Akpabio stated this at the grand finale of the Yewa Cultural Festival with the theme: “Celebration of Culture, Tradition, Music, Cuisine and Dance,” held at the ultra-modern pavilion, Empire Field, Ilaro-Yewa, Ogun State on Saturday.

The senate president was particular about the Lagos-Ota-Abeokuta road, even as he affirmed that all hands would be on deck to ensure the completion of the road.

He said that he insisted on driving to the venue for him to have first-hand knowledge of what people go through on the road every day, adding that it took his team more than two hours to drive to Ilaro from Lagos.

Akpabio promised that the Senate would ensure that the construction of the road is handed over to a competent contractor, adding that they would work with the administration of Governor Dapo Abiodun to ensure its completion.

He said: “The 10th Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is going to get the list of things you want us to do here.

“I saw the road, two trucks fell on the road, so we ended up spending over two hours on the road. I was determined to go through the road that you go through. Now, I have seen what you have been seeing. From today, I prophesy that your roads are done.

“Yewaland has the greatest number of industries that local government can ever have in Nigeria, just five local governments. Therefore, we recognize the need to use the best set of contractors to do your roads because of the wear and tear. I assure you that we will be working with our brother, Dapo Abiodun. Your lives will not be the same again.”

Senator Akpabio used the occasion to advise youths in Yewaland and the state as a whole to stay off drugs and other fraudulent activities, assuring them that their lives would be better when they stayed clean.

“For the youths of Yewaland, I will advise you, never engage in anything that will bring disrepute to your domain. Don’t do drugs, no banditry, no kidnapping, no fraud. I assure you that the blessings of God will be upon you,” he said.

Earlier in his remarks, Governor Abiodun pleaded with the Senate to prevail on the Federal Government to transfer the reconstruction of the Lagos-Ota-Abeokuta Road to the state because of its importance to the socio-economic development of the state.

The governor said it took him three hours to drive from Abeokuta to Ilaro, noting that efforts made by the state to ensure the transfer of the road did not yield any positive results.

Prince Abiodun said that his administration is currently concluding discussions on the reconstruction of the Abeokuta-Olorunda-Imeko and the Abeokuta-Iborro-Ilaro roads.

He said: “I also want to announce to you that I am currently concluding discussions with the Minister of Works on the reconstruction of the Abeokuta-Olorunda-Imeko road and the completion of the Abeokuta-Iborro-Ilaro road. This will complement the Imasayi-Iborro-Ayetoro road.

“Mr Senate President, it took me three hours to get here from Abeokuta. I am sure it took you just as much to get here from Lagos because of the deplorable state of Lagos-Abeokuta Road. Mr Senate President, please help us with the Federal Government to transfer this road to us. This road is very key to our socio-economic economic development.”

The governor disclosed that the construction of the Sagamu-Obele road has commenced, using the Dangote Cement Company tax credit scheme.

“I am proud to say that the construction of Sagamu to Obele road that I personally facilitated in 2019 when I assumed office in partnership with Dangote Cement Company using the Federal tax credit scheme has begun,” he said.

The governor also noted that the Ilaro-Owode road is nearing completion in line with his promise to put an end to the era of only performing groundbreaking in Yewaland.

Prince Abiodun promised that his administration would continue to support various cultural initiatives to keep the identity of the people of the state intact.

Earlier in his remarks, the Olu of Ilaro and paramount ruler of Yewaland, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle commended the Senate President and the governor for attending the grand finale of the festival.

He disclosed that the festival will be held every two years.

The highlight of the event was the presentation of an award of excellence on Governor Dapo Abiodun and the installation of the Senate President as the Are Fiwagboye of Yewaland.

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Also, 1,094 made second class upper division, while 188 others were listed as third class honour graduates.

The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Kehinde Olusola, made this known Thursday while briefing reporters ahead of the institution’s 30th convocation, which begins today for first degree and tomorrow for other category of graduates.

Prof. Olusola said 16 post graduate diplomas, 215 master’s and 113 PhD certificates would also be awarded to meriting students.

He said 266 others bagged Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree.

He said former Education Minister, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, would deliver the convocation lecture tomorrow.

The Vice Chancellor used the occasion to unveil 200 capacity undergraduate hostel, Animal Demonstration Laboratory, an abattoir to serve the university and the public, as well as 300-seater lecture hall with service centre, which were inaugurated by the Olu of Ilaro, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle; the Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Oba (Prof.) Saka Matemilola and Obong of Calabar, Edidem Ekpo Okon.

