By Richard Akintade, Osogbo
Former Nigeria President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo has described community spirit as a way of achieving socio-economic development in the country.
He said that government needed adequate support towards the betterment of the people.
Chief Obasanjo, who is the Balogun of Owu, made this known while answering questions from journalists at the closing ceremony of the 2020 National Convention of Owu people in Kuta, Aiyedire local government, Osun state.
Chief Obasanjo, who joined his fellow Owu brothers and sisters to participate in the Convention, added that “the little anyone does to assist the government will help greatly to improve the lives of the people.”
“I want to congratulate Owu sons and daughters wherever they may be on this special occasion of the 29th edition of our getting together to celebrate and to focus on socio-economic developments of our people wherever they may be; we can help by adding our own little to what government is doing.
“Our objective is to help our people wherever they are in respect of socio-economic development and the enhancement and improvement of their ‘standard of living’.”
According to him, “we also have Owu daughters and wives who have come together to empower some women here today.”
The former President commended the Chairman, Council of Owu Obas, who is also the Olowu of Kuta, Oba Hameed Adekunle Oyelude Makama for always coming to the aid of the union in time of need and ensuring that the convention was eventually held.
Royal Father of the Day, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, who was represented by Sooko Omoniyi, Kemade Elugbaju, said Chief Obasanjo had for years remained a unifying factor in the country, saying his contribution towards the emergence of the Global System for Mobile (GSM) Communication cannot be over emphasised.
While presenting his acceptance speech, the new National President of the Royal Union of Owu People, RUOP, Alhaji Fatahi Akinade Akinbade, who promised to build on his predecessor’s success, thanked past excos for their efforts to put the union on a sound footing.
Akinbade, who called for complete support of the Owus home and abroad, urged the entire Owu youths to be good ambassadors by shunning social vices and be hard working.
The Olowu of Owu congratulated the entire Owus on witnessing this year’s convention, saying they should not relent in contributing to the development of their father’s land.
Oba Makama commended the state governor, Mr Gboyega Oyetola, for his people-oriented programmes.
Traditional rulers, politicians, the entire Owus home and abroad, among others, from far and near, witnessed the annual Owu convention.
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