Clad in blue Adire fabrics of varied designs, members of the Osogbo Progressives Union in the USA (OPUUSA) were an elegance to see on July 26 in Dallas Texas, host of their 8th Biennial National Convention which doubled as Fund raising/ Gala Night, organised by Alhaji Yekeen Opawoye-led committee.
From New York, New Jersey, Philadephia, Atlanta-Georgia, Maryland, Washington DC, Chicago, Houston, Florida, Virginia, Wisconsin, Missouri, Delaware, Arizona and Europe, they travelled down and witnessed the convention.
Unlike previous editions since the OPUUSA was birthed in 2009, this one, themed “2025: Osogbo, Year of Unity”, came with a special feature which underscores the rising profile of the OPUUSA as a recognised agent of both change and development back home in Osogbo and Osun State by extension.
Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke was part of the convention, to the delight of all members of the socio-cultural group, and represented by Secretary to the Government, Alhaji Teslim Igbalaye, who incidentally is the Bobagunwa of Osogbo, the title with which he was confered on December 20, 2024.
The governor acknowledged significance of the gathering to him in opportunity not only to hangout with his hosts but also to rub mind together with them with a view to updating them on the ground so far covered by his admnistration in different sectors in the past two and half years.
“From that time and now, our administration has taken bold and ambitious actions to reverse the ugly trends of the past and set the course for a prosperous state. I want to be transparent about the situation we inherited so that you can realize the enormous changes that have been achieved and the prospect for future growth,” he revealed.
Adeleke, who sought support and collaboration of US-based Osogbo indigenes in further driving the administration to a safer destination, highlighted improved areas such as workers and pensioners welfare, education, roads, food security, renewed economic climate, cooperative society, empowements, rural development and health, particularly saying that the populace access to healthcare is unprecedented and departure from what obtained in the past when people were gnashing their teeth hopelessly in search of healthcare services.
“In the short term, Governor Adeleke initiated the Imole Surgical and Medical Outreach to provide immediate reprieve to the people suffering various health challenges. The medical intervention took place in each of the nine federal constituencies in the state, rendering free surgeries for cataracts, Pterigium, Hernia and some swellings on the body as well as other medical conditions like hypertension, diabetes, malaria, cough, tuberculosis, and other diseases,” he explained.
The Executive Director, Marine and Operations of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Engineer Lekan Badmus represented the Asiwaju Musulumi of Yorubaland, Alhaji Tunde Badmus. Rector, the Federal Polytechnic, Offa, Dr (Engineer) Kamoru Kadiri, another indigenes of Osogbo, was also in attendance at the occasion while the Special Guest of Honour was Mr John Bloch, Protem Mayor, Irving County, Dallas Texas.
The Gala Night witnessed the solemn swearing in of new executive committee members as follows: Alhaji Kazeem Adetunji, National President; Dr. Wahab Adebisi,1st Vice President; Mr.Akeem Tijani, 2nd Vice President; Mr. Biodun Durosinmi, General Secretary; Dr. Olawale Musbau Bankole, Asst. General Secretary; Dr. Lekan Adewuyi, Public Relations Officer; Mrs. Lola Yesufu-Osondu, National Treasurer; Mr Najeem Adekola, Financial Secretary and Mr Muda Adeosun, National Auditor.
In his welcome address, the president, like the governor, used the occasion to update the gathering about accomplishments of the union. He also thanked the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji Olanipekun and other stakeholders for their respective support that aid the OPUUSA to uphold its objectives of fostering unity of purpose among members to continously contribute to the social, educational, cultural, and economic development of Osogbo.
Adetunji remarked, “I would like to emphasize that our union is already exemplifying the power of unity through impactful programs, strategic partnerships, and a spirit of shared purpose.
“Programs and Key Achievements
Scholarship Awards and other impactful educational activities
Since 2010, OPUUSA has awarded scholarships to over 338 individuals from Osogbo pursuing undergraduate degrees in Nigeria. At the most recent scholarship ceremony in June 2025, we presented 46 successful students in our scholarship examination with ₦150,000 each, totaling ₦6.9 million, to support their academic endeavors.
“Additionally, in collaboration with the Osogbo Professional Association, OPUUSA conducted extramural classes for JAMB students of Osogbo origin in 2025, benefiting 106 students. OPUUSA has been partnering with Osogbo National Student Union (ONSU) to sponsor their summer extra-mural classes for students preparing for WAEC and GCE.
“Medical Missions:
Since our first medical outreach in 2019, we have expanded the outreach significantly. In collaboration with Prof. Caroline Adeoti of UniOsun Teaching Hospital, we provided eye screenings and surgeries for over 300 individuals in Osogbo, out of which 104 were provided with recommended glasses and cataract surgeries in 2021. In 2023, in partnership with the Osun State Hospital Management Board, we sponsored 50 successful hernia repair and fibroid removal surgeries.
“In 2025, we supported a comprehensive 3-day medical mission with NCNMO at Asubiaro General Hospital, Isale Osun. This mission performed 125 surgeries, over 1,000 consultations, dental services, health talks for students, and optometric services.
Artisan Empowerment Program.”
The Public Relations Officer also appreciated all guests, donors, sponsors and the entire members for their devotion to the growth of the OPUUSA.
Adewuyi admonished, “As we conclude this convention, let us reflect on the theme, let’s also remember that the success of tonight fundraising does not end here. The funds raised will go on to support specific project initiatives or general goals, helping us to positively impact our community,” he assured.
Two months ago, the OPUUSA leadership was back home in Osogbo where they distributed beans grain worth N20 million to over 115 compounds in the union’s third edition of palliative distribution to the people. Each of the compounds was given two bags of beans. They also gave 46 students of higher institution a token of N150,000 each.
The president then promised, “We also plan to have empowerment programme where we will distribute start-up materials to 30 newly trained artisans of Osogbo. They include tailors, barbers and hairdressers. This will enable them start their career.
“This is a viable organisation that is aimed at giving back to the society. We also call on other non-profit organisations to embark on these kinds of programmes by helping the downtrodden back home. If others can join this kind of programme, it will lessen the suffering of the people.”
Published on August 2, 2025
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