9TH BIENNIAL CONVENTION OF THE EGBA NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, (USA/CANADA) IN MINNESOTA, US

SPEECH BY DR. ‘BOSUN TIJANI, HONOURABLE MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS, INNOVATION & DIGITAL ECONOMY AT THE 9TH BIENNIAL CONVENTION OF THE EGBA NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, (USA/CANADA) IN MINNESOTA, US

Friday, August 30th 2024

PROTOCOL

Your Royal Majesty, the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo -Okukenu IV, CFR and our Olori Olatokunbo Gbadebo.

Your Royal Highness, Oba Professor Saka Matemilola, Otileta the 7th - The Olowu of Owu Kingdom and his Olori

Your Royal Highness, Oba Reuben Oluwambe Sogaolu,  The Olu of Orile Imo.

Chief Oluyinka Kufile, The Aro of Egbaland.

Ambassador Toye Okanlawon. Bobagunwa Egbaland & Chief of Staff to Kabiyesi Alake.

Chief Owolabi Odulate, Aare Basegun of Egbaland and his wife, Chief Mrs  Ololade Odulate,  Erelu Aare Basegun of Egbaland.

Chief Sunday Oduntan, Asiwaju Baamofin of Egbaland.

Chief Tunji Sunmonu, Ilaagbe of Egbaland

Chief Taiwo Adeoluwa, Agbaakin of Egbaland.

Chief Kehinde Sofenwa, Baantun of Egbaland

Alhaji Babatunde Solabi, Chairman, Egba National Association....

Mr Segun Idowu, President,  Egba Descendants Association Minnesota and his wife Mrs. Funmilola Idowu

Distinguished Egba Sons and Daughters,

Our Honored Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,

_____

It is with immense pride and gratitude that I stand before you today… at the 9th Biennial Convention of the Egba National Association… right here in Minneapolis, United States. This is more than just a reunion; it is a testament to the strength, unity, and enduring legacy of the Egba people…both at home and in the diaspora.

As we gather to celebrate our Egba heritage and by extension that of our beloved Ogun State… we must acknowledge the significant role we have played, and should continue to play ,in the socio-economic development of Nigeria. 

Our rich history and culture, has placed us at the forefront of Nigeria’s industrial and economic advancement, particularly as Ogun State is home to many of Nigeria’s earliest industries, which laid the foundation for our nation's economic growth. From our thriving industrial hubs in Agbara and Ota, which attract multinational companies, to our rich and arable lands with the potential to significantly contribute to Nigeria's food security… Ogun State is indeed a shining light of progress.

We, the Egba people, in particular, have always been pioneers in many field…. with a storied history of contributions that have left a timeless mark on national and global development. We are proud heirs of a legacy of leaders, who have demonstrated influence and impact across many fields including education,business, politics, music and activism to name a few.

From Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, former President of Nigeria 

…to Chief M.K.O. Abiola, Businessman, Politician, and Philanthropist, 

…Fela Anikulapo Kuti, the pioneer of Afrobeat Music 

…his mother, Mrs. Olufunmilayo Ransome-Kuti, a foremost  Women's Rights Activist and Educator… also recognised as the first woman in Nigeria to drive a car.

…Chief Ebenezer Obey,  legendary Musician and Composer

….Prof. Akin Mabogunje a renowned academician, geographer and urban planner.

 …Chief Olabisi Onabanjo, the first civilian governor of Ogun State 

…Chief Simeon Adebo - foremost administrator, lawyer and diplomat who served as Under-Secretary General of the United Nations.

…and Chief Rotimi Williams, the first Nigerian to become a Senior Advocate of Nigeria.

These examples of pioneering Egba citizens cannot be complete without our very own Kabiyesi, His Royal Majesty, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, CFR - Okukenu IV,  The Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, who has been a custodian of our culture and traditions, following years of distinguished service in Nigeria’s military. His contribution to the unity and development of Egbaland and Ogun State can not be understated.

Today, in a world faced with unprecedented challenges—ranging from economic instability, climate change, technological disruption and social inequality—it is clear that we are at a critical moment. These challenges call for leadership that is not only innovative and resilient, but also rooted in values of justice, equity, and progress. 

This is a call that we, the Egba, are uniquely positioned to answer.

We are a lineage of courage and integrity, from the enduring spirit of our ancestors who built the foundations of Egbaland, to the modern-day leaders who have tirelessly participated in steering Nigeria through difficult times.  We are known for our ability to adapt, innovate, and lead with integrity. Now, more than ever, the world—and indeed our nation—needs this type of leadership.

Geographically and historically, Ogun State is positioned as a crossroads of opportunities.  Our strategic location as a gateway between Lagos and the rest of Nigeria positions us as a critical player in the country’s economic future.

Abeokuta, our state capital, also holds a significant place in Nigeria's history as the location for the first of several notable milestones. 

…Including playing host to the First Newspaper in Nigeria (Iwe Irohin).

…The First Baptist Church in Nigeria.

…The First Egba Treaty with the British, one of the earliest formal agreements between an African kingdom and the British Empire.

 …The First Railway Line in Nigeria constructed between Lagos and Abeokuta in 1896 which symbolised the beginning of modern transportation in Nigeria, contributing to economic growth and the movement of our people.

  And of course the First and Oldest Grammar School in Nigeria, Abeokuta Grammar School established in 1908, producing many of the country's early leaders and professionals.

These milestones illustrate Abeokuta's central role in shaping Nigerian history, particularly in the areas of education, media, women's rights, and economic development . The city, and Ogun State at large have been at the forefront of many pioneering efforts with lasting impact on Nigeria and beyond.

Today, the ongoing infrastructural development in the State by His Excellency, Governor Dapo Abiodun, CON,  such as the construction of the Ogun State Cargo Airport and the expansion of our industrial estates, are laying the groundwork for Ogun State to become a central hub for trade, innovation, and economic integration.  We are not just contributing to Nigeria’s GDP, we are shaping the economic landscape of West Africa.

In today’s digital age, Ogun State is also poised to take advantage of the efforts of the Federal Government to deepen our digital economy. With our robust educational institutions, we have and are demonstrating the potential to become a centre of excellence in digital innovation, attracting investment and creating jobs that will drive the 21st-century digital economy.

In conclusion, we - the Egba have a significant role to play in the economic development of our state and the nation.  This is corroborated by the confidence shown by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR who has entrusted two key ministerial positions to Egba sons. The role of Mr. Wale Edun, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy …and I as Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy in unlocking prosperity and development for all Nigerians is quite significant and a responsibility that we must not take lightly. 

This is not just an honor for us, but a testament to the trust in the capability of the Egba people and our unwavering commitment to the progress of Nigeria.  It is a recognition that we the Egba, known for integrity, leadership, and dedication, are integral to the realisation of a prosperous Nigeria. As a people , we should recognise and celebrate this, not just in gatherings like this, but in our everyday lives as we demonstrate our innovative and pioneering spirit, for the good of all.

And to you my dear brothers and sisters in diaspora, our country is at a pivotal time. We are blessed with a President who is known for his unique ability to pave the way for unprecedented progress and I invite you all to join us in our efforts to actualise the benefits of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, as we drive reforms and deliver on a shared prosperity for all.

Together, let us unite to lift our nation.

Egba meji kin jara won niyan. Baa wa!

God Bless Egbaland 

God Bless Ogun State

God Bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria