A WELCOME ADDRESS BY THE CHAIRMAN EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE OGBOMOSO COMMUNITY FOUNDATION (OCF), MAJ GEN OLADAYO POPOOLA (RTD) OFR, AT THE 9TH ANNUAL GENERAL ASSEMBLY (AGA) OF THE FOUNDATION WHICH WAS HELD AT THE RECREATION CLUB, OGBOMOSO ON SATURDAY 13TH NOVEMBER, 2010.

The Leader, Asiwaju S A Adewusi, GCON, Distinguished members of the foundation.

It is with the greatest pleasure that I welcome you to our 9th AGA.

We thank the Almighty God for the steady growth of the foundation in particular and Ogbomosoland in general. We also thank God for the life of our leader, Chief S. A . Adewusi, May God continue to bless each one of us. {Amen}.

Our foundation has been accepted both at home and in the diaspora. We have started receiving applications, in large numbers for enrolment as members from the diaspora. We shall process them and invite those who are qualified by all ramifications, to join the foundation.

In the outgoing year, specifically on the 10th April 2010, the OCF organized an Interactive Session with the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Otunba (Dr.) Christopher Adebayo Alao-Akala. About 109 Ogbomoso indigenes representing clubs and individuals attended the interactive Session. The epochal session was organized by OCF to deliberate on various issues aimed at laying down parameters of enhancing socio-economic development of Ogbomosoland. The roll call was very impressive. It was indeed an assemblage of eminent dignitaries from all walks of life, home and abroad. These include Government functionaries, seasoned administrators, highly respected technocrats, academics, business gurus and captains of industries, members of the force, politicians and religious leaders representing various interest groups in Ogbomosoland.

At the last AGA, 94 individuals and 6 societies registered their attendances. The Amount collected as registration fee was N146,000 and pledges. Our efforts at raising funds have not yet materialized. When we receive each Technical Committee's report, it will be adequately covered.

Permit me to use this opportunity to thank our leader for always being ready to host any of our gatherings even at short notice. I also wish to register my appreciation to the members of the Executive including the Technical Committees for their support. Lastly, my deep appreciation to the members of the Board of Trustees.

Next year 2011 will be 10 years of the existence of OCF, we are growing. We plan big for 2011 and we shall circulate our plans for input, criticisms and adoption as the meeting progresses.

Once again, I welcome you to this meeting. Enjoy yourself.

God Bless.