The Ikirun Development Association (IDA) has commissioned its ₦23 million national secretariat and renewed its call for the establishment of a state-owned higher institution in Ikirun, Osun State.
The commissioning and fundraising ceremony, which attracted government officials and key stakeholders, was held on Sunday at the NIPU National Secretariat in Ikirun.
In his address, the Global President of the Ikirun Development Association, Dr. Mustapha Olawuyi, commended the member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Soji Adetunji, for renovating the association’s secretariat. He noted that the lawmaker’s contributions had positively reflected in several developmental projects in the town since assuming office.
Dr. Olawuyi stated that the demand for a state-owned higher institution in Ikirun represented the collective resolve of the people of the town. He acknowledged that the state government was making efforts in infrastructure development, particularly the ongoing road construction in the area, which he said was awaiting its final layer.
He further explained that Ikirun had many qualified sons and daughters who could occupy key academic leadership positions, including vice-chancellor, if the state government approved the establishment of the institution. He also appealed to the state government to support the town’s skills acquisition centre to enhance job creation for youths.
The IDA president added that the association had established a local security network to safeguard the town, calling for increased support for the security outfit, citing Ikirun’s proximity to border communities as a reason for strengthened security measures.
In his remarks, the lawmaker representing Boripe, Ifelodun and Odo-Otin Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, Hon. Soji Adetunji, stated that the renovation of the secretariat began one year and three months earlier and that a total sum of ₦23 million was expended on the project.
He expressed appreciation to the people of Ikirun, noting that his current position was made possible through God and the support of the community.
He also acknowledged the massive support he received from the National Ikirun Progressive Union during his election and said he did not take the gesture for granted.
Also speaking at the event, the Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Hon. Adewale Egbedun, who represented the governor, assured the gathering that the requests presented would be conveyed to Governor Ademola Adeleke.
He noted that Ikirun remained significant in terms of electoral strength and urged residents to continue supporting the government with prayers, expressing optimism that positive developments would emerge for the benefit of the town by 2026.
Earlier, while addressing the Speaker, Professor Sunday Owolabi said Ikirun should not be sidelined in terms of development.
He stated that the community was concerned about the lack of tangible government projects in the area and reiterated the demand for the establishment of a higher institution in the town.
He added that Ikirun sons and daughters were ready to provide buildings for the proposed institution and called for the approval of a standard higher institution.
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Senator Lere Oyewumi, who served as the chief launcher, the Secretary to the State Government, Hon. Teslim Igbalaye, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Alhaji Kazeem Akinleye, members of the Osun State House of Assembly, political leaders, and other notable personalities.
