHEREAS the National Assembly has on Wednesday 9th May, 2012 advertised in THE NATON newspapers an invitation for the submission of memorandum on the amendment of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria; whereas this invitation opens an appropriate window for the actualization of our people’s demand for flawless cultural identity and self-determination to be constitutionally recognized and aligned with our kith and kin in the South-West zone of Nigeria; whereas we believe that the National Assembly is the legitimate institution through which our aspiration shall be achieved; whereas these aspirations accord with the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 Section 8 (1) (a) (i-iii); whereas these aspirations when realized will promote a great sense of belonging among the citizens, including especially those of the proposed Okun State; and after a very critical evaluation of the realities in the country in general and Kogi State in particular, the great majority of our people have come to the conclusion that their legitimate aspirations for national relevance, rapid economic development, social integration and political stability can be best guaranteed with the carving out of the proposed Okun State from the present Kogi State, realigning the new State with other States in the South-West zone of Nigeria to which we are socially, culturally, economically and territorially affiliated pre-Nigeria state system. This request has become more necessary by development inhibitions and cultural alienation being suffered by Okun-Yoruba peoples of Kogi State, North-Central zone of Nigeria.
Thus, it is with a high sense of mission that we, the undersigned representatives of the Okun-Yoruba peoples of Kogi State submit this request for the creation of Okun State to be made up of all our people in Kogi, Ondo, Ekiti and Kwara States of Nigeria. This well-considered request evolves from the widely accepted principles of geographical contiguity, historical ties, administrative convenience, economic and political viability, and above all, the wishes of the generality of our people for peaceful co-existence and rapid social transformation.
2.0 A GEOGRAPHICAL DESCRIPTION OF THE NEW STATE
The proposed Okun State consists of Okun-Yoruba speaking peoples in twelve (12) proposed contigious Local Government Areas on the western flank and off the confluence of the rivers Niger and Benue namely, the Bunu, Ijumu, Owe, Oworo, Yagba peoples (all Yoruba dialect groups) in the present Kogi State and their kith and kin in Ajowa, Eriti in Ondo State, Ipao, Oke-Ako, Irele, and Tapaj in Ekiti State, and Eruku, Agboro and Koro in Kwara State. The area has a population of 1,834,899, a total land mass of about 15,000 square kilometers and variety of agro-ecological zones which confer tremendous economic advantages in terms of agricultural and natural resources. It is blessed with mineral resources and its tourism potentials are among the highest in the country. Below is a map of the proposedOkun State and Local Government Areas
3.0 THE NAME OF THE STATE
The name of the proposed state is Okun State, which reflects our common historical, linguistic and political journey in the Nigerian nation. The name is acceptable to all the stakeholders in the proposed state.
4.0 THE CAPITAL OF THE STATE
The capital city of the proposed state is Lokoja, which is the capital of the capital of Kogi State. Lokoja lies directly on the bank of the two great rivers Niger and Benue where the Federal Government of Nigeria is currently building a port with a naval base. With one of the oldest military formations in the country, Lokoja was the first capital of Nigeria and the headquarters of the former Kabba province. Therefore, the city offers a most solid infrastructural foundation for the take-off of the new state.
5.0 PROPOSED LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREAS
Currently, the proposed state spread over twelve (12) Local Government Areas as above. However, in order to bring government nearer to the people and facilitate rapid development, we are requesting for an increase from 12 to 18 Local Government Areas, as contained below:
CURRENT AND PROPOSED LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREAS
S/No
Current LGAs
Proposed LGAs
Proposed Hqts
1.
Ijumu (pop. 119,929)
Gbede
Ijumu-Arin
Ijumu -Oke
Ibiti
Iyara
Ogidi-Ela
2.
Kabba/Bunu (pop. 144,579)
Bunu
Kabba
Kiri
Odogi
Olle
Kabba
Iluke
Egbeda
3.
Lokoja (pop. 196,643)
Lokoja
Oworo
KKE
Lokoja
Agbaja
Abugi
4.
Mopamuro (pop. 43,760)
Mopa
Amuro
Mopa
Takete-Ide
5.
Yagba East (pop. 147,641)
Isanlu
Awoyo
Ajumoni
Idofin
Isanlu
Iffe-Olukotun
Ejuku
Ilafin
6.
Yagba West (pop. 139,928)
Egbe
Araromi
Yagba West
Egbe
Ejiba
Odo-Ere
7.
Ojo,Efa, Aremu, IloweEriti
(ondo State
Ifedayo
Ajowa
8.
Omuo –Oke (Ekiti North)
Omuo –Oke
Omuo –Oke
9.
Ipao, Oke –Ako, Irele (Ekiti North East)
Temidire
Oke -Ako
10.
Tapaji, Iye (Ekiti North East)
Tapaji
Tapaji
11.
Eruku, Agboro and koro (Kwara South East)
Ayedayo
Eruku
6.0 PROPOSED SENATORIAL DISTRICT IN THE NEW STATE
In total appreciation of our administrative history, we recommend that the new State be broken into three Senatorial Districts as follows:
1. Central Senatorial District – Lokoja LGA, e.g. including proposed Oworo and KKE LGAs
2. Eastern Senatorial District – former BIK LGAs, including proposed Ifedayo and Omuo-Oke LGAs
3. Western Senatorial District- former Yagba LGA, including Temidire, Ayedayo, and Tapaji LGAs
7.0.SOCIO-ECONOMIC AND POLITICAL VIABILITY
7.1. Historical and administrative sojourns
There are historical and administrative basis for the demand for the creation of Okun State for the peoples of the Western Senatorial Districts of the present Kogi State, North East of Ondo and Ekiti States and South East of Kwara State. For example, the territory on the western flank of the Niger River and confluence of the Rivers Niger and Benue had, for thousands of years been a scene of ceaseless flow of humanity, engaging in trade, commerce, other economic activities, and evangelism, mostly south-westward of the area. Long before colonial occupation, the different Yoruba sub-groups in the area had interacted in various sphere of life. People from different parts of the area, regularly patronized important markets in the area like Lokoja, Eggon, Budon, Ajaokuta, Kabba, Isanlu, Iyara, Omuo-Ekiti, Ojo, Ipao and Tapaji.
With the establishment of colonial rule in 1990, the peoples that are now asking for the proposed Okun State came under a new provincial administration, called Kabba Province, which included the Okun Communities in the northern parts of Ondo and Ekiti States, and in South-East of Kwara State that are now seeking reunion with their siblings, the Okun peoples of Kogi State. Before Lokoja became the headquarters of the Province, Kabba had also at one time or the other been made its headquarters. And ever since then, the various peoples in the proposed state, from the then Northern Nigeria era to Kwara State and to the present Kogi State, have lived and co-existed peacefully are respectably.
Below is a sketch map of pre-1926 Kabba Province:
It is noteworthy that present demand for a State is neither new nor strange and has been made before every panel that has ever been set up on boundary adjustment, constitutional review, etc, for the nation’s progress. The geographical entity requesting for the new State is the original or inhabitants of the pre-1926 Kabba Provincial areas that extended far into Ondo, Ekiti, and Kwara State. Since the structural division of the same people into two over the Southern and Northern Nigeria by the colonizers, our sons and daughters, despite their zeal and industry, have been reduced to agitators in the conduct of public affairs in the State they found themselves; because they relevance to peacefully enforce self-determination for freedom of association and pursuant of sustainable livelihood.
Unwilling to go on with this manner of marginalization, therefore, we the people under this request earnestly yearn to be given an opportunity to demonstrate equity in building a State of our own and establishing worthy and enduring legacies for our children.
7.2. Political viability
Grouping the peoples of the original Kabba province together to form Okun State will just be assisting us to actualize the long-drawn and age-long aspiration for an administrative and political structure that will fast track cohesion and social and economic development in the area.
7.3. Contiguity and compatibility
Ethnically, the proposed Okun State includes a number of large and small largely homogeneous cultural groups. This includes the Okun-Yoruba cultural groups, which is concentrated in Ijumu, Kabba/Bunu, Mopamuro, Lokoja, Oworo, Yagba East and Yagba West LGAs, and the north-east of Ondo and Ekiti States, and south-east of Kwara States. The Kakandas, Kupas, and Ganagana, peoples at the bank of River Niger have been faithful political ally of Oworo people since pre-colonial times.
Because of our contiguous habitation and good relationship with one another for centuries, we have built and are running strong networks socio-economic and even cultural friendships, peacefully and respectably across borders. So far, there has been no record of any violent conflict/crisis. Even where there was communal misunderstanding, they were usually intra-communal. Therefore, the inter-locking relationships will assist in cementing the bond of unity, reinforce the sense of belonging in the new state, and accelerate the pace of social and economic transformation of our people.
7.4. Natural Resources
Whatever it takes to make a state economically viable is available in the proposed Okun State. The territory of the new state currently harbors enormous economic potentials, resource, and infrastructural endowment, thus making it one state that has a solid base for rapid progress and development.
Geologically, the new state is a warehouse of the world’s most expensive solid minerals liberally deposited there by Nature. Among these are iron ore, limestone, tantalite, gold, uranium, dolomite, talc, marble, columbine, mica, gemstone, casserites, feldspar, and even hydrocarbons- all in great commercial quantities.
The abundance of mineral resources endowment has encourage the establishment of some industries and industry-related activities. For example, presently, a number of manufacturing plants are in operation in the proposed state. Among these is the Obajana Cement Factory, the Jakura Marble in Lokoja, Boja Plastic Industry, Lolada Sanitary Pad Factory, Mopa Brewery – all in Mopa, feldspar – processing plants in several parts of the proposed state, and sawmills in many other parts of the state.
The resource-endowment in the proposed State includes a landmass of about 15,000 square kilometers, the great rivers Niger and Benue, Ohe, and Oyi Rivers and surface dams in Omi, Ife-Olukotun, Egbe, Ejuku and others. This landmass has various agro-ecological zones, in which many cash and food crops like cocoa, coffee, beni-seed, palm trees, cashew, castor, citrus, sorghum, wheat, rice, sugarcane, kola nut, cereals, groundnuts, soya beans, cow peas, yam, cassava, cotton, tobacco and several other crops, are presently grown marginally. The creation of the new state will accelerate production and greatly increase revenue generation and employment opportunities.
Its forestry, fishery, and animal husbandry resources are currently largely untapped and under-utilized. Thus, creating the new frontiers in economic activities in food production, cottage industries, and agro-allied activities.
The entire eco-system of the new state provides massive natural opportunities for power generation and energy from the water resources, the sun, the wind, and bio-resources.
The proposed Okun State would in fact transform into a giant agro mineral and industrial showpiece never seen before in the ECOWAS sub-region.
7.5. Infrastructural facilities
Lokoja, being the first capital of Nigeria, and having been the capital of Kogi State for about nineteen years now, as well as the major link city between the North and the South, the proposed state benefits from a number of infrastructural facilities for a good take-off. A network of roads connects the state to other parts of the country.
Already, the dual carriageway on the Abuja-Lokoja Federal Highway has reached an advanced stage and when completed it would reduce the travel time between Abuja and Lokoja by at least thirty minutes. Many people may even prefer to live in Lokoja and work in Abuja or hold international conferences in Lokoja.
