Wale Jagun
The First Secretary to the Lagos State Government and an elder statesman, Asiwaju Olorunfunmi Basorun, has said the Igbogbo Students’ Union (ISU), a body created 70 years ago has been able to endure due to the structure put in place by the founding fathers.
While stating that the founders were proactive in coming up with the idea, Asiwaju Basorun lauded his seniors with whom they co – founded the union 70 years ago – Pa Olatunji Bakare, a former Vice Chairman, Ikorodu Local Government and Pa Olatunji Odusanya, mni, a retired Permanent Secretary, who are still alive.
While Pa Bakare was the first president of the union, late Pa Solawon was the foundation General Secretary.
During the walk for fitness that heralded the celebration on Monday, the current ISU president, Comrade Abdulsalam Tijani led chiedtains and members of the union, to pay courtesy visits to the founding fathers in their homes and others that have at one time or the other led the union.
It was during this visit that Asiwaju Bashorun spoke with THE IMPACT, in his Igbogbo country home, on the journey so far.
“I thank God for this day. I appreciate Him for giving me life and the opportunity to represent my two dear colleagues — Olatunji Bakare and Olatunji Odusanya. They are older than I am, and I can never forget them. I thank God for preserving us to witness this great milestone.
“That is why it is good to be proactive. Look at the number of years since the union was created, yet its continuity has never been broken.
“Each new president meets a structure already in place and builds upon it. That’s the beauty of progress and legacy.”
Asiwaju Basorun who is a chieftain of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), commended the new leadership of the union for their unity, vision and purpose in carrying on the 70 years legacy.
“Those who are there now are doing well — they are united, honest, and visionary. They have great plans for the future, and I’m proud of that.
“We didn’t celebrate the 50th or 60th anniversary, but today, we are marking 70 years, and some of us are still here to witness it.
“Let us all ensure that this success continues, even when many of us are no longer around. Thank you very much,” Asiwaju Basorun urged the present and future generations.
