Students of Public Schools Shine at Maiden Eluku Omo Annual Symposium 2025

Mariam Abeeb

The town of Offa witnessed a historic celebration of academic excellence and youth empowerment with the successful hosting of the maiden edition of the Eluku Omo Adugbo Annual Symposium 2025, organized in collaboration with the ABS Foundation.

The symposium, themed around education, patriotism, and community development, was graced by a wide array of dignitaries, scholars, political leaders, artisans, student representatives, and members of the public.

The convener, Comr. Salahudeen A. Lukman (Eluku Omo Adugbo), a proud alumnus of several public institutions including St. James LGEA School Offa, Ansar Ud Deen College Offa, Kwara Polytechnic Ilorin, Kaduna Polytechnic, ABU Zaria, and LAUTECH Ogbomoso, expressed deep fulfillment at seeing students from public schools celebrated.

A major highlight of the event was the Eluku Omo Adugbo Education Support Initiative, through which 20 pupils from Offa’s primary schools, 20 secondary school students, and outstanding indigenous students from Federal Polytechnic Offa and Kwara State College of Health Technology Offa received bursaries of ₦10,000, ₦15,000, and ₦50,000 respectively courtesy of Engr.

Bolakale Kawu Dan’iya of Ilorin Emirate. All associations present with at least five delegates were also supported with transport stipend as a token of appreciation for their commitment.

In his keynote message, Comr. Salahudeen paid glowing tribute to His Excellency, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki (CON) for his “fatherly role, moral guidance, and financial support” that ensured the success of the program. “Your Excellency’s steadfast support transformed this vision into a celebrated reality,” he stated.

The intellectual tone of the symposium was set by a thought-provoking keynote presentation delivered on the thematic topic : Galvanizing Economic and Political Stake of Offa in Contemporary Kwara and Nigeria political Landscape by Prof. Mahmud Babatunde Ajeigbe, while Barr. Olusegun Olawoyin gave a compelling discussion of the thematic topic. Distinguished personalities in attendance included Hon. Prof. Ali Ahmad, Hon. Chief AbdulRazaq Lawal (Oluomo of Atanda Land), and Mr. Saheed Lawal representing QS Muiyeen Okunlola of the MOK Foundation and Engr BolaKale Kawu Agaka who sponsor the bursary award ably represented.

The event also enjoyed strong representation from the political class, including the Offa PDP Elders Forum led by Alh. Raheem Idera, with members such as Hon. Muraina Ayantola, Alh. Mako, Hon. Lasun Olarinoye, Alh. Lukman Alayande, and Hon. Abdulfatai Shittu Osawe. Also present were the PDP LG Executive, led by Hon. Jide Jatto, all 12 PDP Ward Chairmen, youth leaders, women leaders, and forum coordinators.

The planning and coordination, described as seamless and effective, was spearheaded by Hon. Ajibade Adeyinka Ejaco, whose leadership ensured the success of the event.

In a touching moment, Dr. O. S. Ope, watching the event live on Facebook from the Turkish Republic of Cyprus, made a spontaneous cash prize donation to a patriotic pupil seen placing his hand firmly on his chest during the National Anthem—an act that moved many in attendance.

The symposium also drew solidarity from national youth and student leaders, including Comr. and Mrs. Akoshile Mukthar (Vice President, North Central, NYCN), Senior Comr. Adio Odunjo Orlando, and Comr. Suleiman (representing the NANS President). The Offa Comrades Community also stood out, with the presence of Comr. Omuiyadun Hamed Yah Omuz, PA to the Deputy Senate Leader.

In his closing remarks, Comr. Salahudeen reiterated his unwavering commitment to the growth of Offa, Kwara State, and Nigeria:

“Together, we shall continue to break new grounds and build legacies of pride and purpose. This is just the beginning of a greater movement to uplift our people.”