I'm stubborn but virtuous, says President
From Seun Adeoye, Osogbo
PRESIDENT Olusegun Obasanjo at the weekend admitted to being stubborn. But then, he quickly attributed that to being an Owu indigene.
"Once you are an Owu indigene, you are an embodiment of all virtues. We don't steal. We don't defraud. We are full of positive virtues. But we are too stubborn. We don't take nonsense."
Obasanjo who spoke at the 13th Owu National Convention in Owu-Kuta, a town in Ayedire Local Council of Osun State, said he was determined to continue with the reform programmes of his administration.
The President explained that as a true Owu indigene, he would be truthful and work in the best interest of the majority especially the "down-trodden" in the society and these principles have always been behind his determination to triumph.
"It is typical of Owu indigene that the blood to do well always flows in your vein. We are not selfish and we are always on the side of truth, justice and fairplay."
Obasanjo, who is also the Balogun of Owu - Abeokuta, said further: "We are not discouraged once we start doing good work. Initially, people will react against our decisions. But whether they like it or not, then, we won't turn back. However, it is certain that they will agree later. Truth always prevails."
The President further reiterated his determination to turn Nigeria around and make the citizens proud of their country, but urged them not to resist the changes his government was putting in place for selfish purposes.
He insisted that all the things being done were in the interest of all and future generation.
He commended all the 38 Owu communities in the South-West states and the Republic of Benin for their unity and their will to help each other.
Obasanjo called on other communities to emulate Owu people by embarking on self-help projects and convince the government that "we are capable of assisting and complementing the government in all its three tiers."
He praised the state governor, Olagunsoye Oyinlola, for embarking on projects that touch the lives of people like rural water scheme in Ejigbo and Ikire, mechanised farming, among others as well as being a good host of Owu indigenes during the national convention.
Oyinlola, who called for support for the incumbent Federal and state governments, said Nigerians have begun to enjoy the dividend of democracy.
The governor called for the convocation of an all-Yoruba conference to discuss its culture, language, political and socio-economic activities, "which would help us in bracing for the challenges ahead."
While expressing his administration's determination to continue in its people-oriented programmes, Oyinlola expressed confidence that the state citizenry would continue to enjoy the dividend of democracy.
The national president of National Council of Owu People (NACOP), Doja Adewolu, disclosed that the Owu National Convention started in the 1980s by the late Akin Olugbade but was revived in 1992 by President Obasanjo to enhance unity, brotherhood, cultural, traditional bond, cooperation and self-help of all Owu indigenes both at home and in the Diaspora.
At the ceremony were high ranking Owu monarchs, Prince Bola Ajibola, Elder Wole Oyelese, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, among others.