The headquarters of the Nigeria Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) is in Lokoja. With the dredging of the River Niger almost completed and construction of the Lokoja Port in progress, industrial and commercial activities will increase immensely.
In the proposed state are such communication and information infrastructures like the NTA, Radio Kogi, Grace FM, CTV, which give impetus to socio-economic and cultural activities in the state.
Existing education infrastructure in the proposed state include a polytechnic whose courses have been accredited by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), a State College of Education (Technical), and a College of Agriculture, which is part of the famous Ahmadu Bello University in Kabba. A private University, is under construction at Apaa-Bunu in the state and the National Universities Commission is processing a number of other private initiatives to establish universities. The people of the proposed State are famous for high quality education and professionalism; hence, the quest for increased opportunities in education and manpower development shall be enhanced by the creation of the new State.
In terms of health facilities, the proposed state has many primary and secondary health institutions. These include the ECWA Hospital in Egbe that offers one of the best facilities in the country, the Federal Medical Centre in Lokoja, the new General Hospital also in Lokoja, the State Hospital in Kabba, the General Hospital in Isanlu, Ife-Olukotun, Aiyetoro-Gbede, Iyamoye, Ekinrin-Adde, and very many other places. Primary Health Centres, Maternities, and Dispensaries abound in many parts of the proposed state. There is a School of Nursing and Midwifery also. All these and others are more than enough for the take-off and acceleration of effective health service delivery in the new state.
7.6. Tourism
By its history, culture, and topography, the new state has a huge but untapped tourism potential. Lokoja alone offers great tourist attractions in the pre-colonial and colonial museums, the Mount Pati, the Agbaja Plateau, Obangogo hill in Kabba, Pou hill in Ogidi-Ijumu, the confluence of the Rivers Niger and Benue, and the topography of Lokoja and other communities, which make the area very suitable for excursions, guided tours, the shooting of films, etc. In the same vein, the annual New Yam festivals of the people and several other cultural activities in all parts of the new state can be tapped to generate revenue for the new state government.
7.7. Human Capital
The proposed Okun State has a large pool of skilled and experienced work force, which will enhance its smooth and prompt take –off. The problem of the new state is certainly not going to be the dearth of appropriate skills and experienced manpower, which already exists in abundance and will be deployed to maximum advantage for the state’s accelerated development.
8.0. CONCLUSION AND PRAYER
In conclusion, we commend the leadership of the National Assembly, for the opportunity to articulate our long-standing yearning and aspiration for an appropriate administrative structure to tap our abundant human and natural resources for the rapid transformation of our beloved people and the new State.
WE PRAY with implicit faith, therefore, for the emergence, through this exercise, of a politically stable, socially integrated and commercially vibrant Okun State, which will stand as a permanent testimony to the wisdom, vision and purposefulness of the present leadership of the National Assembly, to the glory of God and for the permanent fulfillment of the yearnings and aspirations of our people within a corporate, united, and democratic Federal Republic of Nigeria.
APPENDIX 11
UPDATE ON THE HOLDERS OF OKUNLAND HONOURARY CHIEFTANCY TITLES
1. (Late) Chief Mrs. Margaret .O. Audu (Kabba/Bunu) Yeye Omookun
2. (Late) Chief Dr. Nathaniel Olutimayin (Kabba/Bunu) Agbaakin
3. (Late) Chief Silas .B. Daniyan (Mopa/Amuro) Maiyegun
4. Chief Moody Olorunmonu (Yagba East) Adaranijo
5. (Late) D. L. Obasa (Yagba East) Fiwajoye
6. (Late) Chief S.A. Oshatoba (Yagba West) Amurelole
7. Chief Olayinka Simoyan (Yagba West) Gbokunniyi
8. Chief (Alhaji) Asani Sunmonu (Yagba East) Babalaje
9. (late) Chief Dr. R.A. Adeleye (Ijumu) Ariwajoye
10. (Late) Chief J.D. Bejide (Yagaba West) Ajigbotokun
11. Chief (Ms.) Grace Atinuke Oyelude (Yagba East) Iyalode
12. Chief Felix Tayo (ijumu) Bokungunwa
13. (Late) Chief Dr. J.E. Adetoro (Mopa/Amuro) Ajagunla
14. (Late) Chief James .O. Mejabi (Ijumu) Bameto
15. (Late) Chief Idris Obahopo (Oworo) Bokunjiro
16. Chief Clarence Olafemi (Mopa/Amuro) Asiwaju
17. (Late) Chief Jimmy Folorunsho Atte (Kabba/Bunu) Atona
18. Chief (Col.) Bello Fadile (Rtd) (Kabba/Bunu) Ajagunla
19. Chief Bayo Ojo (SAN) (Ijumu) Bashorun
20. Chief (Professor) Foluso Ladeinde (Kabba/Bunu) Otunba
21. Chief Mrs. Omoleye Aiyelabowo (Kabba/Bunu) Yeye Oge
Appendix 12
ORIGINAL MEMBERSHIP OF THE ELDERS COUNCIL OF OKUN DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATIOON (ODA), AS AT OCTOBER, 2017.
Ijumu
1. Chief E.O. Otitoju (MFR) Chairman
2. Chief J.O. Mejabi (OON) (late) Member
3. Chief S.O. Ologe –
4. Chief E.A. Oshe (SAN) (late) –
5. Chief Felix Tayo –
Kabba/Bunu
6. Bishop T.F. Ogbonyomi –
7. Chief A.K. Medaiyese (late) –
8. Madam M.M. Toluhi (late) –
Oworo
9. Chief Idris Obahopo (late) –
Yagba East
10. Chief M.D.A. Olorunmonu –
11. Chief D.L. Obasa (late) –
12. Chief (Ms) G.T. Oyelude –
Yagba West
13. Chief J.D. Bejide (late) –
14. Chief Olayinka Simonyan –
15. Chief S.A. Oshatoba (late) –
Mopa-Amuro
16. Chief S.B. Awoniyi, OFR, (late) –
17. Chief S.B. Daniyan, OFR (late) –
18. Chief Adewale Bello –
19. Chief J Obajemu (late) –
Secretary
20. Barrister (Dr) Mike Obamero (Kabba/Bunu)
Observer Status, as Current ODA National President
Ambassador Babatunde Paul Fadumiyo (Yagba East).
SPEECH PRESENTED BY AMBASSADOR BABATUNDE PAUL FADUMIYO THE NATIONAL PRESIDENT OF OKUN DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION (ODA) AT A PUBLIC HEARING ON A BILL FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURE KABBA (ESTABLISHED ETC.) BILL, 2017 (SB 402) ON 20TH JULY, 2017 AT THE
INTRODUCTION:
On behalf of the Okun people in Kogi State, I wish to thank all Distinguished Senator for making this historic event possible. Specifically, ladies and gentlemen, permit me to pay glowing tributes to our Distinguished Senator Dino Melaye, who is presently representing all the good people of Kogi West Senatorial District in the 8th Senate and in the 8th National Assembly. Anyone who knows the social and political psychology of the Okun people and who has followed overtime their advocacy and agitation for the establishment of a university in their territory by either a government or an individual or a group individuals will be able to appreciate the importance that is attached to this epochal bill and this public hearing. Okun People at home and abroad have been fasting and praying since this bill was introduced on the floor of the Red Chamber, the Senate of the Federal Republic. In essence, we wish this Committee speedy and fruitful deliberation to day and even after, till the Bill is passed into law as an Act to establish a Federal University of Agriculture in Kabba. In view of the renewed emphasis on Agriculture by the present government of President Muhammadu Buhari, there is definitely a need to produce the necessary high-quality manpower that will drive Agric Revolution in Nigeria. In fact, the dwindling fortunes of oil revenue has made it imperative that the economy the diversified and one of the quick win sectors which can easily bring about this revolution is agriculture. In fact, this requires that we move away from the traditional manpower based agricultural practice to a more modern and a more productive mechanized farming. Upgrading the relevant institutions will therefore help to development the necessary manpower that will conduct high level research into new product, high-yield varieties, drought -resistant, etc. one of such envisaged institutions is the Federal University of Agriculture, Kabba.
A History of Our Struggle for a University in Okunland:
2. Distinguished Senators, ladies and gentlemen, this Bill for the establishment of a Federal University of Agriculture in Kabba is based on history-and a long history for that matter. It seeks to build on an existing foundation-a foundation liad by the great Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto and the Premier of North Region when in 1962 he established the Ahmadu Bello University College of Agriculture in Kabba.
During the first republic, similar colleges were established in other part of the North and in other parts of Nigeria. Among these were those in Abeokuta, Akure, Markurdi, Umudike. All but that of Kabba have since been upgraded to full-fledge Universities of Agriculture. In the same vein, the Okun people have never allowed any opportunity to pass without raising the imperative of upgrading the ABU College of Agriculture in Kabba to the same status as its other compares. Many representations were made to both the State and Federal Governments on this issue. Our association, the ODA, which is the umbrella socio-cultural organization binding all Yoruba people in Kogi State in 2005 discussed the issue with Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, a former President. A promise and assurance were extracted from him that if ever the Federal Government Policy of no new Federal Universities was reviewed, the ABU College of Agriculture, Kabba would be upgraded to a full-fledge University. When in 2011 former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, established nine (9) new Federal Universities pressures were mounted on both Alhaji Ibrahim Idris, the then Governor of Kogi State and the then President to give the college a positive consideration for upgrading. Unfortunately, the college lost out, although the people of Okun land on whose territory the institution is based, were pained, they never lost hope. We continued in our prayers and here we are today, through the legislative ingenuity and resourcefulness of Senator Dino Melaye, the issue has again been trusted to the public domain for discussion and most hopefully for affirmation.
Existing Facility in the College:
3. Distinguished Senators, ladies and gentlemen if this Bill is passed into law for implementation, a fairly solid rudiment of infrastructural facilities, can be taken for granted at its present site in Kabba. Starting the operation of the institution with the facilities available there now will save the government, the hassle of looking for millions of naira for itstake-off.
In addition, the facilities available in Kabba and other towns around will lend considerable relief to the commencement of the institution.
4. In the college alone, facilities a bound there, that have been grossly under used for a longtime. Large and standard classrooms that could sit 200 students at a time exist there. Also available there is a large lecture theatre and a large Assembly Hall. Other facilities available include large larboratories, an imposing administrative block which could accommodate the Vice-Chancellor’s office, student affairs office, academic office and the bursar’s office.
5. Works Department: There is a maintenance workshop in the college which could take care of the repairs and maintenance of the university’s vehicles and other gadgets.
6. Expanse of Land: About 500 hectares of land are available for the university at an ideal site and scenery in the town.
7. Other Stock of Facilities: As part of the stock of facilities available are the agricultural unit, the livestock unit, the horticultural unit, the engineering unit, the mechanical and carpentry workshop, as well as the coffee and citrus, cocoa, palm oil plantations.
These would provide ideal facilities for the faculties of science, agriculture, veterinary medicine and engineering of the new university.
8. Hostel Accommodations: To accommodate the students, three large hostels exist there to form the nucleus of hostel accommodation. But beside the above, there are other facilities in Kabba town that would ease the accommodation needs of the students.
