At the Akesan 37th day celebration held at Christ Apostolic Grammar School, the ancient city of Iperu, in Ogun State, home to Dapo Abiodun, the state’s governor, was agog by the arrival of Vice President of Nigeria, Kashim Shettima and Governor of Oyo state, Seyi Makinde, ably represented by Barrister Abdul-Raheem Adebayo Lawal, Tajudeen Abass, speaker of the National Assembly, other governors, senators, and members of the House of Representatives.
The Akesan Day Celebration, being the largest gathering of Sons and Daughters of Iperu, has also become a medium to rallying together toward the purposeful development of the town.
Oluomo Talabi Jamiu, the planning coordinator, stated in his welcoming speech that it’s their responsibilities to look inward and reflect on whatever the people of Iperu can do to make Iperu the pride of all.
He charged the sons and daughters to forget about politics and never allow it to polarize them, saying that their common goals and objectives for the growth of Iperu should remain supreme.
Speaking during the event, the Vice President expressed gratitude to the dignitaries in attendance and stated that Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the President of Nigeria, treasured the opportunity to showcase our traditional heritage.
He added that honouring our culture is also celebrating our identities in light of the nation’s diversity.
The occasion’s chairman, Abdulrazaq Abdul Rahman, who was represented by the Kogi state governor, Yahya Bello, congratulated Governor Dapo Abiodun on his electoral victory at the court of Appeal.
Bello noted that Governor Abiodun was the chairman of the APC campaign council in Kogi state, which helped his party win the recent governorship election.
He stated that Ogun state have many of their people in Igbiraland whilst also highlighting how they supported Kogi State’s economic growth, announcing a 20 million naira donation for the 37th Akesan Day in gratitude for Governor Abiodun’s support.
During his remarks, the hosting governor, Dapo Abiodun, however expressed gratitude to Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde for allowing his deputy, Barrister Abdul-Raheem Adebayo Lawal, to represent him despite the short notice.
He also expressed gratitude to the National Assembly Speaker, Tajudeen Abass, the Vice President, Kashim Shettima, the Governors of Lagos, Kogi, and Kwara, Yahya Bello, Abdul Rahman Abdul Razaq, and other government functionaries, as well as senators, members of the House of Representatives, royal fathers, traditional leaders, and others who graced the occasion.
“Today, is a day of double celebration with the appeal court victory. Ours, is indeed to the testimony of tenacity. For this reason, I appreciate His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu and others for their support.
“We will never take your support for granted. We have root in Iperu land, tradition, heritage and culture. We will continue to promote the state cultural values to create employment among others”, Abiodun said.
On the entourage of the deputy Governor include Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatubosun; Commissioner for Education, Prof. Solihu Abdulwaheed Adelabu; Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Wasilat Adegoke; Chairman Civil Service Commission, Alhaji Kamorudeen Aderibigbe and Chairman OYSROMA, Busoye Ogunlade.
Also, SA to Deputy Governor on Administration, Alhaji Zakariyau Kunle Sanni; Oyo PDP chieftain, Yomi Olajide popularly known as Royal Umbrella and host of others.
