ADELEKE, AKINLABI ADVOCATES COLLABORATIVE EFFORT AS PANECEA TO NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT AT CALDA 2.0

The executive chairman, Ibarapa Central Local Government, Hon. Olusola Adeleke and the Rector, Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology, Igboora Prof. Kehinde Akinola Akinlabi has on Thursday, 20th June, 2024 in a separate lecture described the significance of social impact as positive changes that address pressing social challenges.

The duo, who are guest speakers at the second edition of the Ibarapa Inter Tertiary Debate and Speech Competition (2.0) which was organized by the Center for Advocacy, Leadership, and Development in Africa under the leadership of the advocator, Mr. Ojewola Olawale. The event took place at the Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology, Igboora
with the theme: “Citizens Participation in National Development Through Social Impact.

Both speakers emphasized the significance of social impact as positive changes that address pressing social challenges.

Speaking at the event through his personal assistant, Sodiq Adesina, the executive chairman of Ibarapa central local government, Hon. Sola Adeleke described social impact as efforts that improve the quality of life for individuals and communities.

“Social impact can be seen in various sectors, including education, healthcare, environment, and human rights. When citizens actively engage in creating social impact, they contribute directly to national development.

“Despite the potential for positive impact, several challenges can hinder citizens’ participation. These include lack of awareness, limited resources, and bureaucratic barriers.

To overcome these challenges, he highlighted four cardinal remedies which includes:
Increase access to information and resources, fostering partnerships between government, private sector, and civil society, Streamlining processes to reduce bureaucratic hurdles and Providing platforms for dialogue and collaboration.

“National development is a shared responsibility that requires the active participation of every citizen. By fostering social impact, we can address pressing social issues and create a more just and equitable society. I urge all of you here today, especially the participants in this debate and speech competition, to continue to engage actively in your communities and be agents of positive change”, Adeleke concluded.

In his keynote address, the Rector of Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology, Igboora, Prof Akinola Akinlabi described National development as a collective endeavor that transcends the efforts of government institutions.

According to Akinlabi:

National development requires the active participation of all citizens. Every individual has a role to play in building a society that is prosperous, just, and inclusive.

“A good example is the Igboora High School, which was founded in 1963 through communal efforts. As we speak, the school has produced Professors, Doctors, Lawyers, and several proffesionals, I am also one of the products. Recently, Ibarapa Indegenes constructed office for the College, the building was used for our recent accreditation.

“This participation can take many forms, from community service and advocacy to entrepreneurship and innovation”, Prof. Akinlabi concluded.

Individuals and Institutions Honored were equally honoured at the event, they include:
Oba Jimoh Olajide Titiloye, the Olu of IgboOra Land as the Illuminator of Knowledge Award, Oyo State Health Insurance Agency as the Most Affordable Health Insurance Scheme and Adeseun Ogundoyin Polytechnic, Eruwa as the Startuo Catalyst Award.

The Second Edition of Ibarapa Inter Tertiary Debate and Speech Competition titled :”Should the sustainability of an effective judiciary system be solely the responsibility of the judiciary?” was brilliantly debated by the three participating Institutions : Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology, Igboora, Oyo State College of Education, Lanlate and Adeseun Ogundoyin Polytechnic, Eruwa with Adeseun Ogundoyin Polytechnic coming first, Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology, Igboora came second while Oyo State College of Education, Lanlate came third.

Guests at the event include Dr. Olusola Akande,BExecutive Secretary, Oyo State Health Insurance Agency,
Prof. Akinola Kehinde Akinlabi, Rector of Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology, IgboOra, Executive Chairman, Ibarapa Central Local Government, Hon. Olusola Ayodele Adeleke ably represented by his Personal Assistant, Hon. Azeez Sodiq Adesina, His Majesty, Oba Jimoh Olajide Titiloye, the Olu of IgboOra Land, Alh. Rahman Onike, Deputy Registrar, Students Affairs Unit, Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology, IgboOra, Prince (Alhaji) Akintayo Akinyemi, Member, CALDA ADVISORY BOARD, Mr Olawoyin Edris ‘Busayo, Media Expert who also moderated the program and AMB. Ojewola Olawale who is the
Executive Director, Center for Advocacy, leadership and Development in Africa.

Panelists include: Dr. Adetola Adesegun, Miss Gbadegesin Nafisat Opeyemi, Engr. Olaolu Adesina, Hon. Olakojo Adewale and Mr Ojewola kamorudeen