9. Medical Facilities: Besides the weather which is pleasant and conducive to sound health and learning, there is a specialist hospital in Kabba, which, being one of the most health care to the students and the university community. Beside this/ specialist hospital, there are other medical establishment owned by religious bodies and private individuals
10. Road Networks: As a junction town, Kabba has a network of good roads. About nine roads from different parts of the country enter Kabba. These are Kabba-Ilorin, Kabba-Okene-Benin, Kabba-Okene-Ajaokuta-Enugu, Ajaokuta-Enugu, Kabba-Lokoja-Abuja. Kabba-Ipele-Akure-Ibadan-Lagos. Kabba- Ole-Abuji-Barro, Kabba-Iyamoye-Igbagun-Ejuku-Isanlu-Ilorin and Kabba-Ogidi-Ikaramu-Ikare-Owo-Ife-Ibadan-Lagos.
The roads, are being used by motorists, luxury buses and haulage trucks and that makes Kabba a suitable and centrally positioned town for the establishment of a Federal University. Kabba also has an air strip used by past heads of state and regional government officials.
11. Conclusion: Distinguished Senators, Ladies and Gentlemen from the brief account of the advocacy by the Okun-Yoruba people given above, it will be seen that establishing a university on that territory has been their heart desire. Education is the number one industry of the Okun people and any opportunity, no matter how small is exploited to promote it – that is education.
The turn-out of the people for this event is a testimony of their interest in education as a social leveler and a liberator from the schedules of poverty. Because to the Okun people
Education is a companion
Which no misfortune can depress
No crime can destroy
No enemy can alienate
And no despotism can enslave
At home, a friend
Abroad an introduction
In solitude, a solace
And in society an ornament
It chastens vice,
It guides virtue
It gives grace
And government to the genius.
What is man without?
A splendid slave
And a reasoning savage.
Distinguished Senator, we appreciate all of you for this initiative and I want to place it on record again that the Okun people appreciate Senator Dino Melaye for taking us this far on this road to the establishment of University in Kabba, we pray to almighty God to take all of us through to the end of this efforts. Ladies and Gentlemen, thank you very much and God bless.
AMBASSADOR BABATUNDE PAUL FADUMIYO
ABUJA.
Thursday 20th of July, 2017
THE OKUN DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION SPEECH PRESENTED DURING THE COURTESY VISIT OF THE ODA EXECUTIVE TO THE EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR OF KOGI STATE, ALHAJI YAHAYA ADOZA BELLO, ON DECEMBER 12, 2018, AT THE GOVERNMENT HOUSE, LOKOJA
YOUR EXCELLENCY, THE CHIEF OF STAFF, DISTINGUISHED MEMBERS OF THE STATE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, DISTINGUISHED LADIES AND GENTLEMEN
I WANT TO, ON BEHALF OF THE EXECUTIVE AND MEMBERS OF ODA THANK YOUR EXCELLENCY VERY SINCERELY FOR THE OPPORTUNITY OF THIS COURTESY VISIT. IT IS A VERY WELL KNOWN FACT THAT THE ART AND SCIENCE OF GOVERNANCE IS A 24/7 PROCESS FOR ANY EXECUTIVE THAT WANTS TO LEAVE ENDURING LEGACIES. IN SPITE OF THIS TIGHT AND LOADED SCHEDULE, YOU STILL FOUND TIME TO MEET WITH US. WE THANK YOUR EXCELLENCY VERY MUCH.
WHO WE ARE
WE THE OKUN PEOPLE ARE A SUB-NATIONAL GROUP OF THE YORUBA NATION. WHILE WE ARE PREDOMINANTLY LOCATED IN KOGI STATE, OCCUPYING A SIGNIFCANT PROPORTION OF ITS LAND AREA, AND REPRESENTING A SIGNIFICANT PERCENTAGE OF THE POPULATION, WE ARE ALSO INDIGENOUSLY PRESENT IN ONDO, EKITI, AND KWARA STATES, FROM WHICH WE ARE, UNFORTUNATELY, SEPARATED BY ARTIFICIAL BOUNDARIES.
THE ODA AND ITS NATIONAL EXECUTIVE
THE ODA IS THE UMBRELLA SOCIO-CULTURAL AND DEVELOPMENT ORGANIZATION THAT IS THE SOLE ORGAN OF THE OKUN PEOPLE WITH AUTHORITY TO SPEAK AND ACT ON BEHALF OF THE OKUN YORUBA OF OUR STATE ON MATTERS AFFECTING THEIR GOVERNANCE, DEVELOPMENT AND SUSTAINABLE LIVELIHOOD. IT IS REGISTERED WITH THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION. THE MANAGEMENT OF ITS AFFAIRS IS VESTED IN THE HANDS OF ITS NATIONAL EXECUTIVE
THE NATIONAL EXECUTIVE MEMEBERS VISITING YOU TODAY CAME INTO OFFICE THROUGH A KEENLY CONTESTED ELECTION ON OCTOBER 22, 2017. IT IS INSTRUCTIVE TO POINT OUT THAT THERE IS NOT A SINGLE MEMBER OF THIS EXECUTIVE THAT CONTESTED AS AN INDEPENDENT CANDIDATE FOR ELECTION INTO THE OFFICE HE/SHE OCCUPIES. THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION OF EACH MEMBER’S DISTRICT APPLIED A CAREFULLY WORKED OUT PROCESS THAT RESULTED IN THE SELECTION OF EACH ONE OF US BEFORE WE WERE PRESENTED TO THE ENTIRE OKUN COMMUNITY FOR CONSIDERATION AND ELECTION. THIS MEANS THAT EACH ONE OF US IS BEING CLOSELY MONITORED BY OUR INDIVIDUAL COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION. WE THEREFORE CANNOT AFFORD TO FAIL.
IMMEDIATELY AFTER OUR ELECTION WE RESOLVED THAT OUR FIRST PORT OF CALL WOULD BE TO YOUR EXCELLENCY AS THE EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR OF OUR STATE. WE ONCE AGAIN THANK YOU FOR GRANTING US THIS AUDIENCE.
OUR VISIT TO YOUR EXCELLENCY TODAY IS PRIMARILY TO COME AND INTRODUCE THE NEW LEADERSHIP OF ODA TO YOU AND TO LET YOUR EXCELLENCY KNOW WHAT WE STAND FOR. WE HAVE NOT COME TO PRESENT YOU WITH A LIST OF WHAT WE WANT YOU TO DO FOR OUR PEOPLE. IF WE NEED TO, WE WILL DO THAT AT OUR NEXT VISIT.
GOVERNANCE
EVERYWHERE IN THE WORLD, GOVERNANCE IS NOT A TEA PARTY. SEVERAL FACTORS INTERPLAY TO DETERMINE THE LEVEL OF EFFECTIVENESS OF ANY GOVERNMENT BE IT STATE, FEDERAL OR LOCAL GOVERNMENT. TWO OF THESE FACTORS ARE THE RESOURCES AVAILABLE AND THE STATUS OF THE STATE AS INHERITED FROM THE PREVIOUS GOVERNMENT. WHERE AN INCOMING GOVERNMENT INHERITS A ROBUST AND PROGRESSIVE STATUS, IT IS MUCH EASIER TO BUILD ON AND CONSOLIDATE WHAT WAS INHERITED. WHERE IT IS OTHERWISE, IT IS A DIFFERENT STORY. AND WE HAVE EXAMPLES OF EACH OF THESE MODELS IN THIS COUNTRY.
THE ODA IS NOT UNAWARE OF THE TREMENDOUS CHALLENGES YOUR GOVERNMENT IS CONFRONTED WITH IN YOUR DETERMINATION TO USE THE LIMITED RESOURCES AVAILABLE TO THE STATE FOR THE MAXIMUM BENEFIT OF THE MAXIMUM NUMBER OF OUR CITIZENS. WE HASTEN TO ADD THAT THIS TASK IS NOT FOR ONE PERSON OR ONE GROUP. IT IS NOT FOR THE GOVERNMENT ALONE. IT REQUIRES THE ACTIVE SUPPORT, PARTICIPATION AND ENGAGEMENT OF ALL CITIZENS OF THE STATE.
WE LIKE TO COMMEND YOUR EXCELLENCY’S EFFORTS IN FRONTALLY CONFRONTING THE ISSUE OF GHOST WORKERS IN THE STATE. IT WOULD APPEAR THAT THE ISSUE OF GHOST WORKERS IS PREVALENT IN MANY STATES OF THE FEDERATION, INCLUDING EVEN AT THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT LEVEL. MANY OF THESE OTHERS HAVE SUCCEEDED IN MINIMISING ITS IMPACT ON THEIR FINANCES. WHATEVER OUR STATE NEEDS TO DO TO PERMANENTLY WIPE OUT THIS STRANGE INTERLOPER MUST BE DONE DECISIVELY, EFFECTIVELY AND TIMEOUSLY WITH MINIMAL PAIN TO THE INNOCENT. THE STATE CAN LEVERAGE ON THE EXPERIENCES IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR AND THOSE STATES WHERE THIS MONSTER HAS BEEN EFFECTIVELY TAMED.
WE ALSO COMMEND YOUR EFFORTS IN DEALING WITH THE SECURITY CHALLENGES THAT SEEM TO BEDEVIL THE STATE BECAUSE OF, AMONG OTHER REASONS, THE STATE’S UNIQUE POSITION OF SHARING BOUNDARIES WITH ABOUT TEN STATES AND THE FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY.
PARTNERSHIP WITH THE STATE GOVERNMENT
AS A COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ORIENTED ASSOCIATION, WHOSE PRIMARY FOCUS IS TO, THROUGH ADVOCACY, ATTRACT ATTENTION AND DEVELOPMENT EFFORTS FOR THE BENEFIT OF OUR PEOPLE, WE ARE COMMITTED AND DETERMINED TO PARTNER WITH YOUR EXCELLENCY’S GOVERNMENT IN WHATEVER CAPACITY YOUR GOVERNMENT BELIEVES WE CAN ADD VALUE TO THE EXECUTION OF ITS AGENDA FOR THE PEOPLE OF KOGI STATE IN GENERAL AND OKUN PEOPLE IN PARTICULAR.
WE WANT TO PUT ON RECORD OUR ACKNOWLEDGEMENT AND APPRECIATION FOR THE SPECIAL PLACE YOUR EXCELLENCY HAVE IN YOUR MIND FOR OKUN PEOPLE AS REFLECTED IN YOUR APPOINTMENT INTO THE STATE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL AND OTHER ORGANS OF THE STATE GOVERNMENT. YOU HAVE SHOWN THIS IN THE NUMBER AND QUALITY OF THE POTFOLIOS ASSIGNED TO OKUN SONS AND DAUGHTERS IN YOUR GOVERNMENT. WE SAY WELL DONE AS WE ARE SURE HISTORY WILL MARK YOU OUT FOR THIS.
