Soun hails 'transformational strides' of The Assembly Innovation Centre, says it's beginning of New Ogbomoso

Soun hails ‘transformational strides’ of The Assembly Innovation Centre, says it’s beginning of New Ogbomoso

Yinka ADETUNJI

The Soun of Ogbomosoland, His Imperial Majesty Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye Orumogege III, has commended the “impressive leap” he observes at The Assembly, an innovative centre that he commissioned last year occupying the former Coca cola depot of the immediate past Soun, Oba Oladunni Oyewumi Ajagungbade III, located at LAUTECH area.

The centre conceived to be a workstation for creative minds, and an innovation hub with excellent internet connection facilities, Oba Olaoye noted during a courtesy visit on Saturday that the centre has grown in leaps and bounds. He added that it is already achieving its goals by attracting other innovative organisations that are transforming the technology environment in Ogbomoso.

“Within this space, forward-thinking organizations such as Alaafia, Ennovate Lab, awaHealth, GadePlus Africa, Slikride, Genomic Holdings and CTCTW are already nurturing ideas, empowering young people, and supporting technology startups that will shape the future,” the Soun said.

Related Posts:

Oba Ghandi effect: Another innovation hub opens in Ogbomoso – ‘We’re inspired by monarch’

Soun provides more insight into Ennovate Lab commissioned in Ogbomoso today

The co-chairman of the Oyo State Traditional Council of Obas and Chiefs admitted he was inspired by the hub’s progress, likening it to the story of Paradise Island, Nassau, Bahamas.

ogbomosoinsightonline.com reports that Paradise Island once called Hog Island, got renamed in 1962 by Huntington Hartford II, an American and a visionary who imagined turning an overlooked space into a premier global destination. Today, the island is world-famous as a tourist attraction centre, the home of the massive Atlantis resort boasting extensive water park rides, pools, beach, restaurants, walk-in aquarium, and casinos, and standing as a testament to what bold ambition can achieve.

Oba Ghandi lauded The Assembly for a similar transformation, which he submitted had seen turning a run-down factory into a modern, vibrant center for creativity.

He emphasized that the impact of this initiative cannot be overstated, noting that spaces like The Assembly are set to create meaningful opportunities for the youth and attract innovators, entrepreneurs, and investors to the land.

“By strengthening the city’s growing digital and creative economy,” the monarch believes “these hubs will position Ogbomosoland as a centre for innovation and enterprise within Nigeria.”

“For young people, this transformation provides essential access to knowledge, mentorship, and technology, offering a platform to turn bold ideas into thriving businesses,” the monarch stated. He added that for the wider community, it signifies a future defined by “job creation, sustained economic growth, and a renewed belief in what is possible.”

“This is only the beginning,” Oba Olaoye enthusiastically declared. “My vision remains clear; in the years ahead, we will see more transformational spaces like The Assembly rise across Ogbomosoland, centres that will nurture talent, inspire innovation, and build a prosperous future for our people. Indeed, when vision meets courage and collaboration, communities are transformed. The future of Ogbomosoland is bright.”