In a recent announcement, Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, shared that steps are being taken to establish an affiliation between the Oba Sikiru Adetona College of Governance and the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) in Kuru, Jos. This collaboration aims to provide training for high-ranking government officials.
The governor disclosed this information during the 90th birthday and 64th coronation anniversary thanksgiving ceremony of the Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona. The event took place at the Cathedral Church of Our Saviour, Ita-Olowajoda-Ijasi, Ijebu-Ode on Sunday.
He mentioned that the first batch of enrollees at the college would be Permanent Secretaries from the state, enabling them to benefit from the institution established by the Awujale.
Furthermore, Prince Abiodun shared that he had received approval from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to grant the college full status as a campus of NIPSS.
“I informed His Majesty this morning that our Permanent Secretaries will be the pioneers at the Oba Sikiru Adetona College of Governance, and they will be the first to take advantage of this initiative,” said the governor.
“I have also appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to transform Baba’s school of Governance into a campus of the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies Kuru, a request that the President has graciously approved,” he added.
Abiodun praised Oba Adetona as a living legend and a remarkable leader whose reign has been a monumental success, bringing pride to Ijebuland and the entire state.
The governor highlighted the monarch’s dedication to governance and education, citing the establishment of the Oba Sikiru Adetona Professorial Chair in Governance at Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago-Iwoye.
“This visionary step led to the establishment of the prestigious Oba Sikiru Adetona School of Governance, the first of its kind in Sub-Saharan Africa,” he remarked.
Abiodun also commended the Ijebu Development Board initiated by the monarch for its effective poverty eradication programs, which have become a national model.
In a sermon titled “Serve the Lord with Gladness,” delivered by Dean Emeritus of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), the Most Reverend Dr. Ephraim Adebola Ademowo emphasized the importance of serving God faithfully and selflessly, urging leaders to embody servant leadership for the nation’s advancement.
The Most Reverend Ademowo called for a national renewal starting from the family unit, believing it would restore the country’s former glory.
Reflecting on Oba Adetona’s reign, the cleric lauded him as a unifying figure and a symbol of wisdom, praising his efforts in uniting the Ijebu people across political and religious lines.
He described the Awujale as a mentor and enabler, whose 64 years on the throne have been marked by significant achievements and impactful programs that have touched many lives.