ODA AND ITS CHALLENGES
YOUR EXCELLENCY, WE KNOW THAT YOU ARE VERY MUCH AWARE OF THE CHALLENGES THAT COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ORIENTED ASSOCIATIONS ARE FACED WITH. THEY ARE VOLUNTARY ASSOCIATIONS WITH MINIMAL INTRUMENTS OF COERSION. THEY RELY MORE ON MORAL SUATION. IN MANY INSTANCES, ONLY VERY FEW MEMBERS OF THE AFFECTED COMMUNITIES ARE TRULY AND FINANCIALLY COMMITTED TO THE ASSOCIATION. THIS, OFTEN TIMES CONTRAINTS THE ASSOCIATION FROM EFFECTIVELY TRANSLATING ITS FULL POTENTIALS INTO REALITY. WE ARE OPTIMISTIC AND PERSUADED BY YOUR ANTECEDENTS THAT YOUR GOVERNMENT WILL SEE ODA AS ONE ASSOCIATION THAT SHOULD BE ENCOURAGED AND EMPOWERD TO REALISE ITS FULL POTENTIAL IN ITS DERERMINATION TO SUPPORT THE GOVERNMENT IN ACHIVING ITS VISION FOR THE PEOPLE OF KOGI STATE.
CLOSING REMARKS
AS WE CONCLUDE THIS SPEECH ON BEHALF OF THE OKUN PEOPLE THROUGH THE ODA, WE WISH TO NOTE THAT ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT AND EASIEST ROUTES TO LEAVE LASTING AND VISIBLE LEGACIES WHICH PEOPLE WILL REMAIN GRATEFUL FOR OVER A LONG PERIOD OF TIME IS IN THE AREA OF MAKING MOVEMENT OF PEOPLE, GOODS AND SERVICES SEAMLESS AND STRESSLESS. WHILE WE ACKNOWLEDGE YOUR EXCELLENCY’S WORK IN THIS AREA, WE WISH TO CALL YOUR ATTENTION TO THE SORRY STATE OF ALL THE ROADS THAT LINK OTHER STATES WITH KOGI STATE THROUGH THE WEST SENATORIAL DISTRICT WHERE OKUN PEOPLE ARE PREDOMINANT. ONCE YOU GET TO THE KOGI PORTION OF THESE ROADS YOU FEEL VERY SAD AND SORRY FOR THE COMMUTERS AND THEIR VEHICLES. A JOURNEY THAT SHOULD ORDINARILY NOT TAKE MORE THAN ONE HOUR TAKES AN AVERAGE OF TWO TO THREE HOURS. THE EFFECT OF THIS ON THE HEALTH OF COMMUTERS, THEIR PRODUCTIVITY, THE VEHICLES AND THE ECONOMY OF THE STATE AS A WHOLE ARE VERY DISHEARTENING. WHILE WE ARE AWARE THAT MANY OF THESE ROADS ARE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT ROADS, THE STATE ACTUALLY BEARS THE CONSEQUENCES OF THE TERRIBLE NATURE OF THESE ROADS. IT IS UNABLE TO ATTRACT NEEDED INVESTORS. THE RICH TOURIST INDUSTRY IN THE STATE CONTINUES TO UNDERPERFORM. ALL THESE AND MORE COMBINE TO DELIVER A STUNTED ECONOMY FOR THE STATE. WE SUGGEST THAT THE STATE GOVERNMENT PUT SOME OF THESE ROADS IN GOOD SHAPE AND APPROACH THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT FOR REIMBURSEMENT. IN THE ALTERNATIVE, THE STATE GOVERNMENT SHOULD INTENSIFY EFFORTS WITH THE RELEVANT FEDERAL GOVERNMENT MDAs RESPONSIBLE FOR THESE ROADS TO EXPEDITE ACTION ON THEM. THIS WILL IMMEDIATELY SEND STRONG SIGNALS TO THE PEOPLE ON THESE ROADS
WE WANT TO THANK YOUR EXCELLENCY AGAIN FOR THIS OPPORTUNITY TO MEET WITH YOU. WE PRAY THAT ALMIGHTY GOD WILL GIVE YOU GOOD HEALTH, ABUNDANT STRENGTH AND THE NEEDED WISDOM TO CONTINUE TO PROVIDE EFFECTIVE LEADERSHIP FOR THE STATE. AS WE APPROACH THE END OF THE YEAR, WE WISH YOUR EXCELLENCY, YOUR FAMILY AND MEMBERS OF YOUR CABINET A MERRY CHRISTMAS, A PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR AND MANY MORE OF SUCH
LONG LIVE YOUR EXCELLENCY
LONG LIVE KOGI STATE
LONG LIVE NIGERIA
FEMI MOKIKAN. NATIONAL PRESIDENT, OKUN DEVEKLOPMENT ASSOCIATION.
A MEMORANDUM BY THE OKUN YORUBA PEOPLE OF KOGI STATE
SEEKING INTERNAL RESTRUCTURING OF NIGERIA SEEKING FEDERALISM; REGIONALISM; PARLIAMENTARY SYSTEM, POWER ROTATION; BOUNDARY ADJUSTMENT OF OKUN TERRITORY TO THE SOUTH-WEST REGION; AND SUNDRY CONSTITUTIONAL MATTERS
Submitted by
Okun Development Association (ODA) To the All Progressives Congress (APC) Committee on True Federalism September 25,2017
1. INTRODUCTION OF THE SUBJECT MATTER
1.1 Okun Development Association (ODA).
Okun Development Association (ODA) is the umbrella social-cultural and development organization that speaks and acts on behalf of the Okun Yoruba of Kogi state, on matters affecting their governance development and sustainable livelihood. It is registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).
1.2 The Okun Yoruba People of Kogi State
We the Okun people are a sub-national group of the Yoruba nation. While we are predominantly located in Kogi State, we are also indigenously present in Ondo, Ekiti, and Kwara States, from which we are unfortunately, separated by artificial political boundaries drawn between 1900 and 1906 by the colonial powers.
This process excised majority of the Okun people from their kith and kin, the Yoruba People, in the South-West and put them in the Northern Protectorate of Nigeria. This arbitrary political relocation has translated to constitutional peripheralisation of our people between the North and our indigenous home the South West. The wrong geo-political placement subsists till date.
Thus geo-politically since 1900, we have been wrongly situated in the Northern part of Nigeria and various attempts to invite government attention to denial of self – determination and justice have not yielded fruit.
The Okun people of Kogi State were direct victims of the activities of European traders which culminated in Sir Fredrick Lugard appropriating a part of our territory to the colonial Governor of Southern Protectorate in 1918. This was without consideration for the common ancestral relationship, cosmology and cultural values shared with the people of South Western country of the Southern Protectorate.
Unfortunately, all post-colonial Nigerian governments have been unable to redress this tragic dislocation. Rather, our rate of progress or development has been further retarded even within the North Central Zone.
Our persistent call for sell-determination to decide which socio-cultural entity we desire to relate with in Nigeria’s political power equation has hitherto, been unheeded.
In Kogi State, we are domiciled in Ijumu, Kabba/Bunu, Lokoja, MopAmuro, Yagba East and Yagba West Local Government Areas. Out of these six (6) Local Government Areas, five (5) of them are 100 percent peopled by the Okun, while the Oworo-Okun own and live in more than three quarters of Lokoja Local Government Area.
And out of a population of a little over three million people in the Kogi State, The Okun Yoruba approximately number about 800,000
2. FACTS ON THE SUBJECT MATTER
2.1 The Okun People in Kogi State are convinced that a Sovereign National Conference will be a welcome platform to canvass and advocate a redress for multiple injustices that have arisen from their wrong situation since Lord Lugard’s proclamation of an artificial boundary between the Northern Protectorate in 1900. The subsequent amalgamation of both the southern and Northern Protectorates, which became Nigeria in 1914, did not acknowledge the imperative for a mitigation of this anomaly.
2.2 The government of post-independence Northern Nigeria where the Okun constituted the bedrock of the intelligentsia and bureaucracy collapsed in 1966.
Ever since, Okun People have been victims of serial political nomadism in various geo-political entities.
This has negatively impacted on the cultural, political and economic fortunes of the Okun People, a situation accentuated by the creation of Kogi State in 1991. From 1991 till date, Okun people have experience considerable decline in every index for measuring development. In the current configuration of Kogi State, there is very little, if any, hope that Okun People would fare better in the foreseeable future.
2.3 The experiences from cultural, economic, administrative and geo-political miniaturization of power and politics, which worsened the marginal status of Okun People, particularly in Kogi State in the North Central Zone, after the collapse of the Northern Nigeria government, have shown glaringly the irreconcilable contradictions and barriers to Okun People’s security and development aspirations.
2.4 The various protests, appeals and advocacy for fairness, equity and justice at several Constitutional Conference in London and Nigeria, the Willinks Commission of Enquiry on Minority Rights, several Panels on Creation of States and Boundary Adjustment hitherto, have never been allowed to determine where they should belong and who should govern them and guarantee their self-actualization, security, development and overall well-being.
3. ISSUES FROM THE STATEMENT OF FACTS FOR DETERMINATION
3.1 We reaffirm that Okun People share the same characteristic with the Yoruba of South Western Nigeria in culture, values and cosmology. The territory where Okun People dwell is also contiguous with the South West of Nigeria without any natural or ecological barrier.
3.2 There has always been a loud, popular and persistent clamour for the readjustment or relocation of Okun People politically and administratively from the North Central Zone to the South West Zone of Nigeria.
3.3 There has been persistent exclusion of Okun People from governance, particularly at the highest level of decision making. Without a deliberate policy that favours power rotation, political power will perpetually elude the Okun People and thus perpetuate their ongoing marginalization in Kogi State.
3.4 Okun People observe that too much of the nation’s resources and governmental responsibilities are concentrated in the Central (Federal) government, so much so, that the federating units cannot meaningfully exploit the physical, economic and human resources in their environment for the development of their territory and for the wellbeing of their people.
3.5 Security of lives and property has become highly compromised because the apparatus of institutional control resides with the federal government- thus making crime detection, prevention and justice ineffective.
3.6 The official cost of running government is too high in current presidential system, breeding endemic corruption has in turn inhibited the ability to run government effectively and efficiently.
4. ARGUMENTS IN SUPPORT OF ISSUES FOR DETERMINATION
4.1 The Okun Development Association (ODA) advocate that a sovereign National Conference be convened to address the critical issues that concern Okunland and other nationalities in Nigeria as presently constituted. Preparatory to this, the Association has canvassed the views and position of all stakeholders, concluded by a one day General Assembly at which all the issues detailed in this memorandum were arrived at by consensus.
4.2 By the time the Northern Protectorate was proclaimed in 1990, Okunland as an administeratve unit, spread as far as Owo and Ikare Divisions in present day Ondo state as well as Ikole in present day Ekiti State. However, while the three other Divisions were adjusted back to the Southern Protectorate, Okunland, which has the same characteristics as Owo, Ikare and Ikole was curiously retained in the Northern Protectorate. It was this process which severed the Okun people from their kith and kin, the Yoruba of the South West. Thus between 1900 and 1967, Okunland was politically and administratively merged with people with whom they had no cultural affinity and controlled by the Northern Regional Government, with its administrative headquarters in Kaduna. This created a MINORITY STATUS for Okunland from which they have suffered political and development setback till today.
