In a significant step towards enhancing socio-economic development, the Executive Chairman of Ibadan North Local Government, Hon. Oluwaseun Olufade, received the Director General of the Oyo State Mobilization Agency for Social Economic Development (OYMASED), Dr. Morounkola Thomas, on a courtesy visit.
The meeting took place at the council office in Agodi, where Hon. Olufade expressed his pleasure in hosting an experienced director who has significantly contributed to the development of Oyo State.
During his welcome address, Hon. Olufade lauded Dr. Morohunkola Thomas as a father figure, mentor, and intellectual with a substantial impact on the state. “I am happy to receive a father, mentor, and a man of intellectual capacity who has positively impacted the state into my office,” he stated.
In his remark, Dr. Thomas highlighted the importance of Ibadan North Local Government, describing it as a commercial and highly urbanized area, a melting pot for Nigeria.
He emphasized the visit’s purpose as fostering collaboration with the local government to achieve OYMASED’s objectives of continuous mobilization and sensitization for socio-economic, political, and environmental development across various demographics in Oyo State.
Dr. Thomas elaborated on the agency’s goals, which include working closely with local government chairmen as they are closest to the people.
He explained the legal framework establishing the agency mandates grassroots representation across all local governments in Oyo State.
As part of this initiative, the agency is recruiting social mobilization officers for each local government and mobilization agents for each ward, ensuring these individuals are natives and residents of their respective areas.
“The role of mobilization officers and agents is to disseminate information about government programs and collect feedback for government action,” Dr. Thomas explained.
He also mentioned a proposed program in collaboration with the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, aimed at reinstating the culture of integrity, respect, dignity, ethics, and ethos of Omoluabi in the state.
Citing Hon. Olufade as an exemplary Omoluabi, Dr. Morohunkola Thomas praised his youth, vibrancy, and preparation for leadership.
He stressed the need to prepare more youths for leadership roles, advocating for the establishment of integrity clubs in primary and secondary schools to instill these values early on.
The Director of Education and Social Services in Ibadan North Local Government, Alhaja Kudirat Nojimudeen, expressed gratitude to Dr. Thomas for his visit and insights, pledging her dedication to the course.
She commended Hon. Olufade for his leadership, describing him as a young, intelligent, vibrant technocrat and true Omoluabi.
In his response, Hon. Olufade thanked Dr. Thomas for the visit, reaffirming his admiration for the director general’s wealth of experience and commitment.
He acknowledged the moral decay in Nigeria and emphasized the need to restore integrity, respect, dignity, and Omoluabi values.
“With Dr. Morounkola Thomas as the director of the agency, things will get better,” he assured, pledging his full support for OYMASED’s initiatives.
The meeting was attended by key officials, including the Chief of Staff of Ibadan North Local Government, Hon. Hamdy Mustapha, and various department heads, marking a promising collaboration for the betterment of the local government and Oyo State at large.