by J. Moyo Ajekigbe, OFR
On behalf of the organisers of the 2025 Okeho Day, I am delighted to welcome you all to this Education Summit and to make a few introductory remarks.
I would like to start by thanking God for the gift of life and for the privilege to celebrate another Okeho Day. This edition of Okeho Day is very special in that it is being held in the year when Okeho attained the status of a University Town, following the decision by the Federal Government of Nigeria to locate a Federal University in Okeho. The Federal University of Agriculture and Technology Okeho (FUNATO) is a dream come true. We thank God for this special blessing, and for those He has used to make it happen, especially Prof Segun Gbadegesin, the Asiwaju of Okeho, and Senator Abdulfatai Buhari, the senator representing Oyo North District Constituency in the Senate.
It is not a surprise that the theme of this summit has been appropriately titled, “FUNATO: Benefits and Opportunities in the context of Regional Growth and Development”. But before I comment on the theme of the summit, I would like to draw our attention to the theme of the 2025 Okeho Day which is, “Rooted in Heritage, United for Education: A Grand Reunion for Okeho’s Future”.
When we talk about heritage, most people think in terms of physical and financial assets that are or may be inherited. In broad terms, however, heritage is anything that is passed down from generation to generation, and it includes the people’s traditions, values, beliefs, culture as well as historical sites and natural landscapes. Okeho is known as Akikanju Oke Oogun, and her people are known to be Omoluabi Eniyan, that is, people born of good character. It embodies virtues like honesty, respect for others, integrity and hardwork. This is the heritage that our ancestors passed down to us, and which we too must pass down to our children. Maybe it is appropriate to ask at this juncture the question: “How many of us can beat their chest and say they are truly Omoluabi in words and in deed?”
FUNATO has brought out the best in our people. Many have made significant contributions (treasure, talent and time) towards the preparation of temporary campuses for the university, and obtaining necessary regulatory approvals. This is highly commendable. We can rightly say that Okeho is united for the actualization of the FUNATO project. The challenge before us is to remain united as the university takes off and develops its own unique brand. We must also unite to ensure the security, development and progress of our community.
Let me now shift my focus to the main business of the day. The theme of the summit is very appropriate and timely; and the choice of Prof. Sola Ajayi as Guest Speaker is a wise decision. He is an erudite scholar with considerable teaching and administrative experience. And most importantly, he is one of us: he knows our environment, and understands our problems. I have no doubt in my mind that he will do justice to the topic that has been assigned to him.
FUNATO means different things to different people. For some, it is an opportunity to serve the community and its people; for some, it is a business opportunity; for some, it is a place for personal growth and development; for some, it is an opportunity to earn a living; and for some, it is an opportunity to propagate certain beliefs and ideologies. Whatever our personal or group objectives may be, let us always remember that the peace, prosperity, and progress of Okeho, and indeed of the entire Oke Oogun area, remain sacrosanct.
The theme of this summit focuses on benefits and opportunities of FUNATO. We must, however, also prepare for the challenges that come with having a university in a community such as ours. Our strategy should be how to convert those challenges to opportunities for the benefit of the entire community. The future promises to be bright and interesting, but we must be conscious of the fact that, “The future belongs to those who prepare for it”.
Thank you for your time. Please enjoy the rest of the summit.
J. Moyo Ajekigbe, OFR is the Chairman FUNATO Planning Committee
Images from the Summit-