On May 27, 1967, the military government created twelve (12) states, including West Central (later Kwara) State, which included Okunland. On August 27, 1991, the former Kabba Province was excised from Kwara State and merged with the Igala Division (which had gone to Benue State in 1975) to form the new Kogi State. In short, Okun Yoruba People have never been allowed to have a say about their preferred geo-political location.
4.3 From the days of the Northern Protectorate through the amalgamation of the two protectorates in 1914, to the creation of regions by the Richards Constitution in 1946 through the creation of states, first in 1967 and subsequently the creation of Kogi State in 1991, the Okun People were never asked where they wanted to be. They found themselves where others placed them by fiat. In short, our right to self-determination as enshrined in the United Nation’s Atlantic Character on Human and People’s Rights has never been respected.
Arising from the foregoing, we the Okun Yoruba of Kogi State invioke the relevant Charters of the United Nations, the African Union and the West African Economic Community, to demand that we be allowed to determine how we want to be governed, who we want to be in the North Central Zone or the South West Zone. The historical alienation that Okun People have suffered, which we have enunciated in this Memorandum makes our choice very clear. A slave that never agitates to go back to his fathers’ house is a slave indeed and will remain so for ever.
Though we have lived on our father’s land, this land has been expropriated by strangers since 1900. We demand, that the land where Okun Yoruba live, be returned to rejoin its rightful owner, THE YORUBA OF SOUTH WEST NIGERIA.
4.4 We, the Okun Yoruba people of Kogi State (Spreading across six contiguous Local Government Areas) insist and plead that the political boundary drawn in 1990 to separate us from our kith and kin in Ondo, Ekiti, and Kwara States is an infringement of our right to self-determination, more so that it has inhibited our growth and development for a tortuous century thus far. THEREFORE, WE DEMAND THAT THE BOUNDARY BE READJUSTED TO RELOCATE OUR PEOPLE AND TERRITORY BACK TO WHERE WE BELONG IN SOUTH WEST NIGERIA.
5. RELIEF/ PRAYERS SOUGHT
5.1 We the entire Okun People express support for the loud and necessary call for the RESTRUCTURING OF NIGERIA TO BRING ABOUT A TRULY FEDERAL REPUBLIC
5.1.1. That the Nigeria nation be structured to have a CENTRAL GOVERNMENT WITH THE CURRENT SIX (6) GEO-POLITICAL ZONES FORMING THE FEDERATING UNITS AS REGIONS, OPERATING AS CO-ORDINATE RATHER THAT SUBORDINATE STRUCTURES
5.1.2. That each region shall control the economy and government of its area and contribute to running the Federal government for the responsibilities allocated to it. Whist there will be a Federal Constitution, Regions shall also have their own constitutions to address their peculiar environments. Clearly defined exclusive and concurrent responsibilities shall be agreed between the Regions and the Federal Government.
5.1.3. Each region should consist of internally agreed number of states based on political peculiarities States shall therefore be the federating units of each Region in which there will also be exclusive and concurrent responsibilities between them.
5.1.4. Each State shall be divided into Local Government Areas. Local Government administration shall be on the exclusive list of each State, which shall determine the number they want and fund them.
5.1.5. That there shall be a revenue sharing formula in which the States and Regions make contributions to fund responsibilities allocated to the Federal Government. To this end, a good percentage of resources shall be domiciled where they are derived and used for local and regional development.
5.1.6. To reduce the cost of governance, to significantly increase effectiveness and to make governance closer to the people, A PARLIAMENTARY SYSTEM OF GOVERNMENT IS ADVOCATED AS THE BEST FOR NIGERIA
5.1.7. There shall be only one Legislative Assembly (UNICAMERAL) at national level, one at the Region, and the current State Houses of Assembly
5.1.8. To ensure fairness and uphold human rights for minority nationalities who have been separated by artificial boundaries from their kith and kin, A REFERENDUM SHALL BE CONDUCTED TO ENABLE SUCH NATIONALITIES TO CHOOSE WHICH STATE AND WHICH REGION TO JOIN AS LONG AS THEIR PRESENT LOCATION IS CONTIGUOUS TO THE STATE OR REGION THEY WANT TO JOIN
5.2. OKUN PEOPLE OF KOGI STATE REAFFIRMS THEIR YORUBA ORIGIN. IT IS INCONTROVERTIBLE THAT THEIR CULTURE AND VALUES ARE THE SAME WITH THOSE OF THE YORUBA IN THE SOUTHWEST OF NIGERIA WITH WHOM WE SHARE TERRITORIAL CONTIGUITY.
5.2.1. WE, THEREFORE, PUT FORWARD AS OUR CORE DEMAND, THE READJUSTMENT OR RELOCATION OF OKUN PEOPLE’S POLITICAL AND BOUNDARY FROM THE NORTH-CENTRAL ZONE (REGION) TO THE SOUTHWEST ZONE (REGION) OF NIGERIA.
5.2.2. IN JOINING THE SOUTH WEST ZONE (REGION), WE DEMAND THAT OKUNLAND BE INCORPORATED AS A STATE (OKUN STATE) SINCE WE HAVE ALL IT TAKES TO BE A VIABLE ONE.
5.2.3. IN CASE OF LIMITATION PLACED ON THE NUMBER OF STATES PER ZONE (REGION), OR SOME OTHER CONSIDERATIONS, WE CANNOT BE A STATE OF OUR OWN WE SHALL PREFER TO COME INTO THE SOUTH WEST IN A UNION AS ONE STATE, WITH THE CORE YORUBA OF KWARA STATE WITH WHOM WE WERE IN THE SAME STATE FROM 1967 TO 1991.
5.3. It is the position of Okun Yoruba that in any arrangement, SPECIFIC AND CLEAR CONSTITUTIONAL CLAUSE(S) SHOULD BE MADE TO ENFORCE ROTATION OF EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE POSITIONS AMONG THE COMPONENT PARTS OF THE FEDERAL REGIONAL, STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREAS, TO FORESTALL OBJECTIONABLE DOMINATION BY ANY GROUP OVER THE OTHERS.
5.4. Clear clause(s) should be inserted in the constitution to protect minority rights and privileges in the form of a Bill of Rights.
Ambas. B. Paul Fadumiyo S. A. Oke
National President National Secretary
Dated this Day, 25th September 2017
REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT-GENERAL OF OKUN DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION, BARR. FEMI MOKIKAN, AT THE ANNUAL GENERAL CONGRESS OF THE MEMBERS OF THE ASSOCIATION IN KABBA ON 13/03/2021
PROTOCOLS
SALUTATION
IT IS WITH IMMEASURABLE GRATITUDE TO GOD THAT I STAND BEFORE YOU GREAT PEOPLE OF OKUN NATION TODAY TO WELCOME YOU TO THE ANNUAL GENERAL CONGRESS OF OUR ASSOCIATION, THE OKUN DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION. GOD DESERVES A SPECIAL APPRECIATION FOR TODAY. THAT AM ALIVE AND AM THE ONE STANDING BEFORE YOU TO READ THIS SPEECH IS ONE OF THE MIRACLES OF MODERN TIME. PLEASE HELP ME GIVE GOD A SPECIAL THANK YOU.
THAT YOU ARE ALIVE TO PARTICIPATE TODAY, I JOIN YOU TOO IN REJOICING AND THANKING HIM. WE ARE ALL WITNESSES TO THE DISASTER THAT COVID-19 HAS WRECKED ON MANY HOMES. WHAT MAKES US BETTER THAN THOSE THE PANDEMIC CLAIMED? NOTHING.
WE ARE ALL PRODUCTS OF HIS MERCIES. AGAIN, THANK YOU GOD.
YOU MAY WISH TO NOTE THAT ONE OF THE FIRST COMMITMENTS WE MADE UPON COMING INTO OFFICE WAS A COMMITMENT TO RUN THE ASSOCIATION CONSTITUTIONALLY. BASED ON THAT COMMITMENT, WE KNEW THAT OUR FIRST THREE-YEAR TERM IN OFFICE ENDED ON 19TH OCTOBER, 2020. WE THEREFORE HAD PLANNED TO IMMEDIATELY THEREAFTER HOLD THIS CONGRESS AND ELECTION FOR EITHER A MANDATE RENEWAL FOR THE PRESENT NATIONAL OFFICERS OR THEIR REPLACEMENT WITH A NEW TEAM. UNFORTUNATELY, MANY FACTORS (SICKNESS, COVID-19 LOCKDOWN, FUNDING, ETC.) COMBINED TO FRUSTRATE OUR PLAN. WE WERE LEFT WITH NO CHOICE OTHER THAN TO RESORT TO THE DOCTRINE OF NECESSITY TO ENABLE US CONTINUE IN OFFICE TILL TODAY WHEN A FRESH ELECTION WILL BE CONDUCTED.
IT IS MY GREAT PLEASURE AND PRIVILEGE TO, ON BEHALF OF THE NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEMEBERS, WARMLY WELCOME YOU TO THIS ANNUAL GENERAL CONGRESS.
THIS CONGRESS IS UNIQUE IN ONE RESPECT. IT IS AN ANNUAL CONGRESS IN THE USUAL SENSE OF ANNUAL CONGRESS, TO RECEIVE REPORTS OF WHAT TRANSPIRED IN THE LAST ONE YEAR IN OFFICE. IT IS ALSO AN ANNUAL CONGRESS THAT IS THE LAST TO MARK THE END OF OUR FIRST TERM. IT IS THEREFORE A DUAL-PURPOSE ANNUAL CONGRESS.
FOR THIS REASON, MY REPORT WILL BE IN TWO PARTS. THE FIRST PART CONTAINS A SUMMARTY OR HIGHLIGHTS OF WHAT OUR ANSWER WOULD BE TO THE QUESTION – IF ALL THE MEMBERS OF THE PRESENT EXECUTIVE COUNCIL ARE VOTED OUT OF OFFICE IN TODAY’S ELECTION, WHAT WOULD THEY WANT TO BE REMEMBERED FOR? THE SECOND PART WILL BE A BRIEF REMARK OF OUR ACTIVITIES IN THE LAST ONE YEAR. THE NATIONAL SECRETARY WILL PROVIDE MORE DETAILS IN THIS AREA.
WHEN WE STARTED IN OCTOBER 2017
WHEN I APPROACHED YOU IN THE MONTHS PRECEDING THE ELECTION THAT USHERED THIS EXECUTIVE INTO OFFICE IN OCTOBER 2017, I CAME TO YOU WITH A SMALL PAMPHLET CONTAINING WHAT I PLANNED TO FOCUS ON IF ELECTED INTO OFFICE AS PRESIDENT OF THE ASSOCIATION. I PRESENTED YOU WITH A 12-POINT AGENDA. I PROMISED YOU I WOULD DO ALL THAT IS WITHIN MY CAPABILITY TO
- PROMOTE UNITY, ONENESS AND TEAM SPIRIT
- ADOPT ADVOCACY AS A STRATEGIC IMPERATIVE
- IMPROVE ON THE FUNDING OF THE ASSOCIATION
- FOCUS ON YOUTHS AND STUDENTS RE-ORIENTATION
- PAY ATTENTION TO SECURITY AND SAFETY IN OKUNLAND
- RE-AWAKEN OUR CULTURAL VALUES
- A BEFITTING NATIONAL SECRETARIAT FOR THE ASSOCIATION
- BUILD BRIDGES ACROSS TO THE EAST AND TO THE CENTRAL
- ENGAGEMENT WITH ELECTED AND APPOINTED POLITICAL OFFICE HOLDERS.