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The Vice President who spoke virtually at the official launch of Ogundigital Economy Infrastructure Project (OGDEIP), at the Ogun TechHub, Abeokuta, said the project has position the State become a major global site in the emerging innovation economy.

According to Prof. Osinbajo, “bridging the digital divide in the State will begin to improve education outcomes and provide opportunities for improved access to education across the State starting from primary to the tertiary level.

“The digital revolution that this project will bring will be a game changer in every aspect not the socio-economic life of the State”.

He said making digital technology available to all citizens and businesses was the most foresighted action any government could take, as broadband and other technologies be have become compulsory for any community that seeks meaningful growth, prosperity and security for its people.

Prof. Osinbajo opined that bringing the broadband access to homes and offices, the State government has succeeded in opening up the people digitally, not only to the country, but the world at large, adding that it was in line with the Federal government objective of providing all Nigerians access to broadband by 2023.

In his address, the State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun noted that his administration was aware of the many advantages the people have continued to reap since the introduction of a digital economy as an important aspect of the implementation of the Building our Future Together Agenda in Ogun State.

“Since our Administration came on board in May, 2019, we have continued to demonstrate our commitment towards developing the ICT industry for the continued growth and expansion of all sectors of the economy. The fact is that developing and leveraging on digital resources will provide us a sure way to harness a globally competitive citizenry and economy in our dear State”, he said.

The Governor maintained that the construction of our Agro Cargo International Airport was part of the wholesome strategy towards developing air transport infrastructure, especially to boost the Agricultural Development Agenda, while power infrastructural project that would guarantee stable of power to most of th cities and industrial clusters was unfolding.

He observed that digital economy infrastructure was the backbone for ICT revolution of the State, adding that the launch would further enhance the ease of doing business in our State, as recent events have even shown the various roles of digital technologies in solving many human challenges and transforming every aspect of the economy.

“This particular effort of our Administration of providing a digital economy in Ogun State will not only help to resolve many challenges, both human and economic, but also provide more opportunities to improve the people’s know-how, productivity and innovations as necessary for nurturing their potentials and the continued development of our State’s economy”, he noted.

Prince Abiodun pointed out that ICT industry has continued to account for more than 21% of the State’s Gross Domestic Product, and had continued to provide countless job opportunities for the growing educated and creative citizenry.

Also speaking, the Minister for Communication and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Ibrahim Pantami, represented by the Executive Vice Chairman, National Communucation Commission, Prof. Umar Danbatta, said the project was timely as it would create new economic opportunities and improve the lives of the people.

He said digital economy was widely acknowledged as one of the drivers of the world’s economy, as it help in creating jobs, adding that it was one of the factors that helped the country exist recession.

In his remark, the Chairman, House Committee on Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Hon. Abubakar Suleja, lauded the State for being the first to achieve such a remarkable feat, saying that it would go a long way in creating opportunities, particularly for the youth and exposing the State to the international community.

He said his Committe would work towards encouraging other states to emulate the example set by Ogun State in order to benefit from the advantages that acrue front digital broadband tell.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Dayo Abiodun, stated that the Ogun State Digital Economy Infrastructure Project was a culmination of the ICT policy of Abiodun’s administration to further digitalise government activities by creating digital inclusion, provide tools and education to empower the youths and business owners in the State.

Speaking on behalf of traditional rulers in the State, the Olu of Ilaro, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, lauded the State government for bringing Technology to the doorstep of people in the grassroots, saying that it would help in improving their socio-economic lives.

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Comptroller Kolo said that other penalties apart from demolition include confiscation of goods and prosecution of the offender.

He stated this in continuation of his courtesy visits to Traditional rulers and stakeholders across Ogun State to seek for their support and collaboration to ensure that his administration succeed.

He made it known clearly that Customs is covered under the law to operate any where adding that if Smugglers escaped arrest from Customs at border areas he could as well be arrested at any where in the town or in his house if the smuggled items are still found in his possession.

According to him,”section 158 of Customs law permit Customs operatives to patrol anywhere in the country ,section 148 also permit them to carry out search of any ware house at any location while section 147 according to him guaranteed Customs Officers the right to search houses belonging to an individuals if suspected to be harbouring illicit and prohibited goods. ”

He quarried to know if a criminal suspect that escaped Police arrest in Ayetoro could be arrested if seen in Kaduna under the law or not, or wether such criminal has ceased to be an accuse person.

