Recognize traditional worshippers and wipe out insurgency in Nigeria—— Olu-Isese tells Govt.
Traditional worshippers and believers in Nigeria have called on Government at all levels to throw their weight behind African Traditional Festivals in other to get rid of all national security challenges and other illness of the Country.
This call was made at a Press conference in Abeokuta this weekend as part of activities to commemorate this year 2021 Igba Irumole Festival , Championed by the Isese kingdom of Truth , founded by the Olu -Isese worldwide , Kabiesi Ifarotimi Adifagbola Balogun Forisha Gbade the first, held at Adifagbola/Alapo village Idi-Ori , Abeokuta.
Kabiesi Adifagbola said insurgency had been in the world for so long and our forefathers were able to deal with its total eradication that we hardly heard any story about it through their native knowledge that majorly embedded in deities that is domiciled in their various communities and the same practices still ongoing at various Communities in the country and that is one of the strategies that is keeping Nigeria together as a nation.
He assured that,if Governments at all levels give the Traditional worshippers and believers due recognition and support them reasonably , government would be surprised about the way things would be working positively in the country with lesser stress and the level of hardship that led to all forms of deviant act would be reduced to barest minimum by the gods that are great messengers of Almighty God.
The Olu-Isese noted that Traditional , Cultural Festivals are very important to the African people that should be observed from the experiences of people living in Traditional African Societies and this is still very much prevalent in Traditional African societies Settings, not only important for Traditional development also serving as a guide for them, improving socio-Cultural heritage and economic growth of every region hosting the Festival.
His words “We thank God for our forebearers in the Traditional African societies for preserving the core value which has been our cherished guiding principle at the Isese Kingdom Of Truth / Atorise -Ologose Temple. More so we are also grateful to the present administration in the state led by Prince Dapo Abiodun for providing the growing platform for traditional Festivals across the State by putting in place, the State Alternate Medicine Board, ( OGAMB) to coordinate a purposeful traditional believers that will chat a positive way of utilizing the available potentials for wellness and well being of our people.”
“Traditional festivals in Africa have been abused and taken for granted by many people. Some people do not recognize the fact that, it sustains our rich socio- – cultural values, promote communal unity, ensure security and serve as platform for social mobilization and societal cohesion. And in a bid to create more awareness and prevent further abuse of our culture, there should be rules and guidelines for cultural festival in Ogun State to serve as a guide lines for all festivals only if the State governor put in more reasonable efforts”
In the same vein, we are seriously soliciting for Government’s participation in all the cultural festival by declaring a public holiday in Ogun State too and introducing a guiding frame work, policies that will streamline the operation and programme of cultural festival across the state.
Oba Adifagbola said if Governments is supportive the policy, people will be motivated from different communities to set aside moments, seasons, periods or epochs to celebrate their life, experiences, cultural heritage which may include the worship of gods and goddess that are affiliated to people or individuals as a way of promoting traditional Festivals in the state that will go a long way promoting unity and sense of purpose among the people living at various Communities.
Kabiesi noted that , Although there are fetish aspects of traditional African festivals which cannot be hidden but the fact is that, one cannot but appreciate the economic, social, political and historical contributions these festivals are playing for the socio-economic development of African. Infact the huge economic benefits are enough to boost Nigeria revenue base as a whole without much stress. Among other opportunities to include; readymade jobs for teeming youths in the country and turn the nation to an hub of international tourist attraction if government can only concentrate 50 percent of its efforts towards this goal.
Earlier, Dr Balogun had enumerated the program lined up to mark the festival starting on Friday, 9th December to 17th December, 2021;
Day 1: Celebrations of Ògún and Èsù Deities
Day 2: Celebrations of Àtíngà Deity
Day 3: Celebrations of Tánràn
Day 4: Celebrations of Omolú Deity
Day 5: Celebrations of Ìgunnukó and Sàngó Deities
Day 6: Celebrations of Obàtálá Deity
Day 7: Celebrations of Iyemoja and Obalúayé Deities
Day 8: Celebrations of Ifá Òrúnmìlà, Egbé and Orí
Day 9: Grand Finale where a notable musician will cheers guests
Speaking further, Dr Balogun explained that his strong believe in the Yoruba festivals gave birth to Igba Irumole Festival which has become an annual event that started about 16 years ago at Oke Ija-Ofa, Gbagura, Abeokuta, Ogun State, and later flagged off in two other African countries of Ghana and Togo, then same year in Brazil and United States of America.
“Today, we are very grateful to Almighty God and with the proud support of Ooni of Ife, Kabiesi Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, the Isese Kingdom of Truth and Ologose Temple has been established in 8 countries of the world; Canada, Benin Republic, Indian, United Kingdom, Togo, Ghana.
“The Isese Kingdom of Truth is a self-sponsored organization without any foreign or government support. It was founded by the Olu-Isese Worldwide, Kabiesi Ifarotimi Adifagbola Balogun in the year 1990 with Atorise-Ologose Temple now developing into a Traditional Believers and worshipping first-gated Estate in the country at Idi-Ori Village, Adifagbola, Abeokuta”, Adifagbola cleared.