- RESTORATION OF FAMILY AND COMMUNAL VALUES
- PROMOTE THE SPIRIT OF VOLUNTEERISM
- ATTRACT ATTENTION OF HIGH PROFILE/NETWORTH OKUN SONS AND DAUGHTERS.
I LISTED UNDER MOST OF THE FOCUS AREAS SPECIFIC STRATEGIES TO ADOPT.
IN YOUR COLLECTIVE WISDOM, ON THAT BEAUTIFUL FRIDAY AFTERNOON OF OCTOBER 20, 2017, YOU DECIDED THAT THE PEOPLE IN THE PRESENT EXECUTIVE OF THE ASSOCIATION ARE YOUR CHOICE TO LEAD THE ASSOCIATION, WITH MY HUMBLE SELF AS THE TEAM LEADER.
IT IS ONLY PROPER FOR ME TO AGAIN EXPRESS OUR DEEP APPRECIATION AND GRATITUDE TO YOU ON BEHALF OF MY COLLEAGUES IN THE TEAM FOR YOUR TRUST AND CONFIDENCE IN US, AND YOUR SUPPORT SO FAR.
STEWARDSHIP IN THREE YEARS
IF ROLE REVERSAL WAS ALLOWED IN A CONGRESS OF THIS NATURE, WE WOULD HAVE PREFERRED FOR YOU TO BE THE ONE ASSESSING US AND TELLING US WHAT YOU THINK OF US. AFTER ALL YOU WERE THE ONES THAT PUT US IN OFFICE. YOU ARE THE ONES PROVIDING THE FUNDS FOR OUR ACTIVITIES. YOU THEREFORE HAVE THE RIGHT TO ISSUE US YOUR ASSESSMENT SCORE CARD. I BELIEVE THERE WILL STILL BE ROOM FOR THAT TO HAPPEN BEFORE THE CONGRESS IS OVER.
FROM OUR SIDE, IF ANYBODY ASKED US THE QUESTION, WHAT WOULD THIS EXECUTIVE WISH TO BE REMEMBERED FOR IF THEY ARE ALL VOTED OUT OF OFFICE IN TODAY’S ELECTION?
OUR RESPONSE WILL BE THAT WE BUILT ON THE LEGACIES OF OUR FOUNDING FATHERS IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS
ENGAGEMENT AND INCLUSIVITY
ONE OF THE FIRST DECISIONS THIS EXECUTIVE TOOK A DECISION THAT WE WILL RUN THIS ASSOCIATION AS PROVIDED FOR IN THE CONSTITUTION. ONE OF THE PROVISIONS OF OUR CONSTITUTION IS THAT THERE SHALL BE OPENNESS IN THE RUNNING OF THE ASSOCIATION AND THE ASSOCIATION SHALL ENDEAVOUR TO HOLD AN ANNUAL GENERAL CONGRESS. THAT WE ARE MEETING HERE TODAY IS A TESTIMONY TO THE FACT THAT THIS EXECUTIVE HAS PLACED THE ASSOCIATION IN HANDS OF THE OWNERS, WHICH IS YOU AND YOU AND ME. WE ALSO TOOK A DECISION TO MAKE OUR BOOKS OPEN TO ALL OKUN PEOPLE. THAT EXPLAINS WHY WE POST EVERY ALERT OF MONEY PAID INTO OUR ACCOUNT ON ALL POKUN PLATFORMS FOR ALL TO SEE. THE WAY THE MONEY IS DISBURSED IS EXPLAINED AT THE ANNUAL CONGRESS AS YOU WILL BE HEARING FROM THE NATIONAL FINANCIAL SECRETARY TODAY
MORE VISIBILITY THROUGH ADVOCACY
UNDER OUR ADVOCACY AGENDA, WE HAVE WORKED VERY HARD IN THE LAST THREE YEARS, TO MARKET OKUN WHERE WE HAVE HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO DO SO. THIS HAS LED TO BETTER VISIBILTY, EXPOSURE AND WILLINGNESS ON THE PART OF OTHER ETHNIC NATIONALITIES TO EXPLORE OPPORTUNITIES WITH US. WE HAVE STRONGLY REGISTERED OUR PRESENCE AMONGST VARIOUS GROUPS AND ROYAL THRONES IN THE SOUTH WEST. ONE OF OUR PRESENTATIONS WENT VIRAL, EVEN THOUGH MADE IN 2019, IT HAS RECENTLY AND SUDDENLY STARTED TRENDING AGAIN BECAUSE IT SPEAKS TO THE NATIONAL SECURITY CHALLENGES OF TODAY AS WELL.
DISCUSSIONS ON THE FUTURE OF THE NIGERIAN PROJECT UNDER DIFFERENT NOMENCLATURE, RESTRUCTURING, REGIONLIZATION, CONFEDERATION, ETC. HAS BEEN IN THE PUBLIC DOMAIN FOR MANY YEARS NOW. WE, AS AN ASSOCIATION, IN COLLABORATION WITH OTHER EMINENT OKUN STAKEHOLDERS, HAVE CONTINUED TO USE EVERY OPPORTUNITY AVAILABLE TO PROMOTE OUR POSITION, WHICH IS FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO GIVE US OUR OWN STATE THAT WILL INCLUDE ALL OKUNS IN KOGI, KWARA AND EKITI STATES. WHERE STATE CREATION BECOMES IMPOSSIBLE OR UNDESIRABLE, THEN A REALIGNMENT OF TERRITORIES TO PROPERLY SITUATE US WITH OUR KITH AND KIN IN THE SOUTH WEST WILL BE A WELCOME ALTERNATIVE.
OUR ADVOCACY EFFORT SAW US PAID A VISIT TO THE ARO’LE ODUA, THE OONI OF IFE, ADEYEYE ENITAN OGUNWUSI, OJAJA II. OUR VISIT WAS FOR TWO MAIN REASONS. FIRST, TO DRAW HIS IMPERIAL MAJESTY’S ATTENTION TO WHAT WE CONSIDERED AN UNFAIR MARGINALIZATION OF OUR YORUBANESS BY THE SOUTH WEST YORUBAS, AND TO SEEK FOR HIS INTERVENTION IN THE FROSTY RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN OUR REPRESENTATIVE AT THE TIME IN THE SENATE AND THE STATE GOVERNOR. LATELY, WE NOTE WITH DELIGHT THAT INVITATIONS ARE BEING EXTENDED TO OUR ROYAL FATHERS TO COME TO ILE IFE, THE SOURCE FOR ONE THING OR THE OTHER.
AT THE STATE LEVEL, BECAUSE THE STATE GOVERNMENT IS THE GOVERNMENT FOR ALL CITIZENS OF THE STATE AND NOT FOR ANY ONE PARTY, OUR ASSOCIATION TOOK THE POSITION THAT IT IS IN OUR BEST INTEREST TO COLLABORATE WITH THE GOVERNMENT OF THE DAY FOR THE BENEFIT OF OUR PEOPLE. OUR ADVOCACY AGENDA THEREFORE TOOK US TO THE STATE GOVERNMENT A FEW TIMES. WE WOULD LOVE TO DO MPORE OF THIS BUT FOR THE VERY TIGHT SCHEDULE OF THE GOVERNOR.
WE ALSO HAD SESSIONS WITH VARIOUS OKUN STAKEHOLDERS, INCLUDING POLITICIANS, OUR SENIOR CITIZENS, AND DISTINGUISHED ELITES, ALL IN OUR EFFORT TO EXPLORE OPPORTUNITIES FOR PROMOTING THE GOOD OF OKUNLAND
WE WERE AT THE VERGE OF LANDING A MAJOR BREAKTHROUGH THROUGH ONE OF THE GROUPS IN THE SOUTH WEST. WE WERE TO HOST A NATIONAL YORUBA DAY, FOLLOWING WHICH THEY WOULD SEEK FOR LAND TO BUILD A YORUBA HOUSE WITH FACILITIES SUCH AS LIBRARY, SKILL CENTER, TV HOUSE, ETC. OUR PEOPLE WERE ALREADY MOBILIZED FOR THE EVENT, THEY HAD BOUGHT THE CUSTOMIZED ASO EBI FOR THE PURPOSE. SADLY, WE LOST THE OPPORTUNITY DUE TO SOME INEXPLICALE REASONS.
WHILE WE ARE STILL VERY FAR FROM WHERE WE SHOULD BE AS AN ASSOCIATION, GIVEN THE RICH ENDOWMENT THAT GOD HAS BESTOWED UPON US IN THE QUALITY OF OUR PEOPLE, ONE CAN SAY WITH SOME CONFIDENCE THAT TODAY ODA COMMANDS MORE RESPECT AND ATTENTION AMONGST OUR PEOPLE FOR THE RIGHT REASONS. TODAY PEOPLE ARE FALLING OVER EACH OTHER TO OCCUPY NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COUNCIL OFFICES, EVEN WHEN THE TENURE OF THOSE IN OFFICE IS YET TO RUN ITS FULL COURSE. THIS WAS NOT SO A FEW YEARS BACK. RECENTLY, WE ACTUALLY RECEIVED WHAT ONE CAN DESCRIBE AS AN APPLICATION FOR EMPLOYMENT FROM AN INDIVIDUAL THAT WANTS TO OCCUPY A PARTICULAR OFFICE. THIS IS CERTAINLY GOOD FOR THE ASSOCIATION IF THE TREND CONTINUES.
OKUN DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION WEBSITE
TECHNOLOGY IS THE LANGUAGE OF THE WORLD TODAY. IT CAN NEVER BE REVERSED. INSTEAD, IT IS GOING TO GET MORE CONFOUNDING. THE NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COUNCIL DECIDED THAT OKUN MUST NOT BE LEFT BEHIND.
