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EKIFEST’s tool for cultural re-armament, youth development – Alawe, Commission for Youths

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The Chairman Ekiti State Council for Traditional Rulers, Oba Adebanji Ajibade Alabi has described the resuscitation of Ekiti State Festival for Arts and Culture, EKIFEST by Governor  Kayode Fayemi as an act of saving this generation from the contempt of generation next, while the State Commissioner for Youths and Sport Development, Mr Michael Awopetu said that EKIFEST would be a platform for cultural re-armament and tool for socio-behavioural re-engineering of our youths

Oba Alabi and Commissioner Awopetu made these observations in a separate forum while hosting some members of EKIFEST 2019 Steering Committee led by Professor Rasaki Ojo – Bakare, Festival Consultant, which includes Ambassador Wale Ojo Lanre , Director – General , Ekiti State Council for Arts and Culture, Mr Banji Adelusi , Director of Culture and Prince Caleb Osasona , Chairman, Network for Ekiti State Creative Artists, NECA, and others in their respective base .

Oba Alabi, a diplomat by career who had served Nigeria in Jamaica and the Caribbean before mounting the stool promised to support the Committee for a successful festival said that the desire to host EKIFEST by the state government is a genuine desire by the government to stoke the economics of the state via cultural – tourism initiative.

He pointed out that the cultural festival celebration is a multi-dollar revenue spinner which countries like Jamaica, The Gambia, India, Brazil, have explored to boost their economies and which Ekiti – State government must tap early and enhance spiritedly

Oba Alabi reaffirmed his commitment to the success of EKIFEST 2019 adding that obas in Ekiti would support the event with everything legally possible as “ apart from showcasing our heritage, it will also boost the economy of the state “

He applauded the efforts of the Director-General of the Ekiti State Council for Arts and Culture, Ambassador Wale Ojo Lanre at branding the arts and culture sector in Ekiti – State.

Oba Alabi said that “the selection of Prof Ojo Bakare as the Festival Consultant is apt, prim, fit and appropriate. I remember that this Prof from Ekiti State was the one hired by the Federal Government of Nigeria to train Nigerians in Diaspora Jamaica on cultural etiquette and values when I was still in the diplomatic service in Jamaica .”

“I have complete confidence and trust that the duo of Ambassador Wale Ojo Lanre and Professor Rasaki Ojo Bakare, who I have worked within Jamaica will package the best EKIFEST for the State “

Reinforcing Oba Alabi’s view, the Ekiti State Commissioner for Youths and Sports Development, Mr Awopetu disclosed that EKIFEST 2019 would be used as a platform to forge cultural altruism among the youths

He revealed “Our youths are caught in the web of cultural confusion due to globalisation, religious indoctrination and colonial infiltrations. An event such as EKIFEST is a potent platform where cultural rejuvenation and revival can be endeared to our youth. It is on this note that my Ministry will not only support this festival but will go many miles at mobilizing the youths to actively participate in all the programmes “

King Femi Ariyo, one of the music icons in Ekiti who was surprised by the visit of the Committee members to his house in Ilawe said that “Governor Fayemi is a surprise. I am short of words but what I can tell you people is that Governor Fayemi is God sent, he is doing what nobody expects in the arts and culture sector. Imagine his Committee led by the first Professor of Dance in Africa and Ambassador Wale Ojo Lanre and others counting me worthy of a visit. Look, EKIFEST is a success “

In summary, Prof Ojo Bakare craved for support for EKIFEST and revealed that EKIFEST 2019 is a cultural migration from dance, entertainment and fun to empowerment and economic development which all Ekiti must witness and participate

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News

‎LAF Foundation Founder, Adisa Marks Birthday with Food Outreach in Oyo

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‎Founder of the LAF Foundation, Dr. Olalekan Adisa, has  celebrated his birthday by distributing food items to residents across Ido Local Government Area of Oyo State, reaffirming his commitment to supporting vulnerable members of society.

The outreach, which attracted beneficiaries from different communities within the council area, was organised to cushion the effects of the current economic hardship confronting many households. Residents, including the elderly, widows, and low-income earners, received bags of rice and other food items from the foundation.

‎According to Adisa, his birthday was an opportunity to appreciate God by extending love and kindness to people in need rather than holding elaborate celebrations.

He said: “Every birthday reminds me that life is meaningful only when it positively impacts others. Today is not just about celebrating another year; it is about sharing God’s blessings with those around us. If we all make helping others a habit, our communities will become stronger and more united.”

The scholar noted that the LAF Foundation would continue to champion humanitarian interventions aimed at improving the welfare of the less privileged through education support, health initiatives, youth empowerment and community development programmes.

‎In his words, “The economic realities demand that those who have the capacity should lend a helping hand. This gesture may seem small, but for many families, it will make a significant difference. Our commitment to humanity remains unwavering.”

