FESSU Celebrates First Iyan Day

FESSU PRESIDENT (Lasustech Chapter), Comr. Ayodele Prayer ( center), with other Executive Members of the association and invited guests

Photo: Safiu Kehinde 

 

Olashege Anizat

The Federation of Ekiti State Students Union (LASUSTECH Chapter) has, on Thursday, celebrated her first Iyan day anniversary held at School of Agriculture’s 500-seater auditorium.

Tagged “Our culture & heritage; a gift to our future”, the event commenced following an opening prayer rendered by the Union’s Vice President, Oluwafemi Adeayo, who also delivered the welcome address, narrating the resuscitation process of the union.

“The  Federation of Ekiti  State Students Union in LASUSTECH collapsed during the COVID-19. In 2021, Ayodele Prayer (the curent president of the union) and I came up with an idea that Ekiti State Students should not be in LASUSTECH without any association. So we decided to bring the association back to live- although it was not encouraging . I appreciate everyone who attend this occasion and believe that next time there would be more attendant”. He said.

Invited as the guest speaker of the occasion was  former Dean of School  of Agriculture, Dr. (Rev)  Joseph Bamidele.

While expressing his delight over the event, the Dr. Joseph urged the union to ensure continuity on the anniversary.

“I am so happy to be here. I worked for 33 years and 500- seaters Agriculture hall was launched during my tenure. I am so happy to be here. One should be proud of his/her state as there is no place like home. Indigenes should make it an habit to celebrate the Iyan day so as to create awareness to other students. Thank you all for coming and I wish you success.” He said.

Meanwhile, the Senate leader of FESSU Legislative Arm, Comr. Omofilewa Gbenga, gave a brief history of Ekiti state while also highlighting the geographical and political structure of the state.

According to him, Ekiti state was carved out of old Ondo state. It derived it name through hills. Ekiti constitutes one of the largest yoruba group with an estimated population of 2.4 million dwellers- as contained in 2006 population census conducted by NPC.

Ekiti land is naturally endowed with numerous natural resources such as granite, iron ore, gold, limestone, corobite, and phosphate. It has buoyant agricultural resources with cocoa as the leading cash crop, water resources, as well as forest resources notably timber.

Politically, the state is divided into 16 local governments which include Ekiti West, Ekiti East, Ijero, Oye, etc. The state also boast of being one of the most educated people in Nigeria.

The Senate leader, however urged the indigenes to

The Senate leader, however, urged the indigenes to actively engage themselves in the Union’s activities, stressing that there are several benefits attached to being an active member of the Union.

“There are lots of benefits of being a member of this association and these things are getting to the state government of Ekiti. We know Ekiti students to be very brilliant. We know those that emerged as the best graduating students of their respective institutions. I can tell you there are bursaries and scholarships that are for Ekiti State students. The only criterion is if you are duly represented in your various chapters.” He added.

Similarly, FESSU President (LASU Chapter), Comr. Ajayi Yetunde, urged the members to be proud  of their state; attend meetings, and face their academic which is the main focus  why they are in school- even while involving in politics in student union.

On his part, the President of FESSU (UNILAG Chapter), Comr. Oluwasegun Samuel stated that students should try their best and not forget their origin, stressing that they should work together with other indigenous student associations and attend meetings.

He sighted example of UNILAG Yoruba indigene comprising of NULASS,NAOSS and FESSU engage in indigene sporting activities to bring about bond and ensure peace and continuity.

Other dignitaries present at the event include FESSU President (Ibadan Polytechnic chapter)  Comr. Ayomide Ilori. and Kegite Club AB Chief (LASUSTECH Chapter), Chief Salifu Yusuf, NULASS (LASUSTECH Chapter) President Sen. Smith Modinat and other executive members.