A wave of optimism swept through Ondo Kingdom on Saturday, May 31st, 2025, as the Itesiwaju Movement was officially launched at the Bolorunduro Town Hall. With over 500 residents in attendance — including youths, women, elders, traditional rulers, and political stakeholders — the event marked what organizers described as “a new dawn” for the historically underdeveloped region.
Themed around grassroots development and community ownership, the launch showcased the Itesiwaju Development Plan — a ten-point agenda targeting electricity access, youth empowerment, agricultural revitalization, industrial development, and institutional strengthening.
Dr. Femi Akinkuebi, Founder of the Itesiwaju Movement and Managing Director of the Ore Industrial Park, delivered a rousing keynote address that set the tone for the day.
“The future of Ondo East is not in the hands of government alone. It is in our hands. We must begin to see development as a shared civic duty,” he said.
“We are gathered here to spark a revolution of responsibility. If we want power, roads, schools, jobs — we must organize, vote, speak, and build together.”
Dr. Akinkuebi’s call echoes the spirit of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which emphasizes local empowerment, community-driven initiatives, and national rebirth through active citizenship and responsible governance.
“Our vision for Itesiwaju aligns perfectly with the Renewed Hope of Mr. President,” Akinkuebi noted. “This movement is our way of taking ownership of that vision from the grassroots.”
The program began with a youth workshop on Temperament and Self-Discovery, facilitated by leadership trainer Bayo Babatunde, which provided insights into emotional intelligence and personal growth for dozens of young attendees. Participants described the session as “transformative and timely.”
Villages such as Fagbo, Tekuile, Asatan, Oboto, Elemosho, Owena, Sokoto, Kolawole, Bolorunduro, Igba, and Asin were strongly represented, creating a festive and united atmosphere filled with traditional attire, music, and communal energy.
In a symbolic show of cultural and traditional backing, key royal fathers and community leaders graced the event. They included the Loja of Oboto, Adenuoye Awotunji, Chairman of Loja Council Loja Bibire, the Bale of Tekuile, and delegates from several other communities across Ondo East. Also present were Oloja Felix Kolawole Adetimehin, the Oloja of Mobiiye, and the former Chief Medical Director of Ondo General Hospital, who is also an indigene of Ondo East.
A central feature of the day was a panel discussion titled “Uniting for Development”, moderated by Dickson Orisamuyiwa. The discussion created a platform for locals to share personal stories, highlight community needs, and suggest bold policy actions.
Akinkuolie Tomide Sodiq, President of the Ondo East Youth Council, also addressed the gathering, charging young people to take ownership of the Itesiwaju vision.
“This movement is about our future. Let’s not sit on the fence. Every young person in Ondo East should join hands to move this train forward. Our unity is our strength, and Itesiwaju is our path,” he declared.
Kehinde Betiku, who handled logistics for the movement, recounted his experience touring the region to mobilize support.
“I visited communities tucked deep in the forests, and what I saw was hunger — not just for food, but for change,” he said.
“People welcomed us with hope in their eyes. They’re ready to contribute to something that will transform their lives. Itesiwaju is giving them that platform.”
Michael Awoniyi, former Youth President of Ondo East, spoke passionately about the untapped potential of the region.
“We are blessed with fertile land, natural resources, and a vibrant youthful population. From agriculture to trade, Ondo East can feed its people and power its economy,” he said.
“This movement is about unlocking the value buried in our soil and in our people.”
In his closing remarks, Dr. Akinkuebi emphasized the political dimension of development, urging residents to become active citizens and not mere spectators.
“We must move beyond political apathy. Every vote counts. The louder our collective voice, the more visible we become in the state and national arena,” he asserted.
“Let us register. Let us vote. Let us hold ourselves and our leaders accountable.”
According to organizers, the launch is just the beginning. The Itesiwaju Movement will roll out civic education campaigns, grassroots engagement drives, and developmental partnerships in the coming months.
“Itesiwaju is not a campaign slogan. It is a call to action. It is a blueprint for the people, by the people, and with the people of Ondo East,” Akinkuebi concluded.
Just as the sun rises from the east to illuminate the world, so too is a new light emerging from Ondo East, a ray of hope and transformation for the entire Ondo Kingdom. The Itesiwaju Movement stands as that radiant dawn, promising to ignite development not just within the borders of one local government, but to inspire a ripple effect of progress, unity, and purpose across the entire region. From Ondo East, the future rises.