TO THE GLORY OF GOD, SHORTLY AFTER MY SPEECH, I WILL BE INVITING YOU TO JOIN ME IN UNVEILING THE ODA WEBSITE FOR THE USE OF ALL SONS AND DAUGHTERS OF OKUN NATION AT HOME AND IN THE DIASPORA
THIS WEBSITE, LIKE ALL WEBSITES, PROVIDES US AN OPPORTUNITY TO HAVE A FEEL OF HOME WHEREEVER ONE MAY BE ON THIS PLANET. THE SITE GIVES US ACCESS TO ALL THE BENEFITS THAT A WEBSITE MAKES AVAILABLE TO A WEBSITE OWNER. SOME OF YOU HERE KNOW MORE ABOUT IT THAN SOME OF US. WE WILL SAY MORE ON IT WHEN WE UNVEIL IT. SUFFICE IT TO MENTION HERE THAT OUR WEBSITE IS http//okundev.org
ODA ALSO NOW HAS AN EMAIL ADDRESS, JUST AS THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEMBERS ARE NOW PROVIDED WITH ODA-LINKED EMAIL ADDRESSES. OUR EMAIL ADDRESS IS info@okundev.org THIS IS TO GIVE ACCESS TO OUR MEMBERS IN OUR CONSTITUENCIES TO BE ABLE TO MAKE THEIR VOICES HEARD
SECURITY
IF THERE IS ANY AREA THAT REALLY STRETCHED US SINCE THE BEGINNING OF OUR TENURE, IT IS IN THE AREA OF SECURITY OF THE LIVES AND PRPERTIES OF OUR PEOPLE BOTH WHEN THEY ARE IN THEIR HOMES AND WHEN THEY GO TO THEIR FARMS. THE THREATS THAT THE HERDSMEN POSE IN THIS AREA IS A NATIONAL CHALLENGE AND VERY WELL KNOWN TO ALL. THE FREE PASS THAT THE STATE GOVERNMENT GAVE TO THEM RIGHT AT THE BEGINNING OF OUR TENURE, WAS A MAJOR CONTRIBUTORY FACTOR TO THE INCREASED INVASION OF DIFFERENT PARTS OF OUR TERRITORY. YOU WILL ALL RECALL THAT WE HELD A VERY WELL ATTENDED MEETING WITH KEY STAKEHOLDERS ON THIS MATTER AND WE UNANIMOUSLY REJECT3D EVERY PROPOSAL THAT WAS DESIGNED TO FLOOD OUR PLACE WITH HERDSMEN. SADLY, THE SITUATION DID NOT IMPROVE. THROUGH THE SECURITY COMMITTEE OF THE ODA UNDER MR TUNDE IBRAHIM AND THE VERY STRONG SUPPORT OF ONE OF OUR LEADERS IN OKUN, DR DAVID ATTE, WE WERE COMPELLED TO TURN TO OTHER SOURCES FOR ASSISTANCE. I WANT TO SPECIALLY THANK DR ATTE AND HIS FRIEND, CHIEF MABOGUNJE AND ALL OTHERS THAT GOD HAS USED TO SUPPORT US IN THIS AREA.
THE CHALLENGE IS STILL VERY MUCH ALIVE AND THRIVING.
ONE OF THE DECISIONS WE HAVE TAKEN IS TO EXPLORE THE POSSIBILITY OF SETTING UP AN OKUN SECURITY TRUST FUND. THERE IS A SIMILAR FUND THAT IS OPERATIONAL IN ONE OF THE STATES. WE HAVE SET UP A COMMITTEE TO STUDY THAT MODEL AND ADVISE ACCORDINGLY
FOR SECURITY REASONS, WE WILL NOT WANT TO DISCLOSE IN A FORUM LIKE THIS OTHER STEPS WE ARE TAKING TO TACKLE THE SERIOUS CHALLENGE THAT IS INCREASING BY THE DAY IN OKUN LAND.
NOTWITHSTANDING THE FRIGHTENING SITUATION, WE MUST ACKNOWLEDGE, APPRECIATE AND THANK THE STATE GOVERNMENT, AND PARTICULARLY THE STATE SECURITY ADVISER, COMDR JERRY OMODARA, FOR THE RECENT DEPLOYMENT OF MEN OF THE POLICE PUFF ADDER 2 TO CERTAIN FLASH POINTS IN OKUN LAND AS PART OF THE STATE GOVERNMENT STRATEGY TO DEAL WITH THE SITUATION.
ODA NATIONAL SECRETARIAT (THE OKUN UNITY HOUSE)
WE HAVE TAKEN THE FIRST FEW STEPS TOWARDS THE REALIZATION OF A BEFITTING SECRETARIAT THAT WE HOPE TO NAME THE OKUN UNITY HOUSE. WE HAVE A TWO ACRE PROPERTY GIFTED TO US BY THE OBARO OF KABBA AND HIS TRADITIONAL COUNCIL, FOR THE PURPOSE OF BUILDING A BEFITTING SECRETARIAT THAT WILL BE THE ENVY OF ALL. WE HAVE FENCED IT AND WE ALREADY HAVE THE SURVEY PLAN. AN ARCHITECT IS CURRENTLY WORKING ON THE DESIGN OF THE OKUN UNITY HOUSE THAT WILL ALSO HOUSE THE ODA NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS. THROUGH THIS PROPERTY WE WERE ABLE TO DEMONSTRATE ONE OF THE VIRTUES THAT WE PROMISED TO PROMOTE, WHICH IS THE SPIRIT OF VOLUNTEERISM. THE LAND VOLUNTARILY DONATED. THE SURVEY PLAN WAS VOLUNTARILY DONATED. FENCING WAS DONE LARGELY FROM VOLUNTARY DONATIPONS. PEOPLE VOLUNTEERED THEIR SERVICES, PEOPLE DONATED CEMENT BLOCKS, CEMENT, ETC. IN RESPONSE TO OUR PASSIONATE APPEAL. WE CAN DO IT AGAIN.
BUILDING BRIDGES
ONE OF THE FOCUS AREAS WAS THE PROMOTION OF MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING AND RESPECT AMONG THE THREE MAJOR COMPONENTS OF THE STATE, THE WEST, THE EAST AND THE CENTRAL. THROUGH THE SUSTAINED EFFORTS OF THE ODA, THE LEADERSHIP OF THE UMBRELLA ASSOCIATIONS REPRESENTING THE THREE ZONES, HELD SERIES OF MEETINGS, WHICH EVENTUALLY GAVE BIRTH TO THE KOGI STATE COALITION OF UMBRELLA DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATIONS (KOCUDA). THE NEW BODY WAS ABLE TO ORGANIZE THE FIRST EVER KOGI STATE PEACE AND UNITY SUMMIT IN LOKOJA WHERE OVER 400 DELEGATES FROM THE THREE ZONES ASSEMBLED TO SHARE EXPERIENCES AND LISTEN TO EMINENT SPEAKERS ON THE VARIOUS DIMENSIONS OF PEACE AND UNITY IN THE STATE, WITH THE GOVERNOR, THE DEPUTY GOVERNOR AND THE CHIEF OF STAFF AND OTHER TOP GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS IN ATTENDANCE FOR THE OPENING CEREMONY. IN HIS REMARK, THE GOVERNOR EXPRESSED DELIGHT AT THE INNOVATIVE IDEA AND PROMISED TO SEND A BILL TO THE STATE HOUSE OF ASSWEMBLY TO MAKE IT AN ANNUAL EVENT. ONE OF OUR OWN, PROF KUPOLATI, WAS THE LEAD SPEAKER, AND AS TO BE EXPECTED, HE MADE US PROUD. HE DID AN EXCELLENT JOB.
BRANCH DEVELOPMENT
THE STRENGTH OF OUR KIND OF ASSOCIATION IS NOT IN THE NATIONAL COUNCIL. THE NATIONAL COUNCIL CAN ONLY BE AS STRONG AS THE BRANCHES ENABLE AND EMPOWER IT TO BE. IT FOLLOWS THEREFORE THAT THE STRONGER THE BRANCHES ARE THE STRONGER THE NATIONAL COUNCIL SHOULD BE. IT WAS FOR THIS REASON THAT WE COMMITTED TO GROWING OUR BRANCHES AND SUPPORTING THEM TO REMAIN VERY ACTIVE. TO MAKE THIS HAPPEN, WE IMMEDIATELY UPON ASSUMPTION OF OFFICE SET UP A BRANCH DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE UNDER THE LEADERSHIP OF ELDER SAMUEL OMOTUNDE MESIRIN. THE NATIONAL SECRETARY WILL SHED MORE LIGHT ON THIS.
LET ME SAY A FEW THINGS ABOUT THE NEW ODA BRANCH (NORTH AMERICA). TWO SATURDAYS AGO, I WAS INVITED TO HAVE AN INAUGURAL MEETING WITH THEM, (ZOOM MEETING). WHAT I WITNESSED WAS BEYOND MY EXPECTATIONS. THERE WERE 48 PARTICIPANTS FROM ACROSS CANADA AND THE UNITED STATE OF AMERICA. IN ATTENDANCE WERE PROFESSORS (SERVING AND RETIRED), DOCTORS, AI PROFESSIONALS, CONSULTANTS, BUSINESS OWNERS, HEALTH SERVICES PROVIDERS ETC. IT WAS INTIMIDATING. WITH WHAT I WITNESSED ON THAT DAY, I HAVE NO DOUBT THAT BETTER DAYS ARE AHEAD FOR THE ODA
OKUN DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION WEBSITE
TECHNOLOGY IS THE LANGUAGE OF THE WORLD TODAY. IT CAN NEVER BE REVERSED. INSTEAD, IT IS GOING TO GET MORE CONFOUNDING. THE NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COUNCIL DECIDED THAT OKUN MUST NOT BE LEFT BEHIND.
TO THE GLORY OF GOD, SHORTLY AFTER MY SPEECH, I WILL BE INVITING YOU TO JOIN ME IN UNVEILING THE ODA WEBSITE FOR THE USE OF ALL SONS AND DAUGHTERS OF OKUN NATION AT HOME AND IN THE DIASPORA
THIS WEBSITE, LIKE ALL WEBSITES, PROVIDES US AN OPPORTUNITY TO HAVE A FEEL OF HOME WHEREEVER ONE MAY BE ON THIS PLANET. THE SITE GIVES US ALL ACCESS TO ALL THE BENEFITS THAT A WEBSITE MAKES AVAILABLE TO A WEBSITE OWNER. SOME OF YOU HERE KNOW MORE ABOUT IT THAN SOME OF US. WE WILL SAY MORE ON IT WHEN WE UNVEIL IT.
ODA ALSO NOW HAS AN EMAIL ADDRESS, JUST AS THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEMBERS ARE NOW PROVIDED WITH ODA-LINKED EMAIL ADDRESSES. THIS IS TO GIVE ACCESS TO OUR MEMBERS IN OUR CONSTITUENCIES TO BE ABLE TO MAKE THEIR VOICES HEARD
LUGARD HOUSE IN 2024
SOME OF THE ADVOCACY INTIATIVES WE UNDERTOOK IN THE PERIOD LEADING TO THE ELECTION OF NOVEMBER 2019 WERE FOR VERY STRATEGIC REASONS. OUR TWO CANDIDATES IN THE TWO BIGGEST PARTIES LOST OUT IN THE PRIMARIES. WE CONSULTED VERY WIDELY AMONGST OUR LEADERS OF THOUGHT AS TO WHICH WAY TO GO, GIVEN OUR LONG-TERM GOAL OF A TENURE IN LUGARD HOUSE TOO.
WE ARE STILL VERY OPTMISTIC.
BUT TO REALIZE THIS DREAM OUR POLITICIANS AND THEIR SUPPORTERS MUST PUT THE GENERAL INTEREST OF OKUN PEOPLE ABOVE THEIR PERSONAL INTERESTS, MAKE SELFLESS SACRIFICE FOR THE COLLECTIVE ASPIRATION OF THE PEOPLE FOR WHICH THIS GENERATION AND THE ON3S TO COME WILL BE GRATEFUL. 2024 MAY LOOK LIKE SOME DISTANT FUTURE. IN SITUATIONS LIKE THIS, TIME FLIES. WE MUST THEREFORE INTENSIFY OUR CONSULTATIONS ACROSS THE DIVIDE.
