Strengthening Unity, Advancing Development: Reflections and Strategic Pathways from Okun Summit 2.0
By Dr. Aiyeku Olufemi Samuel
Co-Founder & Lead Consultant, Global Human Capital & Energy Management Limited
The Second Okun Summit 2.0 stands as an eloquent testament to a people driven by vision, unity, and the unwavering resolve to craft a brighter and more prosperous future. Held under the compelling theme: “Okun Unity: The Power of One Voice, The Strength of Many Hands,” the summit brought together a brilliant constellation of leadership, tradition, intellect, and youthful energy—all committed to one clarion call: Okun Renaissance.
• A warm and most sincere appreciation goes to Hon. Dcn Olusuyi Otitoju, the National Coordinator of the Okun Development Initiative (ODI), whose tireless coordination, visionary foresight, and deeply rooted patriotism gave shape and form to this historic gathering. Your leadership reflects purpose-driven service in its truest form.
• In the spirit of gratitude and visionary collaboration, it is both timely and befitting to celebrate the sterling leadership of His Excellency, Alhaji Usman Ahmed Ododo, FCA, the Executive Governor of Kogi State—a silent reformer and tireless executor whose commitment to continuity, inclusive governance, and development-oriented policies is fast redefining the socioeconomic landscape of our dear state. Governor Ododo’s governance style is marked by strategic clarity, fiscal prudence, and people-centered delivery, earning him the trust of both grassroots constituents and institutional stakeholders.
Under his administration, the synergy with key cabinet members, technocrats, and development actors has resulted in infrastructural revitalization, youth empowerment, security strengthening, and a renewed sense of state pride across Kogi.
His Excellency’s clear support for unity among all senatorial districts, and his visible encouragement of intellectual platforms such as the Okun Summit 2.0, affirms that Kogi under his leadership is on a progressive trajectory where every voice matters, every region counts, and every citizen feels seen. Indeed, the Governor’s commitment echoes the truth that “Leadership is not about ruling from above, but serving from within” —a value Governor Ododo exemplifies with admirable dignity.
• My admiration also goes to the entire executive team of ODI, the various planning committees, and facilitators whose sleepless nights and seamless execution produced a summit worthy of global emulation. Your commitment is a reflection of the Okun spirit—resilient, strategic, and futuristic.
• Special gratitude is due to our Royal Fathers, led by His Royal Majesty, Oba Dr. Solomon Dele Owoniyi, the Obaro of Kabba and Chairman of the Okun Traditional Council, whose regal presence and wisdom provided cultural grounding and moral authority to our discussions. Our traditional institutions remain the anchors of identity and continuity, and this summit reminded us of their vital role in shaping future governance.
• We celebrate H.E. Amb. Akenson Rotimi, President of the Okun Development Association, for his leadership and bridge-building capabilities across generations. His deep passion for unity and strategic development is both inspiring and catalytic.
• Our appreciation extends to H.E. Amb. Sola Enikanolaye, Chairman of the day, for his diplomatic insight and dignified engagement,
The mother of the day, Aarabirin Folashade Joseph
and to Mukadam Asiwaju Idris Asiru, FCA, the Honourable Commissioner for Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, for his profound contributions that blend financial wisdom with visionary advocacy.
• The communique released at the summit is more than a document—it is a blueprint for socio-political reawakening, economic recalibration, and institutional strengthening of the Okun people. It captured strategic priorities, including:
* Greater political unity and alliance-building for effective representation at national levels
* Wealth creation through industrial clusters, SME funding schemes, and agricultural modernization
* Youth engagement, education reforms, and skills development for a digitally-driven future
* Infrastructure development, from road connectivity to energy access
* Establishing the *Okun Development Masterplan* for short-, medium-, and long-term implementation
But the question lingers: How do we transform these noble recommendations into measurable realities?
We must turn advocacy into action and participation into policy.
• Strategic partnerships with development institutions, diaspora coalitions, and multilateral agencies can help fund and implement key projects.
• Let’s leverage our political capital—Okun land has produced distinguished personalities across every sector. Can we now form a high-powered think tank to drive policy advisory for Kogi West?
• Okun youth are hungry for change—but what systems are in place to empower their energy? A structured mentorship and leadership academy for Okun youth could be the beginning of a generational bridge.
• Can our Royal Fathers serve not just as custodians of culture but as facilitators of community development compacts with government and NGOs?
• When last did we audit our community-based assets and endowments—land, tourism, natural resources—and strategically package them for investment attraction?
“Every great people rise, not just on the shoulders of heroes, but on the foundation of a united vision.”
~ Dr. Aiyeku Olufemi Samuel
Let us remember that transformation is not a miracle—it is the result of coordinated intentions, institutional responsibility, and sustained execution.
“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”
— African Proverb
Okun has already demonstrated the will to go far. Now we must embed our dreams into systems, institutions, and actionable deliverables.
• Let us not leave this summit behind as an event. Let it become a movement.
• Let the resolutions not just be read, but implemented.
• Let every community leader ask: What role am I playing to reposition Okun land?
“True leadership is not about visibility—it’s about responsibility.”
~ Mukadam Asiwaju Idris Asiru, FCA
As we move forward, may the Second Okun Summit 2.0 be remembered not only for its pomp and eloquence—but for what it ignited in our minds, our communities, and our future.
Let us rise, not just for Okun land, but with Okun land.
Let our voices be unified, our strategies coordinated, and our future inevitable.
Dr. Aiyeku Olufemi Samuel
Governance Analyst | Development Economist | Policy Consultant | Strategic Development Advocate | Climate Action Enthusiast | Sustainability & Impact Investing Specialist | Girl-Child Advocacy Champion | PPP & CRM Specialist | Transformational Business Analyst