He said “If such an escaped criminal could still be arrested any where in the country by the Police then, Customs have the power to arrest smugglers any where weather in the markets,on the streets or in his house”.

The new Customs Controller stated this during his visit to the Olu of Ilaro, the Paramount ruler of Yewa land, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle and the Alaye of Ayetoro, Oba Azeez Akinola.

He seek for the monarchs support to educate and enlighten their subjects to stop attacking Customs Operatives saying they are working for the development of the country and not killers squad.

He also declared that border is still remained closed at Idiroko and Ilara Axises saying that rice, poultry products, Arms and ammunitions and dangerous drugs such as tramadol among all others remained prohibited.

According to him, Customs have three mandates which is to collect revenue for the government,to suppress smuggling and to encourage legitimate businesses. Urging Traditional Rulers to give their fatherly support to ensure that Government mandates are well carried out.

Comptroller Kolo also disclosed that his Command is making necessary arrangements to host town meetings that would be attended by youths, stakeholders, Traditional Rulers, citizens of border communities and members of security outfits.

Responding the Olu of Ilaro, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle pledged his total support urging government to do the needful in return for the citizens especially to provide employment opportunities for the teeming unemployed youth in the border towns.

“The major challenge to Customs work here is the unemployment if the youths are not well managed the Customs may not be able to perform their works effectively.

“The rate at which Machine riders otherwise known as Okada are operating now in Ilaro you will be surprised and be wondering whether this is not Ilaro town you know before. Some of them are not even the natives but those searching for how to feed themselves.

“So.there is urgent need for the government intervention because an hungary man is an angry man. Olu of Ilaro stressed.

The Comptroller also went round to visit the Adogun of Iganokoto, Oba Mukaila Salako, the Eselu of Iseluland, Oba Akintunde Akinyemi, Elebute of Ebute Igbooro, Oba Adetunji Amusa Dosunmu, Onigua of Igualand, Oba Michael Adeleye Dosunmu and Alademeso of Iganalade, Oba Gabrel Olalowo.

He also visited the Adele of Ijoun, Chief Alani Olaleye, the Onimeko of Imekoland, Oba Benjamin Alabi Olalekan, the Oloola of Ilara where he met with the Adele and also visited home of Baale of Alagbe Chief Joseph Iroko where he ended the tour.

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Amosun had elevated the 75 chiefs to minor Obas at the twilight of his administration. But Abiodun on assuming office set up a review committee led by the Olu of Ilaro and the paramount ruler of Yewaland, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle investigate the development.

The committee after its findings recommended the reversal of the elevation done by Amosun.

The State Executive Council at its first sitting on Thursday approved the revocation of the appointments of 75 chiefs as minor Obas.

The revocation was sequel to the report of Oba Kehinde Olugbenle-led Chieftaincy Review Committee’s report.

The Chief Press Secretary to the state governor, Kunle Somorin, in a statement said the revocation was in consonance with the legal notice number three of 2019.

The statement read in part, “The Council approved the revocation of the appointments of 75 chiefs as Coronet Obas in Legal notice number three of 2019.”

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Senator Bajomo who spoke as a guest lecturer at a reception organised by Yewaland Development Forum for a former Vice Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Professor Rahamon Bello held at Rotary Center Ladoke Akintola Crescent Lagos State, said the zone has all the potentials to win the 2019 governorship elections if they are united.

Senator Bajomo who represented Ogun West Senatorial District between 2007 to 2015, said the marginalisation of Yewas zone of the State if not addressed now is capable of degenerating into a situation of creating public outrage and youth restiveness in the area within the shortest time.

Speaking on the topic “Ogun State Project: Stemming the erosion of economic and political agitations of the underdeveloped West District”, Senator Bajomo appealed to all Politicians in Ogun State to allow justice and fairness to prevail.

“The issue of governance should go beyond parochial personal interest in order to prevent public outrage that may damage the integrity and credibility of Ogun State as a State of heroes and heroines in the history of democracy in our nation and in the continent of Africa”.

Speaking on the need for all Yewas to remain united, the guest speaker said, “If we all agree to sink minor divisive differences that has made us a divided race or district, we shall be able to match victoriously to the government seat in 2019 from where we can now end this frustrating history of deprivation and marginalisation”.

