GNA Global Family Congratulates Ooni of Ife, Adagba of Iyanfoworogi on Landmark NOUN Mega Campus Approval

The Great Nigerian Assembly (GNA), its global leadership, members spanning six continents, the Coverage Area Administration (CAA) Governance Initiative, and the entire GNA Global Family today expressed profound congratulations to His Imperial Majesty, The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, Chairman of the Advisory Council of the GNA CAA Governance Initiative for Ife Local Governments, and to His Royal Highness, Oba Adetayo Oladele, Adegbaju I, the Adagba of Iyanfoworogi, GNA Advisory Council Member, on the historic approval of Iyanfoworogi as the site of the proposed National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) Mega Campus in Ilé-Ifè.

This landmark achievement represents a transformational milestone for education, youth empowerment, economic growth, and the long-term development of one of Africa’s most historically significant cities.

 His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, Ooni of Ife.

HOW THE APPROVAL WAS SECURED

The announcement follows extensive engagements involving community leaders, traditional institutions, development advocates, and members of The Ife Intellectuals (TII), whose sustained advocacy and strategic facilitation played a pivotal role in bringing this national project to fruition.

According to information released by The Ife Intellectuals, the National Open University of Nigeria conducted a comprehensive physical assessment of multiple proposed sites across Ilé-Ifè before selecting Iyanfoworogi as the most suitable permanent location.

The assessment process was led by a community delegation headed by Sooko Kemade Elugbaju, accompanied by other prominent stakeholders who presented various locations for the university authorities' consideration.

Following detailed evaluations, Iyanfoworogi emerged as the preferred site. Academic activities are expected to commence immediately from an existing secondary school facility within the community while permanent campus infrastructure is developed. The project will be fully funded, equipped, and supported by the Federal Government of Nigeria through the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund). 

Oba OLADELE Olasore, Adagba of Iyanfoworogi and Member, GNA CAA Advisory Council

A NEW CHAPTER FOR THE CRADLE OF YORUBA CIVILIZATION

For decades, Ilé-Ifè has occupied a singular place in African history as the recognized cradle of Yoruba civilization. The establishment of a NOUN campus within the ancient city is expected to produce far-reaching benefits across multiple dimensions of community life, including:

●     Expanded access to higher education for residents and surrounding communities

●     Significant employment creation during construction and in sustained operations

●     Increased federal investment flowing into the region

●     Stimulation of local economic activity and entrepreneurship

●     Enhanced capacity for technological innovation and academic research

●     Strengthened positioning of Ilé-Ifè as a leading educational destination in Nigeria

●     Greater opportunities for youth empowerment and skills development

The GNA affirmed that this development aligns precisely with ongoing civic efforts to reposition Ilé-Ifè as a model city for sustainable development, citizen participation, educational excellence, and community-driven governance.

“What we are witnessing is the hand of God at work in the transformation of Nigeria and Africa. The GNA CAA Governance Initiative is designed to ensure that communities feel the real impact of governance and have a voice in determining how their communities develop.”

— Dr. Kayode Elusoji, Founder & Executive Director, Great Nigerian Assembly

DR. ELUSOJI SPEAKS: VISION BEHIND THE GNA MOVEMENT

Speaking in an exclusive interview with GNA TV & News from the organization's global headquarters in Chicago, Illinois, GNA Founder and Executive Director Dr. Kayode Elusoji described the rapid growth of the movement as evidence of divine purpose and national destiny.

Dr. Elusoji emphasized that Nigeria's development challenges cannot be solved through political leadership alone. He identified the absence of structured systems that promote accountability, reward performance, and institutionalize citizen participation as one of the nation's most persistent obstacles to progress.

Dr. Kayode Elusoji

Founder & Executive Director, Great Nigerian Assembly (GNA)

"For too long, communities have lacked effective mechanisms to openly recognize outstanding performance and question non-performance. When people are not held accountable for their responsibilities, development suffers. The GNA CAA Governance Initiative is designed to bridge that gap," he stated.

Dr. Elusoji was equally emphatic in defining what the GNA is not. "We are not a political movement. We are not a government institution. We are a platform. We are a bridge between the people and governance," he said.

He added that the platform will formally recognize and celebrate contributions made by individuals, traditional institutions, elected officeholders, community organizations, professional associations, and development partners whose efforts positively transform communities — thereby promoting healthy competition, responsible leadership, and measurable development outcomes.

