To continue the legacy of his Father in the society through humanity, a reonwed broadcaster in Osun State, Adebayo Oderinu through his foundation, Noah Olawuwo Oderinu Foundation on Thursday held the maiden edition of Noah Olawuwo Oderinu Colloquium.
The Colloquium, which was held in Osogbo, the state capital, is aimed at create a platform for cross fertilisation of ideas, meaningful political discussion and deep analysis of policies.
Oderinu, while addressing the gathering, said he aims to continue his father’s legacy of service to the society, adding that NOOF will work towards improving access to quality education under-served communities and people and also to eradicate poverty in the society.
Speaking on his biography that he presented to the public during the event, Oderinu said the book was born out of his desire to document himself and his activities.
He said, “Your story is your story and you have to tell it in your own perspective, so writing this was for me to document myself. I decided to put myself on paper that even if I’m no longer been seeing it can be said that this was what he said about himself”.
He added that this was not his first book, “I lunch one the year 2018. Writing for me has always been a natural thing. Of course, I inherited some writing techniques from my parents.”
In his address, Mr Dele Adeleke, who was the guest speaker at the event, urged the younger generation to define their ideology and platform.
According to him, “success requires careful planning, strategic thinking and unflinching dedication.
“Youth should be able to articulate their values, principles and goals. Locate a mentor whose values, principles and antecedents align with yours and political aspirations and drink from their fountain of wisdom and experience.
“Continue to develop yourself economically by engaging yourself in productive and lucrative endeavors, identify individuals who share your vision, form a core team of dedicated individuals who will help shape and lead the group”.
“Young people are stepping up, demanding their voices be heard, and challenging the status quo. It is incumbent upon all of us to listen, learn, and work together across generations to build a political system that is responsive, inclusive, and reflective of the aspirations of all citizens. “Omode gbon, Agba gbon la fi da ile ife”. The cradle of the Yoruba race was built on the combined wisdoms of the younger and older generations” he concluded.
Oba Adekunle Makama Oyelude, Olowu of Kuta who was decorated as the grand patron of the foundation commended the broadcaster for all he does.
The monarch, who declared his total support to the foundation, said it will go a long way if they could maintain the current tempo.
“As Grand Parton,I have a lot of work to do and I will not shy away from them. I have made up my mind to support the foundation and when there is conflict of time sharing I will delegate one of my Oloris to be hear.”
Oba Oyelude also used the avenue to caution kingmakers and government officials on the selection of new monarch in Yoruba land, urging strict compliance with traditional rites.
Former Governor of Osun state, Gboyegba Oyetola represented by his former Senior Special Assistant on Students’ Affairs and Social Mobilisation, Comrade Kehinde Ayantunji centered on the theme of the colloquium: “Nigeria’s Democratic Evolution: The Gains and Opportunities for the Future”, it’s a thing of joy that since the return to democratic dispensation in 1999, Nigeria has made series of gains in its democratic journey.
According to him, Nigeria has made frantic efforts at strengthening and improving its electoral process, enhancing the credibility of the electoral system at every election period in the last two decades of democratic dispensation.
Oyetola attributed peaceful transition of power and political stability from 1999 till date; increased civil liberties and respect for the rule of law; economic growth and diversification; media freedom among others as part of the noble gains that the country had recorded since the return to democracy.
Chairman of the Colloquium, Professor Siyan Oyeweso also commended the Oderinu family for continuing the legacies of their father.
Oyeweso urged the youths to be ready for challenges with aim of surmounting them.
Others at the event were immediate past Chief Whip of Osun State House of Assembly, Hon Tunde Olatunji; legal luminary, Mr Kunle Adegoke, SAN; representative of the Chairman of Osun PDP, Mr Oladele Bamiji, family of Oderinu led by the matriarch, Mrs Oderinu, among others.