“Our coming to the State house in 2019 will enable us to play the decisive game of equity and fairness that has made development eluded us for a very long time”.

He also appealed to aspirants from the zone to realise “that all of us can only be a winner if one of us is a winner”.

Earlier while welcoming guests to the programme, the National President of Yewa Development Forum, Alhaji Ayo Adeyemi said for Yewa to achieve the dream, “we need leaders who can take risks leaders who are willing to make meaningful sacrifices for the development of Yewaland, leaders who are humble accommodating, understanding, accessible and willing to serve without counting cost or expecting returns”.

Alhaji Adeyemi said the forum decided to honour Prof Bello because of his sterling performance while serving as the Vice Chancellor of University of Lagos, and due to his unblemished success which have been so widely commended.

“We are happy that shame is not the lot Yewaland, rather, he has done is proud and he has shown to the World the great potential in every nook and cranny of our dear vast but yet untapped mini world- Yewaland”

The Chairman of the occasion and the former deputy governor of Ogun State, Alhaja Salmot Badru in her speech called on all indigenes of Yewaland to remain united.

She called on all eligible voters from the zone to ensure that they obtain their permanent voters card so as to perform their civic duties .

The Royal father of the day, the Olu of Ilaro and Paramount ruler of Yewaland, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle thanked Prof Rahamon Bello for making Yewas proud adding that the entire Yewas will continue to be grateful to him.

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The weeklong festival starting from today will culminate in a grand finale on Saturday November 21 at Asade Agunloye Pavilion, Empire Field Ilaro- Yewa with Senator Ibikunle Amosun, the governor of Ogun state as special Guest of Honour.

The chairman of the Grand Finale of the festival is Barrister Biyi Otegbeye, the Managing Director of Regency Alliance Insurance Plc while other top dignitaries expected at the occasion includes Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Senators and other federal and state lawmakers.

The Chairman of the planning committee for the fourth year running, Chief Kayode Odunaro said the over two decades annual cultural festival which was endorsed as a tourism festival on national tourism calendar by Nigeria Tourism Development
Corporation (NTDC) in 2012 is celebrated in honour of the legendary warrior Oronna as a unifying developmental platform for the display of cultural practices of Ilaro and Yewa people of Ogun state.

Among the regular activities highlighting the festival are tributes to Oronna and other deities, Egungun and Gelede Masquerade display, Sisi Ilaro cultural beauty pageant, Poosu Night in celebration of food tourism and the all-white attire Onigba Aje ceremony.

Others are a three day medical checkup programme, Festival 50 Kilometer race, Jumat and Thanksgiving service as well as the grand finale where over 70 clubs and societies will pay homage to HRM Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, the Olu of Ilaro-Yewa and paramount Ruler of Yewaland.

As in last year, sons and daughters of Ilaro and Yewaland in Diaspora as well as other foreign tourists from United Kingdom, USA and Barbados with cultural origin traceable to Ilaro-Yewa are participating in the festival geared toward eco-tourism.

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The weeklong festival from November 14 to 22, 2015 will culminate in a grand finale on Saturday November 21 at Asade Agunloye Pavilion, Empire Field, Ilaro- Yewa with partnership support from Dangote Cement, Ibeshe and communication giant, MTN Nigeria Limited.

The Chairman of the planning committee for the fourth year running, Kayode Odunaro said the over two decades annual cultural festival which was endorsed as a tourism festival on national tourism calendar by Nigeria Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) in 2012 is celebrated in honour of the legendary warrior Oronna as a unifying developmental platform for the display of cultural practices of Ilaro and Yewa people of Ogun state.

Among the regular activities highlighting the festival are road show/street carnival, tributes to Oronna and other deities, Egungun and Gelede Masquerade display, Sisi Ilaro cultural beauty pageant, Poosu Night in celebration of food tourism and the all-white attire Onigba Aje ceremony.

Others are a three day medical checkup programme, Festival 50 Kilometer race, Jumat and Thanksgiving service as well as the grand finale where over 70 clubs and societies will pay homage to HRM Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, the Olu of Ilaro-Yewa and paramount Ruler of Yewaland.

As in last year, sons and daughters of Ilaro and Yewaland in Diaspora as well as other foreign tourists from United Kingdom, USA and Barbados with cultural origin traceable to Ilaro-Yewa are participating in the festival geared toward eco-tourism.

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