Benedict Adetunji Olalere

 

A Reflection on the Occasion of the National Association of Ogun State Students (NAOSS), Federal Cooperative College Ibadan (FCCIB) Chapter Cultural Day 2026

As we celebrate the National Association of Ogun State Students (NAOSS) Cultural Day 2026 of the Federal Cooperative College Ibadan (FCCIB) Chapter, I consider it important to address a question that has followed me for many years regarding my identity and background.

Many people have often assumed that I am an indigene of Ogun State because my journey in student unionism and activism began within the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Joint Campus Council (JCC), Ogun Axis. While I proudly identify with Ogun State because it shaped my formative years, it is equally important to present the historical facts about my roots.

My late mother, Mrs. Sarah, was born into the family of Pa Amos Elijah of the Saala Area, Ayetoro, in Egbado North Local Government Area of Ogun State. By virtue of her heritage, I spent my childhood in Ogun State, where I received my primary education, secondary education, and my Ordinary National Diploma (OND).

Growing up in Ogun State exposed me to community development, sporting activities, youth engagement, and student politics. Those experiences laid the foundation for the leadership values that have continued to define my public service today. I became actively involved in several developmental initiatives and established strong relationships within Egbado North and beyond.

However, I have always understood the importance of acknowledging my paternal heritage. My late father was an indigene of Lalere Community, Igbo Elerin, Lagelu Local Government Area of Ibadan, Oyo State.

Following his passing in 2011 and his burial in our ancestral home after the funeral service at St. Peter’s Aremo, Ibadan, I made the life-changing decision to relocate permanently to Oyo State to continue my educational pursuit.
That decision opened another remarkable chapter of my life.

I gained admission into the Federal Cooperative College, Eleyele, Ibadan, as a Pre-HND student before proceeding with my studies in Cooperative Economics and Management (C.E.M.). My passion for humanity would not allow me to remain an ordinary student. Service became a calling.

In 2015, I contested for the office of Vice President of the National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS). Following consultations among stakeholders, I stepped down and eventually served as Assistant Secretary General (ASG). During my tenure, I dedicated myself to advancing students’ welfare, strengthening institutional relationships, and promoting youth development across Oyo State.

One of the defining moments of that administration was the successful organization of a Youth and Students Summit at Kakanfo, Ibadan, which attracted over 2,000 students from various tertiary institutions. The event featured the then Executive Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko (Iroko), as the Guest Speaker and was made possible through the collective efforts of committed Students’ Union leaders, including Comrade Adesokan Taiwo, Comrade Alao John, Bishop Kolawole, and many other progressive student leaders.

My journey in student leadership continued beyond that chapter.
In 2019, I contested for the office of President of the National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS) during the Edo Convention. Although the convention was characterized by internal divisions and factional disputes, I remained steadfast in my commitment to the advancement of Nigerian Polytechnic students.
Throughout that period, I championed several impactful initiatives,

including:

NAPS/Domak Land Housing Investment Initiative.

NAPS Security Alert Programme.

International Students’ Day activities.

National advocacy campaigns on students’ welfare.

The solidarity movement for Teejay of Federal Polytechnic Ilaro.

The justice campaign following the tragic killing of a female student of the Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology, Moor Plantation, which drew national attention and brought the then NANS President, Comrade Bamidele Akpan Danielson, to Oyo State.

Several peaceful advocacy programmes, policy engagements, and students’ development initiatives.

These experiences further strengthened my conviction that leadership is fundamentally about sacrifice, courage, and service to humanity.

The values that drive me today are deeply rooted in my family background.
My late father was a disciplined retired military officer who dedicated his life to national service. My maternal and paternal families are widely respected for their hard work, integrity, and unwavering fear of God.

I am also a proud member of the Lagelu Indigene Club (L.I.C.), an association reserved for descendants of Lagelu in Ibadan. My uncle, Mr. Soji Oguntola, a distinguished retired Permanent Secretary who served meritoriously in three ministries under the Oyo State Government, currently serves as the President of the club. His decades of public service remain a source of inspiration to me.
For anyone who still questions my paternal identity, history remains the greatest witness. I am proudly from Lalere Community, Igbo Elerin, Lagelu Local Government Area, Ibadan, Oyo State.

Anyone interested in verifying this fact is free to visit the community and engage with the people. My family has remained part of that community for generations, and my uncle equally holds the traditional title of Asiwaju of Igbo Elerin.

Today, I proudly celebrate both dimensions of my heritage.

Ogun State nurtured my childhood, built my character, and introduced me to public leadership.

Oyo State strengthened my convictions, expanded my opportunities, and gave me a broader platform to serve students, young people, and society.
Both states have contributed immensely to the man I have become.
I therefore express my profound appreciation to the entire Omo Ogun Community in Oyo State, across Nigeria, and particularly the leadership of NAOSS FCCIB Chapter for the honour bestowed upon me during this year’s Cultural Day celebration. I receive this recognition with humility, gratitude, and a renewed commitment to continue serving humanity.

As President of the National Association of Oduduwa Students (NAOS), I remain committed to promoting unity, cultural identity, educational advancement, youth empowerment, peaceful coexistence, and sustainable development across the Southwest and Nigeria as a whole.
My vision remains unwavering:

A greater Oyo State.

A more progressive Southwest.

A united and prosperous Nigeria.

Nigeria will survive.

Nigeria shall be great again.

 

 

Written by: Comrade Olalere Benedict Adetunji
President,
National Association of Oduduwa Students (NAOS) &
Economics Student, Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo