In a groundbreaking ceremony on Thursday, December 28, 2023, the ONEIH-KOLA BALOGUN TECHNOLOGY CENTER (O-KBTC) was officially commissioned, marking the establishment of West Africa’s inaugural facility dedicated exclusively to drone design, assemblage, manufacturing, repairs and maintenance.
O-KBTC is also designed for Printed Circuit Board (PCB) and Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DFMA).
The esteemed Olofa of Offaland, Oba Mufutau Muhammad Gbadamosi Okikiola, Esuwoye II, Ajagungbade I, led the commissioning, underscoring the vital role of technological progress in the region.
He was flanked by members of the Olofa-in-Council, including High Chief Balogun of Offaland, Alhaji Moruf Olaniyi Balogun; High Chief Ojomu of Offa, Joseph Bayo Akinola; High Chief Eesa of Offa, Dr. Yunus Oyewale Bukoye; High Chief Asalofa of Offa, Isiaka Adebayo Shittu, and others.
Members of the Council of Honourary Chiefs of Offa were led by Asiwaju of Offaland, Chief Tajudeen Owoyemi, and Otun Asiwaju of Offaland, Chief (Alhaji) Ayotunde Abdulrahim Raji. Among others in attendance were Aare Bobagunwa of Offaland, Dr. Waheed Olagunju; Bobaselu of Offa, Chief (Mrs.) Wosilat Tinuke McCarthy; Aare Bobaselu of Offaland, Chief Adekunle Ajeigbe; Aare Bobajiroro of Offaland, Chief Musbau Olalekan Olaniyi; Agbaakin of Offaland, Dr. Bashir Adetokun Adepoju; the Gbobaniyi of Offaland, Alhaji Ibrahim Adeagbo Adediji, and others.
Engr (Dr) Moshood Kola Gbolasere Balogun reaffirms his dedication to technological progress and steadfast support for initiatives with transformative potential in various industries.
As the founder of MEMMCOL, a company renowned for innovative contributions to the electricity meter manufacturing sector, Engr Balogun remains a driving force in advancing Nigeria’s industrial landscape.
The commissioning of O-KBTC on December 28 holds immense promise for the future of PCB manufacturing in West Africa. Anticipated outcomes include fostering collaboration, propelling research efforts, and igniting a new era of technological growth in the region. Under the visionary leadership of Engr (Dr) Moshood Kola Balogun, O-KBTC is positioned to revolutionize West Africa’s technology landscape and make substantial contributions to the global PCB industry.
O-KBTC signifies a noteworthy milestone in West Africa’s technological progress. By establishing a dedicated PCB manufacturing center, it not only facilitates local development but also diminishes reliance on imports, fostering innovation within the region. Engr Balogun’s unwavering interest and support underscore the pivotal role of such initiatives in propelling progress and economic growth.
With the commissioning of ONEIH-KOLA BALOGUN TECHNOLOGY CENTER, the technology center is well-positioned to tap into the potential of PCB technologies like never before. This endeavor is expected not only to boost the manufacturing sector’s growth but also to create new opportunities for research, development, and job creation in West Africa.
The ONE Innovation Hub Offa (ONEIH) Board, led by Chairman Dr. Waheed Olagunju, played a pivotal role in the event. Alhaji Bisi Oyeleke, Chief Adekunle Ajeigbe, Rasak Jayeola, and other board members were present, with Alhaji Bisi Oyeleke addressing the audience on behalf of the Board.
As West Africa’s technological landscape takes a significant stride forward with O-KBTC, the center is expected to contribute to local development, reduce reliance on imports, and stimulate innovation, fostering economic growth and job creation in the region. The commissioning ceremony showcased a united front of leaders and stakeholders committed to propelling West Africa into a new era of technological prowess.
Other dignitaries at the event included the Kwara State House of Assembly member representing Ojomu/Balogun Constituency, Honourable Seun Ogunniyi Adato; Dr. Aminah El-Imam, the Kwara State Commissioner for Health; Professor Hussein Oyelola Bukoye Oloyede, former VC Fountain University Osogbo and Summit University Offa; Qs Muhydeen Okunlola Kayode, the Principal Partner at Luxiar Construction Limited; Professor Abiodun Musa Aibinu, Vice-Chancellor of Summit University Offa; Alhaji Salako Olaniyi Azeez Muideen, National President of Offa Descendants Union (ODU); Alhaji Razaq Jaiyeola, a former President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN); Alh Masaud Nuhu; Dr. Akeem Oyewale, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Marble Capital Limited; Suraj Oyewale Jarus, Founder of Jarus Homes; Professor Olatinwo Abdulwaheed Olajide, former Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH); the Gbobaniyi of Offaland, Alhaji Ibrahim Adeagbo Adediji; Abdulyekeen Bola Mustapha (Olowo Gada); Engr. Abdulfatai Kolawole Yusuf, the president of Offa Engineers; Comrade Afolabi Lukman, the Chairman of Kwara State chapter of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR), and others too numerous to mention.