Sanwo-Olu, nine others receive hallmarks of Labour Leadership Award
•Anyaoku, Tambuwal applaud Lagos Governor
The Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Saturday, received the Hallmarks of Labour Award for Exemplary leadership and transparency in public health management and control of COVID-19 outbreak in Nigeria.
Governor Sanwo-Olu received the award for successfully managing the COVID-19 pandemic and turning around what could have been a tragic episode for Nigeria, following the outbreak of coronavirus in the world last year.
The Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. Ogbonaya Onu, who was supported by Sokoto State Governor, Rt. Hon. Aminu Tambuwal, presented the governor with the award during the Hallmarks of Labour 25th anniversary and 2020/2021 role model awards held at the Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos on Saturday.
Speaking after receiving the award, Governor Sanwo-Olu said the award will continue to challenge him to do more for the people.
“I will say with every sense of responsibility that I am the least qualified because I am the youngest among the awardees. What it shows to us is that we, the younger generation have something to look forward to.
“It is something that will continue to challenge us and ensure that we do our very best looking at the level of commitment that our fathers, mothers have dedicated to this country. Hallmarks award is indeed an outstanding award. We are truly honoured.”
Onu while presenting the award to Governor Sanwo-Olu, commended the Lagos State Governor for the effort he put in to manage and control COVID-19 during the pandemic period.
On his part, Tambuwal also congratulated Governor Sanwo-Olu and the people of Lagos State for the award, saying that the award showed that Governor Sanwo-Olu is doing very well.
Speaking at the award ceremony, a renowned Nigerian diplomat and third Secretary-General of Commonwealth of Nations, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, commended Governor Sanwo-Olu’s performance in Lagos, saying “those of us who live in Lagos have very good reason to applaud you (Governor Sanwo-Olu)”
Anyaoku while speaking on the state of the nation, said Nigeria should return to true federalism as practised with the 1963 Constitution, which according to him will help Nigeria to realise its goals.
Nine other accomplished Nigerians were also honoured with the Hallmarks of Labour Leadership awards in different categories.
Other recipients are; renowned Ophthalmologist, Prof. Adenike Abiose (2020, Medicine); a consummate historian, Prof. Bolanle Awe (Education, 2020); President of the 74th United Nations General Assembly, Amb Mohammad Tijani Bande (Nigeria’s Outstanding International Icon); first female Attorney-General and Commissioner of Justice in Lagos State, Mrs Hairat Balogun (Exemplary/Courageous Contributor to the Advancement of the Nigerian Legal System); Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Prof. Abubakar Rasheed (Consistent Advocate of Positive Change within the University system); medical practitioners, Prof. Oladapo Ladipo and Dr. Sunny Kuku (Medicine); astute administrator, Prof Alias Bogoro (Education) and a matriarch of the broadcast industry in Nigeria, Mrs. Stellamarie Awani (Leadership and Professionalism in the media).
Air Force Secondary School, Ikeja; Christ the King College, Abuja and Total Education Development Academy, Aba received the Hallmarks of Labour Foundation Young Achievers Award for emerging the best performing schools in the WASSCE.
We will protect interest of border residents – says Ogun Commissioner
The Ogun State government has assured people and residents of the State, that any interaction or engagements on the proposed red line light rail project between Lagos and Ogun States, in partnership with the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) and other stakeholders, would be driven and championed, only by Ministries Departments and Agencies of the state.
The State Commissioner for Transportation, Engr. Gbenga Dairo, disclosed this in Abeokuta, the State capital, while speaking with newsmen in his office, enthusing that the project was a result of a vibrant collaboration between Lagos and Ogun States towards ensuring social and economic integration among the citizens and governments of both neighbouring states.
“Indeed, the State has assured all people and residents of the state, that any interaction or engagements on the Joint Lagos Ogun activities, including the red line project, will be driven and championed, only by Ministries Departments and Agencies of the State, and will protect and respect their rights and opinions”, Dairo said
He asserted that this and other collaborative efforts are part of the fall-out, of the Lagos-Ogun joint development commission, which was inaugurated by the governors of both States, Prince Dapo Abiodun, and Babajide Sanwo-Olu earlier this year.
He further asserted that the State government was in active consultations with residents and indigenes of border-communities which may be affected by development related activities arising from the collaboration, adding that “no decisions have yet been reached, neither have any State position formerly adopted”.
According to the Commissioner, no effort will be spared at ensuring that policies and decisions formulated and executed or implemented would be in line with the best interest of the citizens of the state.
“I want to affirm that Ogun State restates its principle of adopting a thoughtful, methodical, deliberate, consultative, inclusive and focused approach to service and project delivery to the people of Ogun. The red-line light rail project between Lagos and Ogun, under development in collaboration with Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), is testimony to the joint efforts of Lagos and Ogun, at addressing common issues”, Dairo stated.