CAA GOVERNANCE INITIATIVE RECORDS SIGNIFICANT PROGRESS

The approval of the NOUN Mega Campus comes at a pivotal moment, as the GNA Coverage Area Administration (CAA) Governance Initiative records accelerating progress across Ife Central and Ife East Local Governments.

The initiative is establishing a transparent, accountable, citizen-centered governance framework engineered to accelerate grassroots development while fostering collaboration among professionals, traditional institutions, community organizations, youth groups, and development partners across Ife LGAs.

CAA COMMITTEE LEADERSHIP

●     GN (Prince) Johnson Olufunsho Adetayo — Chairman

●     GN (Elder) Micheal Ojo — Vice Chairman

●     GN (Prof.) Eniola Oyewande — Member

●     GN (Prince) Tokunbo Adeniji — Member

●     GN (Rev.) Oladipo Amos — Member

●     GN (Barrister) Festus Olaobaju — Member

●     GN Gbenga Adefaye — Member

ADVISORY COUNCIL MEMBERS

● Sooko Alani Opeloye

● Sooko Ademola Ogunfidodo

● Sooko Adeleke Odewade

SPECIAL DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MEMBERS

● GN (Dr.) Janet Olabode

● GN (Hon.) Yomi Alowooja

● GN (Hon.) Demola Elusanmi

● GN Niyi Murele

● GN Joshia Olowoporoku

● GN (Hon.) Gbenga Omisore

The organization confirmed that additional appointments are being finalized. A complete official list — including Advisory Council Members, CAA Committee Members, Special Development Committee Members (Health, Agriculture, Infrastructure, Youth Empowerment & Education, and Security) Ward Coordinators, and Global Development Partners — will be released and published in the GNA magazine , ahead of the formal inauguration ceremony.

BUILDING A GLOBAL PLATFORM FOR IFE PROFESSIONALS

The CAA Committee is developing a comprehensive global platform designed to unite professional sons and daughters of Ilé-Ifè at home and across the Diaspora. The platform will serve as a strategic vehicle for:

●     Community development and infrastructure advancement

●     Professional collaboration and networking

●     Investment promotion and economic development

●     Youth mentorship and educational advancement

●     Public accountability and transparent governance

The initiative aims to harness the collective expertise, resources, and influence of Ife professionals worldwide in support of transformational projects that measurably improve quality of life across the ancient city.

IFE LG GLOBAL DEVELOPMENT FUND TARGETS ₦10 BILLION

Among the flagship programs under active development is the proposed Ife Local Government Global Development Fund — a strategic investment vehicle targeting over ₦10 Billion in development initiatives. The fund is designed to support:

●     Industrial development and manufacturing projects

●     Community infrastructure and public works

●     Educational programs and institutional capacity

●     Healthcare initiatives and public wellness

●     Youth entrepreneurship and innovation

●     Agricultural modernization and food systems

●     Technology development and digital infrastructure

●     Public-private development partnerships

The fund is structured to deliver sustainable, measurable economic impact while maintaining the highest standards of transparency and accountability through modern governance systems.

IFE SERVES AS NATIONAL PILOT — INTEREST GROWS NATIONWIDE

GNA leadership confirmed that Ife Local Government is currently serving as the pilot location for several of the organization's transformative governance and development initiatives. The success of the pilot program has already attracted active interest from communities and local governments across Nigeria exploring adoption of the model.

As implementation continues, the GNA expects the CAA Governance Initiative to emerge as one of the most significant citizen-driven development frameworks in modern Nigerian history — a replicable blueprint for accountable, participatory, and results-oriented local governance.

Approval Certificate

CONGRATULATIONS FROM THE GNA GLOBAL FAMILY

The Great Nigerian Assembly warmly congratulates all those whose vision and commitment made this historic achievement possible:

●     His Imperial Majesty, The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II

●     His Royal Highness, Oba Adetayo Oladele, Adegbaju I, Adagba of Iyanfoworogi

●     The Ife Intellectuals (TII) and their leadership

●     Sooko Kemade Elugbaju and the community delegation

●     Community leaders and stakeholders who supported the process

●     The people of Iyanfoworogi

●     The entire people of Ilé-Ifè

The approval of the National Open University of Nigeria Mega Campus is a historic achievement that will positively shape the lives of generations of students, scholars, entrepreneurs, and community leaders. As Ilé-Ifè continues its journey toward becoming a global center of education, innovation, culture, and sustainable development, this milestone stands as a powerful testament to what visionary leadership, strategic collaboration, and unwavering community commitment can accomplish.