By Daniel’s Ekugo
Owase Community Professionals’ Forum (OCPF), a non-governmental organization has continued to be a beacon of hope and empowerment for the Owase community and environs of Oka Akoko in Ondo State.
Focusing on youth empowerment, infrastructure development, education, and health, OCPF remains committed to improving the quality of life of its community at Owase, in Oka Akoko, Ondo State.
From inception, OCPF has successfully implemented numerous projects including the renovation of community Town Hall, infrastructure, provision of clean water, support for farmers, and scholarships for students. The forum’s long-standing objective is to create an enabling environment for the community to thrive, while fostering a spirit of collaboration and sustainable growth.
In 2024, the Forum took another giant step towards fulfilling its vision during its annual event which held from August 2 to August 4, themed Light Up Owase. A blend of spiritual revival, infrastructure improvement, medical outreach and youth empowerment initiatives.
The event began with an evening crusade titled Light Up Owase at the community square led by esteemed ministers of faith, including Pastor Adebayo, founder of Orioke Eri CAC; Pastor Osim Stephen of Living Faith Church, Oka-Akoko; Pastor Shola Ologun of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Lagos; Prophet Sunday Ajakaiye, founder of Back to Sender Ministry; and Pastor (Dr.) Bernard Omoyeni of the Living Faith Church, Lagos, also the National Coordinator of OCPF.
Day 2 event was heralded by commissioning Solar Lights project executed by the OCPF to Illuminate the Community installed at key locations across the community.
According to Prof. Francis ‘Deji Gbore, Vice-Chancellor of Sam Maris University, Supare-Akoko, also the OCPF Home Front Coordinator, the initiative to install the solar power lights, was in continuation of OCPF’s long-term infrastructure development plan, aimed at improving security and nocturnal socio -economic activities of the community. The solar lights symbolize a brighter future, both literally and figuratively, as OCPF continues to provide lasting solutions to the community’s challenges.
OCPF’s commitment to the community extends beyond physical infrastructure. During the 2024 event, a free medical outreach was organized for residents, providing free consultations and medication for members of the community. This initiative reflects OCPF’s dedication to addressing both the social and health-related needs of the people.
The programme was concluded on Sunday, August 4, at the Owase Community Town Hall with a seminar on youth empowerment and social orientation.
Pastor Shola Ologun, Chairman of the OCPF Planning Committee, gave the opening address, reiterating the forum’s objectives and the importance of youth empowerment. He highlighted OCPF’s vision as established to uplift the community by equipping its youths with the skills and opportunities necessary for meaningful contributions to both the community and the nation.
The National Coordinator, Pastor (Dr.) Bernard Omoyeni, in his opening remark expressed great joy at the opportunity created by the Forum for socio -economic development of the community and its people, more so that the vision of OCPF is being realized as evidenced in the landmark projects that have been executed by the NGO within its internally generated resources. He noted the key OCPF milestone achievements, including: Repair of community boreholes, providing access to clean water, Renovation of the community Town Hall, Distribution of agricultural inputs to local farmers, such as herbicides
Organizing seminars and training sessions to enhance youth employability and farmer productivity, Continued scholarship support to deserving secondary school students, Career guidance programs for youths, helping them identify opportunities for success, Solar powered street lights
In his leadership welcome remark, the OCPF Board of Trustee Chairman, Mr Dare Owolabi, MD/CEO Jomabot Hotel expressed delight concerning the impact of OCPF on the community within its short period of operation. He praised the commitment of the OCPF members to the vision of the NGO, demonstrated through the sacrifice of finances and time invested. He, therefore, urged members of the community particularly the youths to maximize the opportunity provided by the Forum.
High Chief W. A. Ajakaiye, the Olowase of Owase, praised OCPF’s commitment in his goodwill message. He acknowledged the forum’s contributions in addressing the needs of the community, from infrastructure to youth education, and expressed his gratitude for OCPF’s efforts in fostering progress in Owase.
Sir Sunday Ajobiewe who delivered the lecture on the Influence of Social Media Utilization on Academic Performance of Students, discussed the dual impact of social media on education, emphasizing its potential as a learning tool while cautioning against distractions that could harm academic success. His message encouraged students to harness the power of social media for personal growth and educational advancement.
As part of OCPF’s education-focused initiatives, the forum awarded scholarships to ten outstanding secondary school students for the 2024/2025 academic year. The selected students, recognized for their academic achievements and determination, include: Ogedengbe Mary, Oki Eniola, Asooto Adewale, Akerele Busayo, Adeleye Funmilayo, Alu Ruth, Awoyemi Bright, Arewa Sayo, Opale Opeyemi, and Olaitan Olamide, who have joined the outstanding list of OCPF’s scholarship recipients
The scholarship is a testament to the OCPF’s belief in the power of education to transform lives. By alleviating financial burdens and motivating academic excellence, OCPF is helping to secure a brighter future for Owase’s youth.
Since establishment, OCPF has grown into a respected institution within Owase, driven by its mission to serve the community through strategic, well-targeted initiatives. Over the years, the Forum has played an instrumental role in the development of the community by leveraging the expertise, networks, and resources of its members.
From restoring essential infrastructure to fostering a culture of self-reliance and continuous learning among the youth, OCPF is building a legacy of service. The forum’s impact on Owase’s socio-economic landscape is evident in the lives touched and the projects completed.
The Owase Community Professionals’ Forum (OCPF), established in 2019, is a non-governmental organization made up of professionals from various fields. Its members, who hail from Owase but are spread across Nigeria and abroad, are committed to the socio-economic development of their hometown.