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Daniel Adaji
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola has urged residents of Iragbiji and Nigerians generally to embrace responsible citizenship by supporting President Bola Tinubu’s development agenda.
Speaking before a large gathering of traditional rulers, community leaders and indigenes at the 34th Iragbiji Day celebration on Saturday, he described the ongoing efforts of the Federal Government as “a generational blessing that must be protected and maximised.”
The event, held in Iragbiji, brought together the Aragbiji of Iragbiji, Oba Abdur-Rasheed Ayotunde Olabomi (Odundun IV), eminent monarchs from across Osun State, captains of industry, and thousands of sons and daughters of the ancient community, who turned out to celebrate their heritage and recent developmental milestones.
In a statement on Sunday, Oyetola told the audience that the town was already witnessing remarkable transformation under the current administration. He highlighted the newly approved Federal University of Agriculture and Development Studies, Iragbiji (FUADSI), alongside the approval for the School of Fisheries to be located in the community.
“These two monumental institutions represent a generational blessing, a legacy that will change the face of Iragbiji forever,” he said, noting that the university would broaden access to education, spur innovation, expand job opportunities, and attract partnerships from within and outside the country.
He noted that the School of Fisheries fits into the country’s emerging Blue Economy framework and would equip young people with practical skills in aquaculture, marine sciences, and sustainable environmental management. He urged residents to regard both projects as “living legacies that will shape the destiny of our children and generations yet unborn.”
Using the occasion to rally broader national support, Oyetola argued that President Tinubu’s fairness and inclusiveness in distributing development projects deserved a matching level of commitment from citizens.
“I call on every son and daughter of Iragbiji to embrace these projects wholeheartedly and to continue to support President Tinubu’s administration. By supporting his policies, we support progress, we support unity, and we secure a better future for ourselves and for our children,” he said.
He also commended the host monarch, Oba Olabomi, for sustaining peace and unity in the town, describing the royal father as a leader whose wisdom has steered Iragbiji toward steady progress.
The Minister cautioned the youths against drug abuse and crime, reminding them that “there are no shortcuts to lasting success.” He encouraged them to pursue diligence, integrity and hard work.
Saturday’s ceremony was filled with cultural performances, reunions and community fundraising, all of which reinforced Iragbiji’s long-standing reputation for hospitality.
Oyetola urged residents to extend the same warmth to the incoming students, lecturers and staff of the new federal institutions.
“Our story is one of resilience, unity, and divine favour. As we celebrate the 34th Iragbiji Day, let us look to the future with hope and determination,” he said. “Iragbiji’s greatness lies not in her size, but in the greatness of her people.”