Renowned elder statesman, nationalist and former Secretary to the Oyo State Government, Pa Shuaib Afolabi Oyedokun, on Thursday marked his 91st birthday with a renewed commitment to national development as a United States-based university unveiled plans to invest massively in Osun State’s agribusiness sector.
The celebration, held in Osogbo, Osun state capital, alongside the public presentation of Oyedokun’s memoir, drew eminent politicians, academics, traditional rulers and community leaders who paid glowing tributes to the nonagenarian for his decades of selfless service to Nigeria and his unwavering commitment to the welfare of his people.
One of the major highlights of the event was the announcement by World Bridge University, Florida, of a proposed multi-million-dollar investment in Osun State’s agribusiness sector. The institution said the initiative would include the establishment of a tractor assembly plant, export-oriented agricultural value chains and capacity-building programmes designed to transform agriculture from subsistence farming into a profitable business enterprise.
Speaking on behalf of the university’s Chancellor, Olanrewaju Abraham, the Provost of the College of Agriculture and Sustainable Development, Prof. Olusegun Emmanuel Babalola, said the university was determined to bridge the knowledge gap between agriculture and agribusiness before rolling out investments capable of creating jobs, increasing productivity and boosting export earnings.
He stressed that while Osun is widely recognised as an agrarian state, there remains a significant gap in commercial agricultural knowledge.
“We are bringing investment in the area of agribusiness, not just agriculture. Osun has many farmers, but there is still a huge knowledge gap on the business side of agriculture. Our first assignment is to bridge that gap before introducing large-scale investments,” Babalola said.
According to him, the university’s decision to invest in Osun was inspired largely by Oyedokun’s enduring passion for agricultural development and his lifelong dedication to improving the living conditions of the people.
He expressed confidence that the respected statesman would facilitate engagements with relevant stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of the proposed projects.
“He has always demonstrated genuine concern for the development of his people. We decided to honour him by bringing this investment to Osun State through him because we know he has the credibility and relationships to connect us with the right people,” Babalola stated.
The professor disclosed that the university plans to establish a tractor assembly plant in the state to reduce the high cost of mechanised farming. It also intends to train farmers on producing export-quality sweet potatoes through improved preservation techniques and international quality standards.
He further identified commercial mushroom production as another area with enormous economic potential, noting that the global mushroom market is valued at over 60 billion dollars.
“If Osun State can properly position itself and capture even five per cent of that market, the economic impact will be enormous,” he said.
Addressing concerns over insecurity, Babalola maintained that the challenge should not discourage genuine investors.
“We cannot afford to wait until insecurity disappears completely before investing. Hunger itself is a security threat. Where necessary, we can begin by establishing processing facilities within urban centres while gradually expanding to rural communities as security improves,” he added.
In his remarks, the celebrant urged Nigerian youths to embrace discipline, integrity and hard work, describing them as the enduring pillars of a successful and meaningful life.
Oyedokun lamented what he called the declining moral values among many young people, warning against the growing culture of seeking quick wealth without diligence.
“Many people want to live like Shuaib Oyedokun without knowing what I have passed through. Everyone should have a personal vision, obey God’s commandments and pursue legitimate means of success rather than copying others,” he advised.
The elder statesman also encouraged young Nigerians to seek mentorship from men and women of proven character, stressing that integrity remains one of the greatest assets anyone can possess.
Former Osun State Governor, Olagunsoye Oyinlola, described Oyedokun as his political mentor, recalling that the elder statesman introduced him to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2001.
According to Oyinlola, Oyedokun remains one of Nigeria’s finest political leaders whose entire life has been devoted to the progress, unity and development of his people.
The event was attended by prominent political figures, academics, traditional rulers and community leaders, including the All Progressives Congress governorship candidate in Osun State, Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, former Chief Executive Officer of the National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB), Olu Aina, former South West national vice chairman of People Democratic Party, Chief Tajudeen Oladipo, Oladosu Oladipo, and host of other dignitaries.
