Kunle Adelabu
Following the success of the maiden holiday camp organized by the Igbogbo Students’ Union (ISU), which surpassed all expectations, the union is poised to sustaining the initiative and make it a permanent feature in its annual programmes.
The three-day camping held at the Andus D’ Great Schools, Offin/Oreta, Igbogbo, kicked – off on Thursday, December 26 and ended on Saturday, December 28, with pupils and students from primary and junior secondary schools, as participants.
The camping outing was themed, “One Purpose, One Plan: Rebirthing a Self-Sufficient and Resilient Union”.
Comrade Abdusalam Tijani, President, ISU, made the declaration at the camp, which had a total of 43 participants, including officials and members of ISU, and were all issued certificates of participation at the end of the camping.
Master Idowu Emmanuel from Group Elite, emerged as the best participant.
Meanwhile, speaking with THE IMPACT, the ISU President said that the idea of the camping was developed as an avenue to develop its members, adding that the children between ages 5 and 11, that participated, proved to be remarkable.
“The idea for the ISU Retreat was conceived during the Children Education Fund (CHEF) Week in May, 2024, specifically during the education program. It was proposed as a platform to foster the development of our members. The camping’s eventual success exceeded all expectations.
“The participation by young children, aged 5 to 11, stood out as one of the most remarkable and inspiring aspects of the retreat. These children, primarily in primary and junior secondary schools, displayed exceptional engagement and enthusiasm.
“Through leadership training and diverse workshops, we focused on equipping them with essential skills. Our aim is to see them grow and excel among their peers, over the next five years”, he said.
Comrade Abdusalam acknowledged the support by ISU stakeholders and the owner of the school used as venue, for the success of the camp, and added that they have pledged further support for subsequent editions.
“Community support played a significant role in the success of the retreat. Our stakeholders demonstrated immense commitment, with many joining the camp, and also extended their support after witnessing the program’s impact via our media team’s coverage.
“The venue was graciously provided free of charge, and stakeholders made substantial contributions. Encouraged by the success of this event, they have promised even greater support for future editions”.
Speaking further on sustaining the initiative, Abdusalam said that his administration is fully committed to its sustenance.
“Retaining the ISU Retreat is a priority. I am fully committed to ensuring it becomes a permanent part of the union’s annual programmes. I pledge to organize ISU Retreat 2.0, and to encourage my successor to carry on by organising ISU Retreat 3.0 and beyond.
“I am also promising to provide unwavering support for future leadership of the union, to ensure the continuity and growth of this initiative”, the ISU President pledged.
The presence of Barrister Adeleke Dankuwo, President, Igbogbo Youth Coalition (ISU), on the final day of the camp, reportedly enlivened the mood of participants, as he commended the leadership of the union, for the initiative and other laudable ideas.
In his speech, he focused on key issues affecting the union and the generality of youths in Igbogbo, and called for collaborative efforts in addressing them.
Similarly. Hon. Alonge Temilade, the first female speaker of Igbogbo Students’ Union, who was also a guest at the camp, delivered a thought-provoking speech on the importance of teamwork, hitting the nail on the head with practical insights, and motivated the participants to embrace collaboration.
The guest speaker, Dr. Nurudeen Oshinlaja, an Igbogbo – born researcher with the School of Earth & Environmental Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK, delivered a paper on the theme of the camp, ‘One Purpose, One Plan: Rebirthing a Self-Sufficient and Resilient Union’.
He was represented by Barr. Adeleke Aroyewun, the Legal Adviser, National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Lagos State chapter.
He commended the students’ union leaders for the idea, and added that the gathering signified an opportunity to plan for a better future for the union and Igbogbo community.
“Our gathering here signifies not just the strength of our collective will, but the potential for a brighter future for us as students, youths, future leaders and for Igbogbo as a community.
“This moment marks not only a reflection of our shared journey, but also a call to action—a call to rebirth of a self-sufficient and resilient union that will stand as a beacon of hope for generations to come.
While stating that the journey towards self-sufficiency begins with a plan which must prioritize the development of members through skill acquisition, mentorship programs, and strategic partnerships, Dr Oshinlaja also charged the leadership of ISU on the need to leverage the resources within and around them— talents, networks, and collective resolve—to build systems that ensure our financial independence and institutional growth.
Furthermore, Dr Oshinlaja charged them to embrace challenges as opportunities to innovate and grow, and also support one another and continue to adapt to the ever-changing world.
The guest speaker enjoined the ISU leadership and its members to embrace mentorship, and be concerned about welfare of its members. He also called for harmony with their host community by not only designing quarterly retreat and other programmes for itself, but also key into the community’s programmes.
He also asked them to design a way of bringing those that they referred to as the union’s stakeholders to contribute to it and the funds used for ISU programmes, invest in government bonds, community project and scholarship for its members, especially for those pursuing Masters degree in Science, Engineering, Technology, Medicine, Education, Economics, Accountancy, and Law disciplines.
Other stakeholders in attendance at the closing ceremony of the 3-day camping, were Mr. Kehinde Adekoya, ISU President (1993), Mr. Sanni Sheriff, Mr. Sudan Sanni, Dr. Ogunyemi Oluwole and others.
