Ogun Monarchs Storm Senate, Back Border Institute Bill

By KDeji Elumoye

Some traditional rulers from border towns in Ogun State yesterday stormed the Senate to throw their weight behind the Border Institute Bill sponsored by Senator Tolu Odebiyi (APC Ogun West).

At the public hearing held for required legislative inputs into establishment laws for the proposed Institute by the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFUND, royal fathers, among whom were Olu of Ilaro, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle; the Onipokia of Ipokia Yewa, Oba Yisa Adesola Olaniyan; Alagbara of Agbara Yewa, Oba Lukman Jayeola Agunbiade; Eselu of Iselu Yewa, Oba Ebenezer Akintunde Akinyemi; the Abepa of Joga Orile Yewa, Oba (Dr.) Adeyemi Olanrewaju Adekeye; Onimeko of Imeko, Oba Benjamin Olanite Alabi, and the Aboro of Iboroland, Oba Daniel Salako, graced the occasion.

The royal fathers in separate interviews with journalists yesterday said their presence at the public hearing was to openly demonstrate the seriousness and eagerness of the Yelwa people for the Institute, which, according to them, will have positive multiplier effects in their various communities

The bill seeks to establish the National Institute for Border Studies in Imeko, Ogun West senatorial district as a degree awarding institution, with the power to admit students and award degrees upon the completion of their statutory academic years and after satisfying the requirements of the council.

Also, the Institute is planned to develop and conduct courses for training of students as well as teachers in the teaching profession, expand the horizon for indigenous research and provide the basis for cooperation, partnership and collaboration with relevant institutions, researchers and stakeholders in Nigeria and beyond.