Founding
The first inaugural meeting of Osun Development Forum was held on January 23, 1999 at Alhaji Yekini Opawoye’s residence in Irving, Texas, USA. The names of the pioneer members that were present at the meeting are as follows: Mr. Gbenga Faboro (aka) Oluwaboro, Alhaji Yekini Opawoye, Pastor Pade Okunola, Mr. Solomon Olugbodi, and Mr. Babatunde Adewoyin.
Later on, Mr. Lateef Akanji, Mr. Kehinde Ladapo, Mr. Tunji Fasakin, Mr. Wale Ojo, Mr. Richard Ajenikoko also joined the organization in 1999. Late Dr. Tunde Durosomo and Mr. Victor Durosomo also joined the organization from out of state in 1999. Today, ODF has members even in Nigeria that help it to facilitate its objectives.
The primary objective of forming the organization included improving social, cultural bonds among its members. Coupled with this is the desire to help our people in Osun State of Nigeria. The organization has been involved in the following beneficial projects to its members and Osun State indigenes. Some of our projects areas include
Providing scholarship assistance
Coordinating sister city relationships between US cities and Osun State Cities.
Supporting the health care needs in Osun State people
Providing potable water to rural areas in the state.
The Interim Management team of ODF included Mr. Gbenga Oluwaboro (Chairman), Alhaji Yekini Opawoye (Secretary), and Pastor Pade Okunola (Financial Secretary-Treasurer). The Interim Management engaged itself with putting the organization on sound footing
Educational Endowments
Starting from 2015/2016 academic year the ODF decided to add this endowment program to its plethora of means to support the socio-economic advancement of our native land – The Osun State of Nigeria.
We endow the best students of Osun State origin in four chosen faculties/colleges within three institutions of higher learning in Osun State of Nigeria. Currently, The Osun Development Forum chooses the College of Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Engineering, Faculty of Education and Faculty of Administration as applicable to each institution.
The University recommends qualifying students from the respective faculties based on the results of their first college year’s examination. This endowment supports successful candidates until they complete their baccalaureate degree, if they continue to maintain excellent academic records as well as good moral standing throughout their programs.
The current monetary value of each endowment is a sum of One Hundred Thousand(=N=100,000.00) for each of the successful candidates per academic session.
Osun Development Forum is a charitable organization based in Dallas-Fort wort metroplex Texas, United States of America. The members consist of indigenes of Osun State living in the metroplex with common mission to contribute towards the development of our dear Osun State. Members of the ODF aspire to contribute to the educational development of Osun State, being fully aware that education is the fundamental to the growth and development of our youth.
ODF is requesting your assistance and support for this endowment program and we are willing to address any questions/concerns related to this program.
Long Live Osun State of Nigeria
Long Live ODF