Jare Olukotun with Austin Onah (SIWES Student)
-As Asiwaju Basorun, Pa Bakare tutor students on union’s founding
In continuation of its 70th anniversary, the Igbogbo Students’ Union (ISU), on Monday, embarked on a walk across the Igbogbo community and staged a health talk among the students.
The exercise, which was tagged, ‘Walk for Fitness & Awareness’, and took off from the Adeboruwa palace was led by ISU President, Comrade Abdulsalam Tijani, with chieftains and members of the union, accompanied by students from different schools.
According to the ISU leader, the walk was aimed at promoting physical fitness, youth development, and community unity. Participants moved through the major streets in Igbogbo, displaying banners and spreading messages of healthy living, leadership, and education.
There was also a health talk which was held at the Asiwaju Olorunfunmi Reuben Bashorun compound in Igbogbo, themed, ‘The Power of Sleep: Why Rest Is the Secret to Productivity and Mental Health”.
As part of the event, the students paid courtesy visits to the first chairman of Igbogbo Students’ Union and former Vice Chairman, Ikorodu LG, Pa Olatunji Bakare who was among the pioneers of student leadership in the community. The team also visited the NULGE Chairman, Comrade Taiwo Oduntan who served as the ISU Chairman between 2008 and 2009. Both leaders commended the students for sustaining the legacy of the Union, and for connecting fitness with community awareness. They urged the younger generation to remain focused, disciplined, and united in their pursuit of education and leadership excellence.
They also visited the home of late Pa Funsho Solawon, the First General Secretary of the union.
In his remarks, Oduntan applauded the current administration for celebrating ISU’s 70-year milestone with purposeful activities that combine fitness, education, and unity, and praised the efforts of the current leadership and encouraged the students to remain steadfast in their pursuit of excellence, leadership, and community service.
The meeting with legendary Pa Bakare was both emotional and inspiring, as he recounted the humble beginnings of the Union and the collective vision that gave birth to what has now become a strong legacy of youth leadership in Igbogbo.
He expressed his joy that the Union has endured for seven decades, producing responsible citizens and leaders across generations.
He emphasized that the 70th Anniversary was not just a time to look back, but also to inspire a new wave of responsible and active student leaders who will shape the future of Igbogbo.
The health talk at the home of another founding father of the union attracted notable guests. He also spoke passionately on the importance of rest and mental balance in today’s fast-paced world.
In their respective presentations, Dr Adeleke Dankuwo, who is the President, Igbogbo Youth Forum (IYF), and Dr Andu Fatai, explained that quality sleep is essential for brain development, memory retention, and long-term health.
They urged students to prioritize rest as much as they do academic and social activities, stressing that sleeping is not laziness, but an essential investment in their productivity.
Another speaker, Sen. Comfort Olafare, a former leader of the union, commended the organizers for focusing on a topic that affects both students and working adults alike.
She encouraged youths to maintain a healthy lifestyle, balance studies with self-care, and use their time wisely.
In his keynote address, Asiwaju Olorunfunmi Reuben Bashorun, the host of the event, also took participants down the memory lane as he spoke about the founding of the Igbogbo Students’ Union (ISU). He recalled how the Union was established to promote education, discipline, and leadership among young people in Igbogbo, noting that it has grown over the decades to become a symbol of unity and progress.
Bashorun emphasized that the well-being of students is vital to sustaining the vision of ISU’s founders. He commended the current leadership for integrating health education into the anniversary programs, and urged students to apply the lessons learned in their daily lives.
ISU President, Comrade Abdulsalam, thanked all participants and community elders for their support. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to preserving the ideals of the founding members while promoting unity, discipline, and excellence among students.
The Health Talk ended with an interactive session where students asked questions on mental health, stress management, and healthy sleep habits.
The event was described by participants as inspiring, educative and timely, reinforcing the message that a well-rested mind is a productive and creative mind.
