Chairman and founder of Olusegun Okanlawon Foundation (OOF), Engineer Olusegun Okanlawon on Monday asked Ibarapa indigenes in Oyo State to start speaking with one voice.
Okanlawon gave the advice in his hometown , Idere in Ibarapa Central area of Oyo state during the Grand finale of Sporting activities, distribution of UTME forms to 150 indigent students across Ibarapa zone held at the Famadex hotel, Idere.
The OOF Chairman pointed out that speaking in one voice ”is the only way the zone could get to the promise land and maintain peace and unity among its people.”
According to him, unless Ibarapa sons and daughters come together to speak in one voice, it would be very difficult for the area and its people to enjoy the much needed massive development and progress.
“Let us join hands to build Ibarapa of our dream, we are one, let us rise up, dedicated, committed, focus and resilient to build Ibarapa we want. In this zone, we need good healthcare delivery system, good road network, all round development, adequate security, tourist attraction, business opportunity for the youth, standard stadium, education development, and agro processing and industrial development to mention few.” he said.
On the mission and vision of OOF, Engineer Okanlawon disclosed that the foundation was formed in 2018 to alleviate the suffering of the masses particularly in Ibarapa region of the state, saying that a lot of people has benefited immensely from the gesture.
“Over N4million has been invested in the zone for this year alone, nothing less than 150 beneficiaries will also benefited from payment of their Universal Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) in year 2020 because my joy is to see Ibarapa moving forward and competing with other zones in the state.”
Speaking at the event, Professor Ayo Ojebode of the Department of Language and Communication Art of the University of Ibadan emphasized that there is the need for intending students of higher institutions to match their interest and passion with their qualifications and interest so that they will not become frustrated applicants.
Professor Ojebode while lauding Engineer Okanlawon for his good gesture towards the betterments of the Ibarapa zones, urged the people of the area not to wait until they become a multi millionaire before they give back to the society.
One of the beneficiaries of the UTME scholarship who spoke on behalf of others, Fagbemi Elijah while speaking with journalists appreciated the sponsor of the scholarship for the gesture, saying the benefactors would continue to appreciate his support.