‎Some beneficiaries expressed appreciation to the foundation for the timely intervention, describing the gesture as a source of relief. They commended Adisa for consistently identifying with ordinary people and prayed for greater strength and resources for him to sustain the initiative.

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‎Oseni hails Dotun Sanusi’s elevation as Gbonka Olubadan, says honour well deserved

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‎The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Oyo South Senatorial District in the 2027 general election and member representing Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Aderemi Oseni, has congratulated foremost businessman and philanthropist, Chief Dotun Sanusi, on his elevation to the prestigious chieftaincy title of Gbonka Olubadan of Ibadanland, describing the honour as a fitting reward for a life devoted to service, compassion and the development of humanity.

‎Oseni, in a statement issued on Friday by his Media Aide, Idowu Ayodele, said the elevation was a well-deserved recognition of Chief Sanusi’s outstanding contributions to the socio-economic growth of Ibadanland and his unwavering commitment to improving the lives of countless people through philanthropy, enterprise and community development.

‎The federal lawmaker noted that Chief Sanusi has, over the years, distinguished himself as an exceptional son of Ibadan whose investments, humanitarian interventions and unwavering support for the less privileged have continued to leave lasting footprints across Oyo State and beyond.

‎He said the latest elevation in the revered Olubadan traditional succession line was not merely a recognition of status, but a celebration of character, integrity and purposeful leadership, adding that Chief Sanusi has consistently demonstrated that genuine greatness is measured by the number of lives positively impacted.

‎According to the chairman, House Committee on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), the respected industrialist has earned the admiration of many through his humility, generosity and unwavering commitment to the progress of his people, stressing that his contributions to education, healthcare, youth empowerment and economic development have continued to strengthen communities and inspire hope.

“On behalf of my family and the good people of Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency, I heartily congratulate my distinguished  brother and friend, Chief Dotun Sanusi, on his well-deserved elevation as the Gbonka Olubadan of Ibadanland. This honour is not only a recognition of your place in the revered Olubadan traditional institution, but also a celebration of your remarkable life of service, sacrifice and unwavering commitment to humanity,” Oseni said.

‎He added: “You have consistently shown that true leadership is about touching lives, creating opportunities and giving hope to others. Your philanthropy has restored dignity to many families, empowered young people, supported education and strengthened communities. It is gratifying to see these noble contributions being recognised through this prestigious elevation. I am confident that you will continue to serve Ibadanland with the same humility, wisdom and sense of responsibility that have always defined your public life.”

‎Oseni also commended the Olubadan of Ibadanland and the Olubadan-in-Council for preserving the time-honoured succession tradition, describing the institution as one of the enduring symbols of stability, unity and cultural heritage in Yorubaland.

‎He expressed confidence that Chief Sanusi’s elevation would further strengthen the traditional institution while inspiring a new generation of leaders to embrace selfless service, integrity and genuine commitment to community development.

The APC senatorial candidate prayed for God’s continued guidance, sound health and greater wisdom for the new Gbonka Olubadan as he ascends to higher responsibilities, expressing optimism that his new status would open another remarkable chapter of impactful service to Ibadanland, Oyo State and Nigeria as a whole.

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APC knocks Makinde over UN probe call on Oriire abductions

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The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State yesterday faulted Governor Seyi Makinde’s call on the United Nations (UN) to investigate the circumstances surrounding the recent killings, abductions and rescue of 46 victims in Oriire Local Government Area, describing the move as “shameful, shocking and unbecoming of a leader.”

The opposition party accused the governor of politicising insecurity and attempting to internationalise what it called a domestic security challenge.

Makinde, while receiving the rescued victims at the Government House, Ibadan, on Monday, urged the United Nations and international human rights organisations to conduct an independent investigation into the incident, saying the circumstances surrounding the attacks and rescue operation were “grave and unusual.”

The governor’s position came days after he alleged during a visit to Bauchi State that the attacks on Ahoro Esiele and Yawota communities were orchestrated by individuals opposed to his alleged 2027 presidential ambition.

But in a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, the APC said the governor’s position was a demonstration of “ineptitude, cluelessness and grandstanding.”

The party urged Makinde to be “circumspect, decorous and statesman-like” as he prepares to complete his tenure.

It alleged that insecurity had worsened in Oyo State under the present administration, claiming the state had become the worst affected by banditry in Southern Nigeria.

The APC also criticised the governor’s appeal to the United Nations, arguing that Article 2(7) of the UN Charter discourages external interference in the domestic affairs of sovereign nations.
According to the party, rather than calling for an international investigation, the governor should focus on addressing the security challenges confronting residents of the state.

The opposition party further challenged Makinde to submit himself to investigations over allegations relating to local government funds, the Bodija explosion relief fund, surveillance aircraft procurement, airport and stadium upgrade projects, among other transactions.

The APC, however, did not provide evidence to substantiate the allegations.
As of press time, the Oyo State Government had not responded to the APC’s latest claims

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