L-R: The Speaker, House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abass; Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello; Vice President, Kashim Shettima; Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun; former governor of Ogun State, Aremo Olusegun Osoba and Ogun State Deputy Governor, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele at this year’s Akesan Day festival in Iperu Remo, Ogun State
By Nudoiba Ojen
The 37th yearly Akesan Festival at Ioeru-Remo, Ogun State which held on Saturday was a celebration of culture and tradition as uniting factor in the country.
The glamorous event which held at Christ Apostolic Grammar School, Iperu-Remo, Ogun State had in attendance the high and mighty across the country including the Vice President, Kashim Shettima; the Speaker, House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abass; and Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello.
Also in attendance were the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun; his deputy, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele; A former governor of Ogun State, Aremo Olusegun Osoba and a lot of other dignitaries.
The Vice President, Shettima, described Akesan Day as “a testimony to the potential that lies with the citizens of the country when they unite under the banner of their shared heritage,” adding that the unity of the people of the country lies in their cultures and traditions.
The VP said, “This edition of the festival, like the ones before it, speaks of the essence of the unity we have forged as a nation, it symbolizes the heart beat of our nation.
“I commend you for investing significant time and resources to establish Iperu-Remo on the map and to remind us of this heritage.
“You have reinforced the identities and pride of our communities, fostering their patriotism and their commitment to pursuing our collective progress and nurturing the bonds that bind us as a people,” he said.
He called on Nigerians to harness the past to show a brighter future for generations to come, adding that Nigerians should also learn from Iperu-Remo the spirit of unity for operational determination.
Shettima while thanking Governor Dapo Abiodun and the people of Iperu-Remo for reminding the government and people of the country of the sociology and economics of culture in nation building through the preservation of beautiful tradition, added that in celebrating culture, the people also celebrate their identity and pride.
He said that the country would forever cherish the sacrifices Governor Abiodun and the people of Iperu-Remo have made serving as guardians of tradition, preserving cultural legacy and fostering unity among the people of the country.
Kogi State Governor Bello said the people of Kogi and Ogun states have inter-married, described the Akesan Day celebration as a wonderful event that would continue to foster unity among the people of the state and the country as a whole.
The Akarigbo and Chairman of Ogun State Council of Obas, Oba Babatunde Ajayi, congratulated Governor Abiodun on his victory at the Court of Appeal, calling on all parties involved in the legal battle to sheath their swords and come together for a more prosperous state.
In his remarks, Governor Abiodun disclosed that the people of Iperu-Remo share cultural affinity with the people of Ife, Oyo and Ijebu Ode, adding that his administration would continue to promote culture and tradition.
Abiodun noted that commercial operation would soon begin at the Ogun State Agro Cargo Airport, which is nearing completion, saying that his administration would continue to build on the successes of the first term.
Abiodun, while commending the Judiciary for upholding the rule of law, promised not to betray the trust of the people of the state.
