Members of the Omu Aran Social Club, a sociocultural organization representing indigenes of Omu Aran town in Irepodun Local Government Area, Kwara State, have urged the state government to honor the legacy of Brigadier David Bamigboye (rtd) by naming a significant edifice or monument after him.

In a statement, the group emphasized the contributions of the first military governor of Kwara State, noting his pivotal role in laying the foundation for the state’s development. They described the move as a fitting tribute to his exemplary leadership and lasting impact.

The people, who spoke through the President of the club, H. E. Ambassador Mohammed Bello Abioye, a former Nigerian High Commissioner to Pakistan, the Maldives, and Afghanistan, said that the first military governor of Kwara State, Brigadier David Lasisi Bamigboye (retired), has not been commensurately honoured by naming any of the state’s edifices, such as roads or educational institutions, after him in spite of his significant role in laying a solid foundation for the socioeconomic development of the state.

“It becomes more worrisome as we observe that some dignitaries in the state are being recognised and honoured for their services to the state.

“To remedy this situation, the state government is hereby called upon to immortalise the name of Brigadier David Bamigboye (rtd) by naming any significant edifice of monumental significance in the state after him,” the president of the organisation said at a gala night held to mark the end of 2024.

The event, which drew eminent personalities from within and outside the community, featured cultural displays, dinner, honours awards, and the launch of a ₦100 million appeal fund for the construction of an amenities ward, which the club intends to donate to the General Hospital, Omu Aran.

Also, the president of the club, H. E. Ambassador Mohammed Bello Abioye, emphasised the club’s dedication to preserving the community’s rich cultural heritage, recognising and honouring merits in various fields, and giving back to society by meeting infrastructural deficits in critical sectors such as health and education.

Ambassador Abioye said that since its inception in 1970, the club has held several events in this regard, such as giving scholarships to several indigent students, donating items of need to hospitals, and donating a ₦35 million multi-purpose hall to one of the secondary schools in the community.

“The launch of the ₦100 million appeal fund for the construction of the amenities ward to be donated to the General Hospital, Omu Aran, which is being done tonight, is another giant stride which the club intends to make to assist the government in making life more meaningful to our people,” he said.

He also enjoined the people to give maximum support to local, state, and federal governments in their quest to meet the yearnings and aspirations of the people.

Talking about the security of lives and property within the community, Ambassador Abioye called on relevant security agencies to pay special attention to the issues of security of lives and property in Omu Aran and its environs.

The honours awards were presented by His Royal Majesty, the Olomu of Omu Aran, Olomu Efon II, Oba Abdul Raheem Adeoti, who congratulated and urged the recipients of the awards to continue upholding the tenets of hard work, honesty, and steadfastness.

The occasion was witnessed by dignitaries from within and outside the community, such as top government officials, serving and former legislators, former Nigerian envoys, traditional rulers, community leaders, politicians, and businessmen.