The present administration in the State has disclosed that it will continue to prioritize culture as a tool for unity, innovation and economic expansion as cultural festivals serves as catalyst for tourism development through the building our future together agenda of its administration.
The governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun made this disclosure at the grand finale of the 2025 edition of Odun Omo Olowu Day, themed, ” Awakening The Owu Spirit: Home, Heritage and Hope, held at Oba Odeleye Park, Ori-Omi, Abeokuta, Ogun State.
Represented by the Deputy Governor, Engr. Noimot Salako- Oyedele, said further the present administration in the State believes that cultural heritage is a bridge between the past and the future, an engine for social inclusion and economic vitality.
“Our administration believes that cultural festivals such as odun Omo Olowu are catalyst for tourism development, community bonding and cultural diplomacy, aligning perfectly with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Ahmed Tinubu. As we celebrate this year’s festival Owu’s culture, unity and heritage , let it also be a call to action , for all industrious sons and daughters of Owu , home and abroad to invest in the growth of your homeland. I salute the Olowu for the peace, unity and love that radiates among the people of Owu. “, she emphasized.
Speaking at the event,State
Commissioner for Culture and Tourism , Hon. Sesan Fagbayi reaffirmed government’s continued support for initiatives that foster development, youth empowerment, and cultural revival across Owu communities and communities across the State, adding that the present administration in the State would continue to promote the sector in order to boost unity in the State.
The Olowu of Owu Kingdom, His Royal Highness, Oba Saka Adelola Matemilola who appreciated the State government for the promotion of Cultural festivals and traditions across the State, prayed for long life, peace, prosperity, and unity among Owu communities, the State while encouraging the indigenes to stay committed to preserving and upholding the heritage of their ancestors, admonishing those in diaspora to come home and invest so as to ensure traditions do not perish.
“Our mission as Owu is clear, we are not retreating to the past, we are advancing from it. The world must see Owus not as a beacon of progress,a hub of culture, technology and thoughts , grounded in the timeless wisdom of our ancestors. The 2025 celebration has further strengthened unity and progress in the kingdom”,Oba Matemilola stressed.
Earlier in his welcome speech, Chairman, Odun Omo Olowu 2025 planning committee, Chief ( Prof.) Moruf Lanrewaju Adelekan said the theme of the week long was apt as it reflects the vision of the monarch to awaken the Owu Spirit among Owu sons and daughters, home and abroad, inspiring them to return home and invest in the collective responsibility, while commending Oba Matemilola for his visionary leadership, intellectual depth, and commitment to the cultural and socio-economic advancement of Owu land.
Present at the grand finale event was the former President of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, former governor of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, Alake and paramount ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, The Osile of Oke-ona Egba, Oba Adedapo Tejuosho, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi represented by Olori Ashley Folashade Adeyeye- Ogunwusi , other royal fathers, Ogun State Chief of Staff, Dr. Oluwatoyin Taiwo, prominent sons and daughters of Owu kingdom among others.
The week-long event featured a royal community tour, corporate and art exhibitions, a symposium, and the conferment of chieftaincy titles. It also included community-focused activities like an inter faith service, project commissioning, medical outreach, and youth symposium.
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