Ijebu Boys Association to hold economic summit in Ogun

The Ijebu Boys Association, a non-profit, is set to hold its first economic summit and convention in Ogun state.

The association, also known as the IJ Boys, is a group of former students from Ijebu, a town in Ogun state.

It was formed in 2016 as a charity organisation to provide free medical services for Ijebu residents.

Speaking at a gathering on Friday, Olagbuyi Oduniyi, president of the association, said the convention is to create a platform to spotlight Ijebu as an economic hub of Ogun.

The convention will include a business exhibition and a trade fair.

The five-day programme will be held in Ijebu Ode from June 2 to 6, 2025.

The convention begins with commissioning the Ijebu Boys’ secretariat and a trade fair.

An economic forum will be held on June 3, and a cultural day on June 4 will include an Ijebu-dialect debate.

Thirty-six schools will be participating in the competition.

On June 5, a medical outreach will be held at the Odogbolu local government area.

Kunle Hassan, the chief executive officer (CEO) of Eye Clinic Foundation, will chair the event.

There will be a fundraising ceremony during which guests will be entertained by Wasiu Ayinde, the Fuji musician.

Oduniyi said the convention will bring together local entrepreneurs, service providers, startups, and creatives to discuss Ijebu’s economic growth.

“These are boys who grew up in Ijebu land in the 70s. As we finished secondary school, we all scattered all over the world,” he said.

“We were organising events via WhatsApp. This year, we decided to converge in Ijebu and have our first convention. And we want it to be memorable.

“There will be a lot of benefits for the Ijebu people. They are the beneficiaries of our charity organisations.

“This 2025 is unique because our objective was to first look into the healthy living of Ijebu residents, then delve into economic empowerment and see how we can be an instrument in promoting socio-culture in Ijebu land.

“We will bring all the local entrepreneurs, service providers, startups, including Fintechs, and creatives to start having conversations with Ijebu dignitaries that have proven themselves in all works of life. So that they can tap into their knowledge and hold the key to success.”

Oduniyi added that the Ijebu Boys are also working on a 10-year development plan that will include scholarships for indigent and vulnerable students in the city.

Other association executives, including Niyi Awonaike, chairman of the welfare committee; Olutola Ashiru, chairman of the infrastructure development committee; and Adetola Odusote, head of publicity, were also present at the gathering.