LET ME CLOSE MY REPORT BY HIGHLIGHTING THE AREAS WHERE WE SEEM NOT TO BE MAKING MEANINGFUL HEADWAY
POLITICAL OFFICE HOLDERS
EVERY EFFORT TO GET OUR POLITICAL ACTORS AT BOTH ELECTIVE AND APPOINTIVE OFFICES INVOLVED IN ODA ACTIVITIES HAVE NOT YIELDED ANY RESULT. EVERY STEP TAKEN IS GIVEN POLITICAL INTERPRETATION. IN THE TWO OTHER ZONES, THE EAST AND THE CENTRAL, IT IS THE POLITICAL ACTORS THAT ARE THE ENGINE ROOM OF THEIR SOCIAL AND INFRASTRUCTRAL ADVANCEMENT. WHAT OUR POLITICIANS WILL NOT DO FOR US IN OKUN LAND, THE POLITICAL ACTORS OF THE EAST AND THE WEST GET THEM TO DO FOR THEM. WHY ARE WE LIKE THIS?
FUNDING
WHEN I TOOK THE DECISION TO CONTEST IN 2017, I HAD NO DOUBT INN MY MIND THAT A HEALTHY PURSE WOULD BE ESSENTIAL FOR US TO ACHIEVE ANY MEANINGFUL RESULT. THE POPULATION FIGURES I WAS ABLE TO LAY MY HANDS ON THEN SHOWED THAT THE POPULATION OF OKUN IS A LITTLE OVER 800,000. I IMMEDIATELY KNOCKED OFF 600,000 PEOPLE AS CONSISTING OF CHILDREN, STUDENTS, JOBLESS, AGED AND SOME HIGHM NETWORTH INDIVIDUALS THAT MAY NOT JUST BOTHER ABOUT WHAT BECOMES OF OKUN PEOPLE. I THEN REASONED THAT IF THE ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION OF =N=5,000.00 WAS PAID BY 200,000 OKUN PEOPLE, THAT WILL PUT -N-1,000,000,000.00 IN THE KITTY. IF ONLY 100,000 PEOPLE PAID, IT WILL BECOME =N=500,000,000 ANNUALLY. WHILE THE SUBSCRIPTION IS =N=5,000.00 THERE CERTAINLY WILL BE THOSE WHO WISH TO GIVE MORE THAN THAT. THAT WAS THE THINKING THAT INFORMED MY AMBITIOUS PROJECTIONS AS TO WHERE OKUN WOULD BE IN A FEW YEARS.
ALAS, IT REMAINS A DREAN TILL TODAY
BELOW IS THE PICTURE OF OUR FUNDING SINCE WE TOOK OFFICE, SHOWING THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE WHO RESPONDED TO OUR APPEALS FOR FUNDING IN 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 RESPECTIVELY AND THE AMOUNT SO REALIZED.
YEAR NO OF PPLE DEPOSIT AVERAGE WITHDRAWAL BANK CHARGES
THAT PAID
2017 10 N245,000.00 N24,500 N304,000.00 N2,054
2018 84 N7,004,839.00 N83,391 N7,161,739.00 N12,114.00
2019 33 N2,046,001.00 N62,000.00 N1, 696,000.00 N3,876.00
2020 27 N490,000.00 N1,815.00 N806,000.00 N2,214.00
TOTAL 154 N9,785,840.00 N63,544.00 N9,967,739.00 N20,258.00
(N181,899.00)
OKUN DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION NEEDS HELP IN THIS AREA. WE ARE PREPARED TO PAY A COMMISSION TO ANYONE WHO CAN HELP US MOBILISE FOR FUNDS AMONGST OUR PEOPLE PROVIDED SUCH DONATIONS ARE PAID INTO THE ODA ACCOUNT DIRECTLY BY THE DONOR. PLEASE ANYONE WHO WANTS TO WORK ON THIS SHOULD CONTACT ANY OF THE NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEMBERS.
COVID-19 AND RELIEF EFFORTS FOR OUR PEOPLE
WHEN THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC HIT THE GLOBAL COMMUNITY ABOUT MARCH 2020, DIFFERENT GOVERNMENTS AND COMMUNITIES RESPONDED IN DIFFERENT WAYS. WHILE THE GOVERNMENTS WERE LOOKING AT THE BIGGER ISSUES, EACH COMMUNITY CONCERNED THEMSELVES WITH WHAT TO DO TO REDUCE THE HUNGER, PAINS AND THE LOSSES SUFFERED AS A RESULT OF THE MASSIVE LOCKDOWN OF THE ECONOMY. ODA WAS PROACTIVE ON THIS. WE HAD CONCEPTUALIZED OUR IDEAS ON STEPS TO TAKE TO PROVIDE SOME PALLIATIVES FOR OUR PEOPLE TO MITIGATE THE IMPACT OF THE LOCKDOWN.
ABOUT THE SAME TIME, SOME OF OUR ELECTED OFFICIALS AT THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY APPROACHED US FOR A COLLABORATIVE EFFORT IN THAT REGARD. NATURALLY, WE WERE VERY THRILKLED BY THEIR GESTURE. AFTER ALL, WE HAVE BEEN LOOKING FOR EVERY OPPORTUNITY TO ATTRACT THEIR ATTENTION. WE IMMEDIATELY FORWARDED TO THEM THE TEMPLATE THAT WE HAD PREPARED FOR USE. TODAY, SERIOUS WORK IS STILL GOING ON TO FINALIZE THE IMPLEMENTATION STATGE.
UNITY, ONENESS, TEAMWORK
I DECIDED TO MAKE THIS AREA MY LAST POINT FOR DISCUSSION FOR A REASON. UNLESS BY A COMBINATION OF SOME STRANGE FORCES PRE-ORDAINED, THE SINGLE MOST IMPORTANT FACTOR OR KEY TO OUR BREAKTHROUGH IS UNITY. I MEAN TRUE AND GENUINE DEMONSTRATION OF LOVE FOR ONE ANOTHER AND A SPIRIT OF ONENESS. THIS IS AS TRUE AS IN WITHIN LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREAS, WITHIN DISTRICTS; AND BETWEEN AND AMONGST THEM.
OUR MOTHERS AND FATHERS HAD, A LONG TIME AGO, PROPOUNDED THE BEST THEORY TO ILLUSTRATE THE VALIDITY OF THE ABOVE HYPOTHESIS BY COMPARING THE USE OF A BUNCH OF BROOM AND A BROOMSTICK TO PERFORM THE FUNCTIONS OF BROOMS.
WHAT DO WE DESIRE IN OUR PLACE THAT WE CAN REALIZE WITHOUT UNITY? IS IT A DESIRE TO OCCUPY LUGARD HOUSE? TO ATTRACT INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT? TO HAVE MORE REPRESENTATION AT THE FEDERAL LEVEL? TO ATTRACT MORE ATTENTION OF GOVERNMENT AT ALL LEVELS?
I BELIEVE EVRYTHING IS HINGED ON UNITY. NOT THAT WE WILL NOT ACHIEVE WITHOUT UNITY. IT IS A KNOWN FACT OF LIFE THAT WHERE THERE ARE DIVISIVE TENDENCIES, PROGRESS IS USUALLY AT SNAIL SPEED. AND WE ARE IN A HURRY. THE WORLD IS RACING AHEAD. WE MUST DRAW FROM THE STRENGTH THAT IS BURIED YET UNTAPPED IN OUR UNITY
WE ALL HAVE OUR ROLES TO PLAY. MEN, WOMEN, POLITICIANS, ROYAL FATHERS, CIVIL SERVANTS, PRIVATE SECTOR OPERATORS, STUDENTS, ETC. GOD WILL GIVE US THE WILL AND DESIRE TO DO AS WE OUGHT TO, SO AS TO PROMOTE UNITY AND ONENESS THAT IS BADLY NEEDED AMONGST OUR PEOPLE
CONCLUSION
I WANT TO, ON BEHALF OF MY COLLEAGUES, CLOSE MY REPORT BY THANKING YOU ALL ONCE AGAIN FOR YOUR MAKING OUT TIME TO ATTEND TODAY’S CONGRESS. I THANK OUR TRADITIONAL RULERS, OUR LEADERS OF THOUGHT, OUR FATHERS, OUR MOTHERS, OUR SISTERS, OUR BROTHERS, AND ALL THOSE THAT HAVE SUPPORTD US THUS FAR. JEHOVAH GOD, THE REWARDER OF ALL, WILL REWARD YOU EXCEEDINGLY ABUNDANTLY THAN WE CAN EVER ASK OR THINK.
YOU WILL PLESASE ALLOW ME TO SINGLE OUT ONE INDIVIDUAL WITH A HEART OF GOLD WHO DID SO MUCH TO MAKE TODAY A BEFITTING DAY FOR US. THE PROPRIETOR OF THIS EVENT CENTRE, GENERAL ABEJIRIN. HE MORE OR LESS GAVE US THIS CENTRE TO USE TODAY FOR FREE. WE WERE ONLY TO “DROP MONEY” FOR DIESEL. WOULD YOU PLEASE KINDLY PUT YOUR HANDS TOGETHER FOR HIM.
I WANT TO PAY SPECIAL GRATITUDE TO ALL OUR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATIONS FOR YOUR WONDERFUL UNDERSTANDING AND SUPPORT. BUT FOR YOUR WILLINGNESS TO RISE TO THE OCCASION, THIS CONGRESS WOULD HAVE BEEN SOMETHING ELSE. WE WERE WITHOUT A KOBO. YET WE WANTED THE CONGRESS TO HOLD. WE THEREFORE DECIDED THAT WE WOULD HOLD IT AT A SECONDARY SCHOOL HALL AND WE WOULD ONLY SERVE A BOTTLE OF WATER AND A BOTTLE OF MINERAL. BUT WHEN YOU STARTED RESPONDING BY PAYING UP YOUR DUES, WE KNEW WE COULD DO BETTER. WE ARE GREATLY INDEBTED TO YOU.
PLEASE YOU WILL ADD ONE MORE THING TO IT FOR US. YOU HAVE NOMINATED THE INDIVIDUALS YOU PUT FORWARD TO REPRESENT YOU AT THE NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. THAT IS THE EASIEST PART OF YOUR ROLE. PLEASE DO NOT IGNORE YOUR MONITORING ROLE OF THEIR INDIVIDUAL PERFORMANCES AS THEY REPRESENT YOU. PLEASE SHOW MORE INTEREST IN HOW THEY ARE REFLECTING YOU IN THE ASSIGNMENT YOU GAVE THEM. GOD WILL HELP US ALL.
IN THIUS CONGRESS TODAY, WE EXPECT TO HEAR FROM YOU AS YOU RAISE ISSUES AS THEY COME TO YOUR MINDS SO AS TO HELP US LEAVE HERE WITH BETTER IDEAS WITH WHICH TO DEVELOP A WORK PLAN FOR OUR FUTURE.
WE THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH.
LONG LIVE OKUN DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION.
LONG LIVE OKUN NATION. LONG LIVE YORUBA NATION. LONG LIVE KOGI STATE
LONG LIVE NIGERIA