… Our unity is non-negotiable – Deji

… Communities must make sacrifices, commitments to grow – Youth Minister

 

Traditional rulers, political leaders, and stakeholders from across Akure-speaking communities on Wednesday converged on Akure, Ondo State capital, in order to forge a unified development agenda within the corridor.

With the theme ‘Building a Smart, Integrated, and Prosperous Development Corridor,’ the three-day summit was designed to unite communities spanning Akure South, Akure North, and Ifedore Local Council Areas under a common development vision.

While speaking at the event tagged ‘Akure-Speaking Communities’ Development Summit 2026,’ which was held at The Dome, Akure, the state capital, the Deji of Akure Kingdom, Oba Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi, stressed that the gathering had reinforced his belief in the future greatness of Akure-speaking communities.

The monarch, who emphasised that no stone would be left unturned to achieve the dream of unity, dismissed narratives suggesting the communities are divided.

According to him, Akure-speaking people are mending broken fences and dusting off old alliances towards building a progressive, united, and peaceful larger community.

The traditional ruler reaffirmed his commitment to the establishment of an Akure-speaking communities central body, describing it as long overdue, while clarifying that it would not subsume existing community associations but strengthen the umbrella structure.

“There is now a consensus among us that our unity is non-negotiable.
I am emboldened today to say that with the gathering of today, we are at the threshold of achieving our dream of unity as people bound by the same language, culture, and traditions. I am of the opinion that no challenges are insurmountable. We will disagree to agree as a brother that we used to be,” the monarch stated.

On his part, the Chairman of the Central Planning Committee of the summit, Air Commodore Adewale Ogunmodede (Rtd.), emphasised that no town, institution, or leader could build the future alone, describing the gathering as a reminder that development is a shared responsibility.

Ogunmodede harped on the efforts of community groups, stressing that working together beats acting alone and that effective structures must be crafted to overcome developmental challenges.

“As we begin this journey, I warmly and respectfully encourage you all to engage wholeheartedly. Share your ideas. Ask difficult questions. Offer solutions. Challenge assumptions. Build partnerships.

“This summit belongs to all of us, and its success depends on our collective energy. We are renewing our path with destiny, that is, reshaping the future of our Akure-speaking communities for the better.

“Our youths cannot be employed by speeches but by strategies for productive development. This is what this Summit is all about. This Summit is designed to help us explore these pillars in depth,” he stated.

The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, who described the summit as apt, stated that “it’s important to us because a lot of people have said a lot of things about Akure, so we are trying to change the view of things.

“We want to have a unique house. We want to have a formed, organic reform that all the Kabiesi, all the chiefs, and everybody want to speak in one language. It doesn’t matter whoever it is. Somebody must make a sacrifice for something to come up. So we are making the sacrifice. The most important thing is to have a strong voice, so that we can grow.

The gathering drew participation from over 20 communities, including Obaile, Ala, Iju, Ita-Ogbolu, Ogbese, Ilu-Abo, Igoba, Ilado, Imafon, Osi, and Isinigbo, among others.